I had the pleasure of meeting this fashion guru at the Golden Globe Awards two years ago. He and Business Manager Arsi Baltazar were there. And I-being-me, I wouldn’t pass up the rare chance of meeting them. Thanks to my friends, Janet and Ruben Nepales who invited me to the event that such an opportunity was made possible.
It was a brief but memorable chat. Arsi and Francis were both very nice and casual. Francis is as jovial and accommodating as I perceived him to be. It would have been great to hang out much longer and bond with them, but we all didn’t have the luxury of time to talk all night.
It’s been two years but I will not forget meeting this very talented person. I hear a lot of wonderful things about Francis. He is truly one of Philippine’s pride glory—and guess what, he’s just getting started.
After his ascension to prominence from becoming a featured designer on “America’s Next Top Model British Invasion,” Francis continues to awe the both local and international followers. His fabulous Hello Kitty Couture Collection was featured in the April 2012 episode of “ANTM” and caught the eyes of Tyra Banks herself, bringing the latter to wear Francis’ creations.
Because of his international success, clients from high society and even the biggest stars of showbiz are a fan of his creations. He designed Megan Young’s gown when he competed for Miss World in 2013, as well as Pauline Luna’s wedding gown. His latest project I heard is with GMA Fantaserye, “Encantadia” where he designed the “fairy-tale-worthy” gowns of the female lead characters.
A fusion of classic fabrics, dazzling beads, and textured accents are Francis’ trademark. He infuses a distinct and exceptional character to every garment he creates – whether for couture gowns, weddings, suits, or corporate wear – making “Francis Libiran” brand a top choice among A-listers.
A futuristic-themed fashion show was also held at the Century Mall in 2014 which featured a visual spectacle of models in geometric pieces that are almost architectural in structure. The show was titled, “Fashion of the Century,” which showcased Francis Libiran’s captivating designs. The writer wrote and I quote, “A play of electronic and projected lights added even more panache to the fashion creations, which were presented with an incredible symphony of music and light and water fountain show that matched the models’ runway choreography.”
In an article written about him by Rachelle Cruz, she wrote: “This architect-turned-fashion designer presented his 50-piece collection at the CPFW Fashion Ball at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto on June 14, during a beautiful charity gala dinner for The Kol Hope Foundation for Children.”
Francis also stunned the fashion world when he made use of purely Filipino fibers such as pineapple, banana and embellishments such as mother of pearl when he launched his ‘100 Collection’ He was also the highlight in the very first Canada Philippine Fashion Week in Toronto, Canada in June 2013 held at the Roy Thomson Hall.
There is no stopping this creative genius in bringing pride to our country.
In his online bio, a number of accomplishments were listed as well, such as: being voted by Metro Magazine, as their ’Metrowear Icon’ for 2013, he was also the lone representative of the Philippines in the annual fashion show in Tokyo, Japan, the Sakura Collection held at the Tokyo Tower where he perfectly executed his own rendition of Japan’s National Dress, the Kimono, infused with the Philippines’ Maria Clara which became the most-applauded collection during the festival.
The online profile also stated that a TV Special dedicated to him was aired on national television via the Lifestyle Network. Francis Libiran drew inspiration from his trip to Bangalore, India where he was captivated by the design details of the famous Bangalore Palace and the vibrant colors of its interior design.
I could go on and on about how amazing Francis Libiran is and still the adjectives would be an understatement of his fashion authority, as well as his dedication. I wish I could still get another chance to know him and learn from him, most of all. For now, I am just as honored to have met him. I was also happy to learn that he is in a very happy relationship with a lucky man named, Christian Mark. I sincerely wish for their happiness.
And on behalf of the Beauty & Fashion industry on this side of the world, I thank you, Francis Libiran for sharing your talent and making us proud to be Filipinos.
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
