Two veteran fashion designers have flown to New York to present their 25-piece collections at New York Fashion Week Bridal 2019 on April 13.
Albert Andrada and Barge Ramos are the featured designers of “Fabulous Philippines: A Perfect Wedding Destination,” the country’s entry to the annual bridal event.
Andrada has been creating opulent scene-stealers, although he is probably more known now for the royal blue gown he designed for Pia Wurtzbach when she was crowned Miss Universe in December 2015.
That gown, now reportedly worth P1 million, is displayed in the window of his boutique at Greenbelt 5.
Ramos is the go-to designer for barong Tagalog. In 2007, he published the coffee table book “Pinoy Dressing: Weaving Culture into Fashion,” with illustrations by designer Loretto Popioco.
Landmark on the Park
For the bridal show at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Landmark on the Park (160 Central Park West, New York, New York), the designers will present their bridal wear.
“I’ve always had a fascination for the Spanish period in Philippine history,” Andrada said. “These are the women characters I remember in the novels of Jose Rizal.”
Before they left for New York, the two gave sneak peeks—five outfits each—at the Glass House at New World Makati Hotel.
Andrada’s “Inamorata” collection is his vision of a woman in love. He will use fabrics such as silk, lace, jusi and illusion tulle in muted shades of ivory, gray, blush and silver. His embroidery statement is inspired by solihiya weave.
Ramos’ set consists of barong-inspired pieces—including a woman’s long, opaque tunic worn over pants, and a dramatic black men’s barong with the prayer of St. Teresa of Avila, “Nada te turbe” (Let nothing disturb you) written in the saint’s distinct script.
His collection, “Perfume and Incense,” is a mix of handwoven fabrics such as abaca with inabel panels. Embellishments include hand-painting, religious medals and escapularios (scapulars) worn as neckpieces. “It’s a concept that has been on my mind for some time,” Ramos said, adding that the Neo-Gothic-style St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan had always been his idea of New York.
“It was the first place I visited on my very first trip to New York. Amid all the changing fashion, art installations, museums, musicals and restaurants, the constant solid ground for me has always been St. Patrick’s,” Ramos said.
“Fabulous Philippines” is a Neocolours production in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, Pagcor, Philippine Airlines, PCSO, International Manpower Services Inc., Tanduay and New World Makati Hotel. E-mail gina.reyesnyintl @neocoloursprod.com