Philippine fashion is constantly evolving and innovating, breaking boundaries and reinventing itself time and time again. For the first time, Philippine Tatler honours the biggest names behind the industry’s growth.

Hall of Fame: Pitoy Moreno

Known as the “Fashion Czar of Asia,” Jose “Pitoy” Moreno has dressed the world’s most illustrious women—from the Philippines’ First Ladies to European royalty. The legacy Moreno has built for today’s Filipino designers is without equal. As the costume designer for the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, Moreno was one of the first fashion designers who helped raise the Maria Clara gown to the renown it enjoys today. By appearing on the pages of fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Holiday, and Le Figaro, Moreno introduced the words jusi, piña, and lepanto to the international fashion vocabulary. In addition, the Philippines’ first association of fashion designers, Philippine Couture Association, was headed by Moreno. He has authored two books: Kasalan, about Filipino weddings, and Philippine Costume, about traditional Filipino dresses.

 

Visionary: Millet Mananquil

Millet Martinez-Mananquil was named one of Manila’s most feared and most powerful women by the writer-historian Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil. As lifestyle editor of the Philippine Star, she certainly has what it takes to stay well-entrenched in her top niche. She has redefined lifestyle journalism, going beyond socials, fashion, culture, interior design, health and family, to include business and history, and creating special sections to empower the youth. With the Star’s strongest and thickest lifestyle section in the country, Mananquil keeps a stellar roster of writers. She has also nurtured and mentored a new breed of writers who fondly call her the mother of lifestyle journalism.

Mananquil was a journalism senior and a typicial student activist at the University of the Philippines when she was featured as cover girl of the Manila Times Variety Magazine’s special issue on campus journalism. Upon graduation she was hired by the Sunday Times Magazine, after which she became managing editor of the Daily Express Weekend Magazine. Statuesque and attractive, Mananquil has passed on to her three children not only her physical attributes but the lifestyle she has breathed in: they all made a name in fashion modelling.

 

Visionary: Thelma San Juan

Unlike mediocrity, excellence does not beg for praise, compliment, or superfluity. Rather, these are already a given, as in the case of Thelma Sioson-San Juan. Decades in lifestyle journalism have made her both an authority and an influencer in the field. San Juan has seen the trends come and go—in fashion and food, culture and the arts, media and technology, and every facet that the wide scope of lifestyle covers. She has also profiled personalities and personages in the country and abroad. She spent the early years of her career in the now defunct daily, Times Journal; solidified her reputation in the top newspaper Philippine Daily Inquirer; and enhanced this with a top management position in the Benpres Publishing (now ABS-CBN Publishing) where, as general manager and editorial director, she conceptualised and managed magazines. By some twist of fate, San Juan now finds herself back in the family of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, where she holds the position of Lifestyle Section Editor, three words that best define what she is—with no need for embellishments.

 

Most Promising Young Designer: Betina Ocampo

With her outstanding talent, creativity, and impeccable sense of style, Betina Ocampo went from being a design student in New York City to a legit designer with a one-of-a-kind t-shirt line that’s been catching the world’s attention since she launched it in 2012. Her collection, made up of exquisitely designed t-shirts that feature delicate embroidery and intricate details, have been welcomed by NYC’s most exclusive luxury department store, Barneys. An innovative young designer, she is not afraid to experiment with different techniques and materials and to showcase great Filipino craftsmanship by using indigenous materials from her home country. Daughter of Celestina’s Tina Maristela-Ocampo and entrepreneur Ricco Ocampo, Betina has been making her own name in the industry. With fashion in her DNA and her own brilliance and talent, Betina sure is bound for ultimate success.

 

Designer of the Year — Accessories: Bea Valdes

Looking at where Bea Valdes hails from—a family who has been immersed in the fine jewellery industry for three generations—it’s no surprise that she is where she is now. One could even say it was inevitable. She first dabbled in jewellery design as a hobby, later taking workshops to hone her skills and develop new techniques. After Valdes started accepting commissions for handmade beaded bags, her first bag collection was launched by Firma Manila in 2004. In 2005 her spring collection was photographed by Vogue and was dubbed by the magazine as “the must-have evening bags of the year.” Also in 2005, she was awarded as one of the “Best of the Best” by Philippine Tatler. Her creations are now being carried in high-end boutiques such as Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Harvey Nichols Hong Kong.

 

Designer of the Year — Filipiniana: Jeannie Goulbourn

One of Jeannie Goulbourn’s first forays into the fashion arena was as a model—wearing the creations of none other than fellow awardee Pitoy Moreno. However, as young as 13, Goulbourn was already learning how to sew, and by 16 was designing and making her own clothes. After studying at New York’s Fashion Institue of Technology, she came back to the Philipines to start her label JMGoulbourn, carried by SM Department Stores. Her next label, Goulbourn Silk Cocoon, was launched in line with her dream to make Philippine fashion global. The brand’s pieces are made by hand from indigenous materials and, combined with her designs, hold their own in the high-end market. Goulbourn also makes barong tagalog. She was included in Philippine Tatler’s “Who’s Who of the Philippines” in 2009.

 

Designer of the Year: Inno Sotto 

The “Prince of Philippine Fashion,” Inno Sotto studied design at the Parsons School of Design in New York City and at the San Francisco School of Fashion Design. Since then, he has been creating magic in the industry for over 30 years now. His great eye for style makes him one of the most sought-after designers in the country and the go-to designer of Manila’s elite. Steeped in pure elegance, sophistication, and class, Sotto’s creations have been worn by the Philippines’ brightest celebrities, society’s luminaries, and political personalities. He is also every bride’s dream designer. Today, aside from designing for clients, Sotto works as the creative consultant of Rustan’s, and is in charge of events, campaigns, and catalogues as well as other store details that need his attention.

 

Printed in Philippine Tatler Vol. 14 No. 151, available now on newsstands and bookstores. Download the digital version from Zinio or Magzter. | Photography by Sara Black |