With the growing influence of Filipino culture in the global community, it's no surprise that Filipino fashion designers are making their mark in the international fashion scene. From haute couture to ready-to-wear, these talented artists showcase the best Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. This blog post will highlight five Filipino designers transforming the global fashion industry and how you can support Filipino fashion by incorporating Filipiniana outfits into your wardrobe.
1. Ezra Santos
Ezra Santos is a renowned fashion designer famous for his elegant Haute couture designs. He is currently based in Dubai and is revolutionising the fashion industry in the Middle East. Santos has become a prominent figure in the Persian Gulf’s fashion scene, creating modern and classic pieces for a wide range of clientele, including Arab and European royalties, Filipino actresses, Hollywood stars, and Bollywood celebrities. His designs have transformed the red carpet and runways, lasting impacting the likes of Colbie Caillat, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton, and Tyra Banks.
2. Michael Cinco
Cinco is a highly acclaimed fashion designer from the Philippines, known for his exceptional talent and global influence. Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco is known for his extravagant and meticulously designed couture gowns. He has designed outfits for renowned Hollywood stars such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, and Sophia Vergara.
3. Monique Lhuillier
Los Angeles-based Monique Lhuillier is a household name in the world of bridal couture. Born and raised in the Philippines, Lhuillier moved to the United States to study fashion design and eventually established her eponymous brand in 1996.
Lhuillier has designed wedding dresses and red-carpet gowns for many well-known figures, including Britney Spears, Jamie-Lynn DiScala, Allison Janney, Blake Lively, Emma Stone, Dakota Johnson, and Taylor Swift.
4. Francis Libiran
Francis Libiran is a renowned Filipino designer known for his intricate geometric patterns, structured silhouettes, and innovative use of materials. His works have been showcased in various global events such as America's Next Top Model, FashionNXT, Canada-Philippine Fashion Week, Miss World, and Miss International. Despite his widespread fame, Libiran remains humble and honours his Filipino heritage. The 2019 SEA Games recently commissioned him to create a modern barong for Team Philippines' parade uniform.
5. Rajo Laurel
Rajo Laurel is a Manila-based designer with over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. His designs are characterised by their bold colours, intricate details, and innovative use of materials, making him one of the most popular Filipino fashion designers with a successful empire.
His creations have been featured in several television shows and exhibitions, including the Philippines' Next Top Model, Bali Fashion Week, Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Exhibition, and the Project Runway Philippines.
Support Filipino Fashion with Filipiniana Outfits
Incorporating Filipiniana outfits into your wardrobe is an excellent way to support Filipino fashion designers and celebrate the Philippines' unique cultural heritage. Traditional garments like the barong Tagalog, and baro't saya can be styled and modernised to suit various occasions, from formal events to casual gatherings.
Look for pieces that combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, such as a terno-inspired blouse paired with jeans or a barong Tagalog worn over a slip dress. By wearing these garments, you showcase the beauty of Filipino design and contribute to the global appreciation and recognition of Filipino fashion.
Conclusion
Filipino fashion designers are making waves in the global fashion industry, showcasing the incredible talent, creativity, and craftsmanship of the Philippines. By supporting these designers and incorporating Filipiniana outfits into your wardrobe, you can contribute to the growth and recognition of Filipino fashion worldwide. So, go ahead and flaunt your Filipino pride in style!
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