It has been two weeks since my good friend, Filipino fashion designer Eric Delos Santos, passed away. His last Instagram post dated March 9, 2020, featured a quote, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
This sentence truly reflects who Eric was. To me and to those who knew him, he embodied the essence of a kind soul.
While searching for more information about him, I came across a blog post I wrote in 2010 where I shared the story of how our friendship began. “I first met Eric when I styled some celebrities for StarStudio magazine—this was around 2008. I needed gowns as soon as possible, and reached out to my designer friends for help. I didn't know him at that time, but he came highly recommended by another good friend, fashion designer Louis Claparols, who was then the president of their design group, Young Designers Guild (YDG).”
Over the years, I frequently visited his atelier at Prince Plaza in Makati, often staying there for hours to catch up or brainstorm which of his designs I would wear next. He had a magnetic personality and the brightest set of eyes that could put anyone at ease. When I doubted my ability to pull off his designs, he was always there to boost my confidence. He was a natural.
I was also dressing up celebrities and models then, and I borrowed many of his creations for shoots. He was a favorite of many stylists and editors, thanks to his diverse range of designs and his innovative use of fabrics—from chiffon to cotton jersey, organza, and silk. He was truly talented, and always on schedule with our requests and made-to-measure orders.
At the height of his fashion design career, he participated in many fashion shows. I always made it a point to attend, often sitting in the front row to witness his creations. You could say that I was one of his muses, proudly showcasing his works without hesitation.
As time passed, I learned that Eric had moved back to his hometown in Iloilo to help with the family business. Despite the distance, he remained passionate about fashion, even collaborating with local fashion house Karimadon on bridal gowns and formal wear collections in 2014.
He was a true friend—always accommodating, warm, and ready to lend a hand. I’m sure that those who were fortunate enough to interact with him would agree. I asked some friends to share their fondest memories as a tribute to our dear friend, who was gone too soon.
I loved having the YDG over at my place. We would feast over Mrs. Honey Anonas’ kare-kare and adobong puti while enjoying tequila gifts from Kirk (husband). Every gathering and adventure with Eric was extra special. His kindness and warmth will be sorely missed. He genuinely cared and knew how to listen deeply. He would ask questions, be present at the moment, and offer help to those in need.—Ciara Marasigan Serumgard
When I took over Cosmo Philippines again in 2012, Eric was one of our fashion team’s favorite designers. His creations were modern yet ultra-feminine, and it was Eric who made the very sexy, plunging yellow dress that we asked Anne Curtis to wear for the now-iconic cover of Cosmo's 15th-anniversary issue. He was generous and always willing to let us pull out and feature his creations in the magazine, even encouraging us to wear them to our events. Best of all, he was my neighbor, so I was in his atelier quite often. I will miss his laughter, his kindness, and his clever but always wearable creations.—Myza Sison
Eric was a golden boy. He brought warmth and joy to everyone, but he also protected those he loved from the despair of reality. He was loved by many not just because of his beautiful smile but because he had a way to make you feel important. We had a show together and he knew how stressed I was so he kept on encouraging me and reminding me that everything was going to be fine. And when it was time for us to show ourselves after the show, he pushed me on the way out of the runway which made everything hilarious.
I remember that day when I first met him. When he gave me my first cigarette, I pretended to inhale the smoke and remember his name at the same time. “It’s best to start with menthol when you’re learning to smoke,” he said. I nodded and just smiled. Finally, we found ourselves back in the room but I felt bad for not remembering his name. I’ve always been bad with names but I wanted to make sure to remember his name. Fortunately, we were made to sign an attendance sheet and after he was done he handed it to me. And so there it was, above a blank line, in an almost illegible but beautiful stroke—Eric Delos Santos. I repeated to myself.
There was something about his smile and the way his playful eyes light up when he sees you. You immediately feel the warmth, truth, and comfort that he offers. He’s like the sun—golden and bright but also ephemeral. And though he departed so soon, the brightness of his presence will forever be in everyone’s heart. He was truly a special soul.—Jerome Lorico