Designing with a purpose has always been part of Oliver Tolentino’s journey, whether it is showcasing local craftsmanship on the international runways or putting his A-list clients in garbs made of Filipino-made textiles. This time, the Filipino fashion designer explores the idea of couture made of local fabrics and sustainability in mind with his latest collection.
Presented at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Beverly Hills, California last month was Oliver’s first all-eco collection. Part of the festivities of L.A. Fashion Week, his runway show featured couture pieces crafted using piña, abaca, water hyacinth, and Philippine silk that were manipulated to make new silhouettes. To further highlight his sustainability mission, the pieces were created with leftover beads and environmentally-friendly hand dyes, adding a touch of drama and flair to his pieces.
“This collection was my first all-eco collection,” Oliver said. “Abaca can be stiff so there’s a challenge to draping it without hiding a woman’s shape. By inserting silk with abaca the fabric is softer and allows me to drape it to show the model’s narrow waist.”
The result of his collection was a parade of dresses that were full of color and textures. One of our favorite pieces from his collection were the abaca-imbued pieces, where the Filpino materials became metallic. Vibrant gowns in greens, purples, blues, yellows, and reds also graced the runway adorned with the designer’s signature geometric beadwork.
“I like how you can use it to create shapes like in a Van Gogh painting,” Oliver said. “I love creating modern couture where people first love the look, then find out it’s eco. I love helping promote the skills of the weavers and embroiderers back home.
His show was witnessed by noted Filipino artists such as Jon Jon Briones, Tia Carrere, and Reggie Lee, as well as singer Jay-R. Also present at the event was Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner. While Fil-Am model Tutay Maristela opened and closed the show.
Check out Oliver Tolentino’s latest collection below:
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