Filipino Fashion Designer on ANTM: British Invasion Episode

Tonight at 8PM on ETC, America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion features the couture collection of Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran. With just 8 models left in the competition, the episode starts with the girls attending castings for the opportunity to open a fashion show where fashion’s elite will be in the audience. Then at the photo shoot the models strike their best pose while struggling with heavy Hello Kitty couture gowns as designed by Libiran.

I believe this is also the episode where Filipino actress/model Anne Curtis-Smith will be shown wearing the fabulous gowns of Libiran. 

Not the first time for a Filipino designer to be featured on the long-running reality show, Libiran is the first Philippine-based designer to have his creations modeled on the show. Past Filipino designers to be featured include US-based Oliver Tolentino and Dubai-based Michael Cinco, and just last week host Tyra Banks wore a dress by Project Runway Philippines judge Rajo Laurel during the previous episode’s judging.

Airing all-new episodes first in the Philippines, ETC is the number one authority when it comes to America’s Next Top Model. Fans of the show can see the latest episodes of America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion just days after its initial US airing.

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL: BRITISH INVASION AIRS EVERY MONDAY AT 8PM ON ETC, see on free TV on RPN-9.

Filed under SHOWS

MaKULAY by Oliver Tolentino

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.