Over 800 people oohed and aahed at Filipino international designer Oliver Tolentino last week in Bangkok, where he took part in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand, as well as in the 126th Philippine Independence Day gala.
Produced by the Philippine Embassy at the five-star Siam Kempinski, the show was hosted by Ambassador Millicent “Tinta” Paredes, who graced the occasion in a Tolentino piña gown. In the opening ceremony, she gave a toast in honor of the Thai King, which Russ Jalichandra, Thai vice minister of foreign affairs, reciprocated with a toast to the Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
There was a spread of Filipino specialties, as well as performances of native dances and an art collection by local Manila artists, but the main event was Oliver’s fashion show, a 29-piece collection unveiled before a crowd of ambassadors, diplomats, and members of Thai society, including the president of the Thai Senate, the deputy prime minister, the minister of interior, the minister for social welfare and human security, the governor of Bangkok, and former Thai ambassadors to the Philippines, Ambassadors Ruangprateepsaeng and Upatising.
Handwoven piña, abaca, inabel, ikat fabric from Mindanao, raw silk cocoon from the Visayas, and Thai silk strutted their stuff on the runway as a tribute to the homegrown fabrics of both countries, all of which Oliver crafted into modern, wearable couture.
Highlighted were structured piña bell skirts alongside pantsuits with tops of abaca, ikat, and inabel paired with piña bottoms. A set featuring piña pants accented with solihiya-weaved Thai silk drew applause from the crowd. To close the show, Oliver sent down the runway handpainted and embellished piña gowns and colorful dresses with dramatic handdraped abaca bodices.
“I was impressed with the embassy’s first-class event and the audience really enjoyed it,” said Oliver. “I was also thrilled with the feedback to my collection from the international community. I overheard one ambassador tell Ambassador Paredes that no embassy would be able to surpass the event.”
Based in Beverly Hills, California, Oliver is currently in Manila, having flown straight home from the Bangkok gala, courtesy of event sponsor Philippine Airlines, to work in his Makati boutique for the next two weeks. Follow @theOliverTolentino on Instagram. OliverTolentino.com