Inspired by all things beautiful, Los Angeles-based Filipino designer Puey Quiñones reveals what stimulates his creative mind the most
The works of Puey Quiñones are avant-garde, marked by flowy lines that resonate femininity and a timeless appeal. In 2020, Sharon Takeda, the senior curator and head of the department of costumes and textiles at the famed Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), bought one of his creations to be permanently included in the LACMA costume collection. The now-iconic Quiñones piece, a mini dress with draped pouf sleeves made of printed silk gazaar in black and white, stands alongside the works of fashion legends such as Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen and Madame Gres.
“I like monastic silhouettes and a play on draping,” Quiñones further defines his style.
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His knowledge and talent in draping, embroidery and beadwork are paired with inspirations drawn from design icons such as the Spanish fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, Swiss-French architect and urban planner Le Corbusier and German-French sculptor Jean Arp; their works echo one thing in common: fluid forms.
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“Beautiful things inspire me. Forms found in nature, paintings, sculpture, music and architecture,” elaborates the fashion designer. “[I also get inspired by] my mentors in fashion,” he adds, thankful for the opportunity to have worked with Dennis Lustico and Lulu Tan-Gan—two prominent names in the Philippine fashion scene. Other influences include the flamboyant costume designs of Edith Head, the famous Richard Avedon’s 1955 photograph of model Dovima in an evening dress by Dior and Edward Steichen’s iconic image of Gloria Swanson.