The weather seemed perfect in the late afternoon. The sunlight fell across the steep white staircase that led down a verdant backyard, a small old swimming pool transformed into a picturesque lily pond reflecting the images that flashed across the huge LED wall. It was so beautiful, the clouds seemingly began to weep.

Guests had to take shelter inside the converted home, but it would’ve been a shame if all that renovation—completed only days before—had gone to waste. Thankfully, after some waiting, the sky regained its composure and made way for the show.

Anthony Ramirez’s 30-piece Spring-Summer 2024 collection was rife with ’90s elements. Baggy pants and power suits peppered the runway, along with velvets and satins, drop-waists, ruching, deep-plunge necklines and micro bras (his piece de resistance being a diamond-encrusted one, done in collaboration with Viera Jewelry and amounting to P20 million).Ramirez emerged from his hiatus a bit more controlled. “I wanted to challenge myself. More than expressing my aesthetic, now it’s more on controlling my style.”

Favorite muses

Ramirez described his own fashion expression as “more raving, everything couture.” But for his latest collection, he took it upon himself to create clothes that are more elegant yet commercial.

“The idea is ’90s socialite,” he said.

Among his muses are Celeste Cortesi, Nadine Lustre and Kathryn Bernardo, but he has been designing for the likes of TV host Vice Ganda and Makati Mayor Abby Binay for years—all strong, feminine figures who need no further introduction.

According to Binay, Ramirez has been dressing her for when she attended the State of the Nation Address and for engagements abroad. His designs fit her tastes because they are “very flattering, very feminine as well.”

“His designs bring out all the curves. I like simple and structured, which is his style; very simple but elegant,” Binay added.

Vice Ganda was quick to shower Ramirez, who has been creating his wardrobe for over a decade now, with praises over this new collection: “It’s very classy. The collection is well-thought-out, and it’s a product of his hard work and passion for arts. I‘m just very proud of him.”