Rudy Fuentes, a fashion designer in the 1970s, has died.
A few months ago, it was reported that Fuentes was suffering from various illnesses—diabetes and heart and kidney ailments—and that several actresses and pageant-queen friends had come to his aid.
Fuentes is credited for discovering Ma. Isabel Lopez and Azenith Briones, who became beauty queens and, later, movie stars.
He is also remembered for mounting the lunchtime fashion shows popular in the ’70s and ’80s.
The last years of Fuentes’ life were a far cry from his glory days. At the peak of his career, he dressed up VIPs and celebrities.
The former designer, who had receded from the limelight, had apparently fallen ill. Old friends like Lopez, Briones, Melanie Marquez, Evangeline Pascual and Jean Saburit reportedly raised funds for the ailing man.
Among Fuentes’ other discoveries were actress Elizabeth Oropesa, Miss Universe finalist Armi Barbara Crespo, and beauty queens Carolyn Masibay and Chiqui Brosas.
Fuentes was the fashion designer behind the popular retail store of the ’70s, Syvels.