For the past two years, I have always been looking forward to the unveiling of the Rags2Riches collection designed by some of the creative minds in the Philippine fashion industry. First there was Rajo Laurel then came Amina Aranaz-Alunan next. This year, RIIR's designer line brings an awe-inspiring collaboration with no less than internationally-acclaimed Filipino couture designer Oliver Tolentino.
Aptly titles "MaKULAY," the Oliver Tolentino collection revealed bright and warm colors. Launched recently at The Gallery of Greenbelt 5 in Ayala Center, Makati City, the limited edition pieces showcased the ingenuity of Tolentino and the enduring craftsmanship of the empowered women from the Payatas community.
Oliver Tolentino (5th from left) and Reese Fernandez-Ruiz (7th from left) flocked by the Payatas Nanays
"MaKULAY" is a wordplay of "ma" (mother) and "kulay" (color) as the collection aims to pay tribute to the remarkable mothers in Philippine history -- Marcela Agoncillo, Gabriela Silang, Corazon Aquino, among others.
Corazon Tomato Bag
Marcela Handbag
Lydia Round Bag with Fringes
Gabriela T-bag, my fave
Corazon Pouch with Pompoms
To make the collection standout all the more, the bags were modelled by gracefully poised muses decked in newspaper dresses fashioned by innovative young designers from the School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA).
Newspaper clad muses modeled the bags
About the Designer
Oliver Tolentino, one of the most celebrated international haute designers today, is a homegrown talent. He is known for promoting local fabrics and Filipino culture through his pieces. His recognitions include being named Designer of the Week in March 2011 at the Prestigious Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Springs, California, USA; winner of the Sustainable Eco Fashion Awards in 2010 at the Islands of the World Fashion Week in the Bahamas; and one of the finalists at the Oscar Designer Challenge in 2010, among others. His collections have been regularly featured in international glossies and have been worn by celebrities Cee Lo Green, Amber Riley, Kimora Lee Simmons, Vivica Fox, Patty Austin, Arnel Pineda, Lea Salonga, and others.
Global Pinoy Designer Oliver Tolentino
Me with the very down-to-earth Oliver Tolentino
About Rags2Riches
RIIR is am emerging global designer line that was initially established as a social business enterprise armed with a vision to uplift the poor community of Payatas. Now a global Filipino brand, RIIR is one of the most successful designer lines in the Philippines and Asia that promotes eco-ethical lifestyle through its products and business philosophy.
Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, President of Rags2Riches
For more information on RIIR and the "MaKULAY" collection, log on to www.rags2riches.ph or check out their Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Rags2Riches-Inc.
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