Filipino Designer at the Oscars – Tolentino, not Valentino
This year sees another Filipino designer make it to the Oscars Designer Challenge, propelled in part by the eco-conscious movement of late. His design is simple, elegant and scrumptious but also bold and daring with the use of pina cloth and abaca fiber, which are native materials abundant in the Philippines but not traditionally seen as part of high fashion in the West.
I really admire Oliver Tolentino‘s commitment most of all, because he’s decided he’s going to use local Philippine fabrics and he follows through beautifully. The design and style are never compromised by this commitment and that is the essence of creativity, using whatever it is you’ve got and turning it into something beautiful, unique and truly lustworthy.
The rest of my favourites are:
1. Ari Sheuhmelian’s black ombre tulle strapless twister gown – classic with a twist
2. Rania Salibi’s black laser cut leather gown – who knew leather could have so much depth?
3. Phong Hong’s gold silk charmeuse hand-braided asymmetrical goddess gown – just how a braid should rope you in
Voting has ended, but the countdown continues until the pre-Oscar show reveal. But like I always say, “ it was an honour just being nominated…”
