Randy Ortiz talks timeless fashion

In the spirit of affordable luxury, Plains & Prints has added another member to its stable of designer collaborations. “Choosing a designer is always the hardest part of our designer series,” says Plains & Prints’ Roxanne Farillas. “After careful deliberation, we chose a designer who has made a name for himself in the industry and, at the same time, reflects certain characteristics in their design that can represent both the designer and the brand.”

The label called on Randy Ortiz, who was commissioned to create a seven-piece capsule collection for the label.

“I think Randy Ortiz’s work epitomizes the Plains & Prints woman: classic, timeless and elegant. Each item in the collection is an investment piece that surpasses trends; it’s something you’d really want to keep,” Roxanne says.

“It’s a thoroughly studied collection that would flatter the average Filipina figure, classic and timeless staples, clothes that can be worn and kept forever,” says Randy.

With one tunic, four blouses and two dresses, available in four colors for each style, comprising the collection, Ortiz, who is currently “obsessed with textured embroidery and reptile leathers because they give that extraordinary, tactile and visual appeal,” sought to recreate classic looks that could easily be incorporated into every woman’s wardrobe. There are rosette-covered dresses in cotton and voile, gently gathered blouses in gray and frothy wrap dresses in a monochromatic floral print.

“This collection is basically inspired by great women who made a strong impression on me. They are women whose keen and impeccable fashion sense are in sync with my sensibilities and are iconic in their own right,” Randy says.

Who are these women? Ortiz named each style after a particular female who served as the template for his design.

“They are named after female celebs like Lucy, Kris, Charlene, Gelli, Claudine, Tweety and my beloved late mother Lourdes who inspired me to design the entire collection according to their personalities and preferences.”

Though most of the celebs he name-checks as influences are famous faces that can be found peering out at us from billboards and TV screens across the nation, it’s the least-famous female who left the greatest impact on Ortiz.

“I designed the simplest top with my mother in mind,” he says. “I paid homage to my late mother because I consider her the greatest influence in my life — as a designer and person.”