A decade in the life of Hindy Tantoco

This seems to be an auspicious year for Philippine fashion. Rhett Eala celebrated his 20th year in fashion and more than a million My Pilipinas shirts sold, in October. Inno Sotto recently had everyone on their feet — and in tears — when he showed off 30 years worth of expertise in his gala at the CCP. And now, Hindy Tantoco, Culte Femme designer, is collaborating with 10 muses, photographer Marlon Pecjo, artist Nikki Luna and videographer Dondi Narciso in proud declaration of 10 years in the biz.

If you try to look for a connection, you will find one. Rhett, Inno, Hindy all worked or are working for Rustan’s, either as designer for one of the department store’s in-house labels or as a consultant. And both Rhett and Inno significantly contributed helpful tips when Hindy was just starting out.

When Hindy Weber-Tantoco came onto the scene 10 years ago, she was this pretty, petite thing that married into one of the most affluent families in the country. Another Tantoco babe. Her light hair, tanned limbs and toothpaste-ad smile, combined, were fodder for magazine features and covers. And the fact that she had a fashion degree from FIT was an added bonus. If Manila society expected anything from her, it was to be photogenic and to probably do her own bit for the Rustan’s legacy — probably one collection, even two.

But Hindy surprised everyone. She was both a pretty face and an amazing talent. When she started designing for U, Rustan’s youth-targeted label that launched in 2000, she showed that she had an eye for texture, color and trend. Three years later, with her baby Culte Femme, Hindy manifested a certain kind of spunk when it came to combining luxury and wearability — the new collection is a careful study in trend and opulence, combining tactile fabric such as lace with animal prints and rocker details. And in all those 10 years, she has constantly demonstrated a vision, one that went beyond just designing for clothing labels.

Hindy Tantoco isn’t just a creator of clothes; she’s a promoter of local workmanship (Culte Femme has always been big on producing shoes and bags that utilize locally-sourced native materials like raffia, jute, banig, shells and capiz), an advocate of the natural, organic lifestyle and a supporter of protecting the environment (she usually sets up collaborations between the Rustan’s labels she designs for and environmental groups such as Haribon).

Her capacity for creation is unquestionable (she even designs for Kiddos now, Rustan’s in-house brand for kids) and her dedication, though something she sometimes questions herself, is apparent. “Before every show or event, I say it’s my last. That’s it. Why do I even bother? There are so much more important things in life than fashion,” says Hindy. “And then right after, like having a baby, I forget the pain, and I get the urge to create again.” After all, there is no such thing as a perfect 10 but maybe, just maybe, Hindy Weber-Tantoco comes close to it.

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Hindy Tantoco will celebrate her 10th year in fashion with a show presented by Rustan’s and The Philippine STAR at Martini’s in the Mandarin Oriental Manila at 8 p.m. on Dec. 14.