Philippine fashion Archives

Bench Design Awards ’25 winners produce fashion-forward clothes with hanger appeal

Steph Verano, Karl Nadales and Peach Garde are three new names to watch out for in local fashion. As the latest batch of Bench Design Awards winners, they now join an elite group of past awardees like Jaggy Glarino and Bon Hansen. The three recently bested nine other finalists to…

Bench Fashion Week ’25 paves the way for three new talents

Three stars are born! A leading model, an in-demand stylist, and an unknown artist diagnosed within the autism spectrum find a perfect venue to showcase their other talents for the world to see and appreciate. By ALEX Y. VERGARA Apart from being a regular showcase to advance fashion, the biannual…

Michael Leyva: Threads of glory

Through his work, Michael Leyva is not just influencing the local fashion scene. He’s also steadily gaining recognition internationally. His collections have graced global runways in cities like Dubai and Los Angeles, where his modern take on Filipino fashion has captivated international audiences. By FRANCHESCA L. TUAZON When Michael Leyva…

Puey Quiñones Holiday 2024: “Waisted,” not “wasted,” ’50s glam

“Glam. Opulence. Old Hollywood.” That, in a nutshell, was how internationally renowned Filipino fashion designer Puey Quiñones described the stunning 12-piece collection embodying his Holiday 2024 aesthetic. Held at Quiñones’ eponymous Atelier in Makati, the event was a spectacular yet intimate showcase of the designer’s vibrant and inventive creations for the…

Ternocon 2024: Jojie Lloren, Cary Santiago and Jaggy Glarino wear their hearts on their sleeves

BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ The three featured designers served up a fashion revolution with their exquisite takes on the terno — adding both heart and innovation to the already iconic butterfly sleeve. “Kasarinlan, Kultura, Kasuotan.” These dramatic words effectively summed up what this year’s Ternocon show is all…

Paul Cabral, finally!

What took one of the country’s most commercially successful made-to-order designers this long to stage his first-ever gala show consisting of 72 looks? It had everything to do with timing. Text and photos by Alex Y. Vergara More than a week on after Paul Cabral staged “Una,” his very first…

Randy Ortiz: When local turns global

By ALEX Y. VERGARA Photography by MAU AGUASIN Art direction by DEXTER FRANCIS DE VERA To mark his 35th year in the fashion biz, one of the country’s leading designers will stage a milestone show on Nov. 16 that marries Pinoy heritage and traditions with Western sensibilities. The event is…

Robby Carmona: Model director

By ALEX Y. VERGARA PHOTOGRAPHY by JAR CONCENGCO ART DIRECTION by DEXTER FRANCIS DE VERA Robby Carmona at the SAGA office in Mandaluyong Nearly 30 years after he established SAGA, one of the country’s leading events and production outfits, Robby decided to step down in 2021 as its CEO to…

Manila reaffirms itself as the country’s once and future fashion capital

The city, through Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangang, recently staged the first-ever “Rampa Manila,” a grand fashion show that aims to showcase the artistry and creativity of established and emerging fashion designers and reestablish Manila as the “heart and soul” of Philippine fashion. By Ma. Angelica Demegillo Photos by Ericson Castro…

Pepito Albert leaves behind a legacy consisting of timeless, impeccable clothes

The seemingly aloof pony-tailed designer, who once rocked a complacent local fashion scene with his avant-garde yet tasteful designs, dies, leaving behind beautiful memories and classic dresses meant for keeps. By Alex Y. Vergara Pepito Albert is considered by many as one of the best fashion designers the country has…