Filipino Designers You Need to Know
In the Philippines, there's a pointed purpose for everything people have in their closets.
Filipinos make strong distinctions between clothes they wear at home, to work, for special occasions, and every other event on their social calendar. For instance, the minute I walked into my house growing up, my mother always made me change into my "home outfit" — which in our native language of Tagalog is known as "pambahay." This is not to be mistaken for pajamas: It's simply loungewear you can be more comfortable in at home (and now modernizing this unique tradition with their designs are Manila-based designer Carl Jan Cruz and country favorite Seph Bagasao).
In the same way the Southeast Asian islands take casual dressing seriously, they also love keeping up with the latest trends and getting dressed up for more formal events. One drive down the Philippines' main highways alongside some of the world's biggest mega shopping malls with daily traffic of over 4 million customers and you will see how much people care about their style. This is where heavy hitters like the legendary French-Filipino eveningwear designer Monique Lhuillier and the young Rosenthal Tee have made their mark. These industry stars have drawn well-deserved attention to Filipino glam, making waves on red carpets and at fashion shows worldwide.
The range of designs within the Filipino community is unlike any other — and what makes them extra special is the subtle nod each artist makes to their culture. Ahead, get to know seven must-watch Filipino designers making their homeland proud.
Courtesy of Instagram/@rosenthaltee1/8Rosenthal Tee
Four years ago, Rosenthal was the youngest designer to be part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Malaysia, and she eventually moved on to producing several showcases for New York fashion week. Currently she serves as a professor at SoFa Design Institute in Manila and is well known for her exquisite bridal pieces and intricately beaded gowns.
Courtesy of Instagram/@furneamato2/8Furne One of Amato Couture
Though originally from Singapore, this Filipino designer is quietly taking over the world of couture from the home he's made in Dubai. Furne tends to keep to himself and rarely opens up about his clients, but in the past he's collaborated with only the best of the best, including Beyoncé and Katy Perry. Even if he's working overseas with American A-listers, most of his dresses reflect his roots because he consistently incorporates sustainable fabric from Southeast Asia.
Courtesy of Instagram/@carljancruz3/8Carl Jan Cruz
After an internship during the Phoebe Philo era at Céline, the 26-year-old returned to his hometown of Manila and began taking inspiration from the vibrant local lifestyle. He used organza reminiscent of the Philippines' lightweight formal national shirt. And his looks have featured modern designs that make reference to the Filipino custom of wearing house clothes (pambahay). With these types of unique and inspired silhouettes, there's no overlooking the contemporary perspective the young innovator is bringing to the capital city.
Courtesy of Instagram/@moniquelhuillier4/8Monique Lhuillier
The well-known Filipino-American designer grew up in Cebu City, an esteemed area in the Philippines that was the country's very first capital. Now she works and lives on the Upper East Side in New York with her own bridal and ready-to-wear brand frequently worn by celebrities including Taylor Swift, Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Demi Lovato, Michelle Obama, and more. In 2006, Monique received the Presidential Medal of Merit, a high honor from former female Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Courtesy of Instagram/@rajolaurel5/8Rajo Laurel
As the oldest son of a distinguished political family in the Philippines, Rajo was expected to go into the family business, but according to the Wall Street Journal, he stuck to designing clothes in his grandmother's basement instead. Now he has a clothing company that creates everything imaginable, from uniforms to high-fashion looks, bringing in over $1 million in sales. He certainly won over the country in his own way.
Courtesy of Instagram/@michdulce6/8Mich Dulce
Is there anything Mich Dulce can't do? She's a designer, actress, and singer for bands Death by Tampon and Us-2 Evil-0, but her ultimate goal is to share extraordinary Filipino craftsmanship with the world through fashion. Mich has been primarily recognized for her millinery work: Her playful tiny hats have been worn by Leighton Meester on Gossip Girl and Lady Gaga. All her pieces are handmade with traditional banana fibers from the Philippines' T'boli tribe.
Courtesy of Instagram/@bagasaostudios7/8Seph Bagasao
He's the go-to designer for some of the most famous actors in the Philippines for his innovative approach to pattern mixing. Seph has a way of seamlessly pairing disparate materials, like denim and knits. The designer already represented his country at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo, but we have a feeling he's only just getting started.
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