The nurse-turned-designer had a 15-look collection from her newly launched fashion line ‘The Cages’
Last month, Filipina fashion designer Alma Tomenio – owner of her own Las Vegas-based fashion label Alma T Collection – was showered with emotive applause following the presentation of her latest (and first) collection at the Las Vegas edition of Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW).
Alma – who has been in healthcare practice for about 35 years and currently works as a Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse at University Medical Center Las Vegas – took a humble bow wearing her own design, as the models made their final lap on the runway in Decades Event Center in South Las Vegas Boulevard.
Her signature fashion accessory – called “The Cages (Filipiniana Harness)“ – was a hit on the runway.
This new way of “Filipiniana” styling is decidedly Alma’s innovation: work-appropriate dresses, or whimsical ensembles complemented by tails made of tulle and gladiator footwear – but all juxtaposed with harnesses – definitely impressed the well-heeled audience, some of whom were people she works with at the hospital.
Alma’s standout finale was an ode to “Victoria Secret angel” but showed the designer’s own take for party dressing with her signature “Filipiniana harness.”
Passion for fashion
Alma, an active member of the Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada, has been so passionate about fashion design, creating dresses, styling, and fashion collaborations for a long time. She has even supported and sponsored a number of charitable events and medical missions.
For APFW, Alma has managed to create her debut 15-piece collection, despite her hectic work schedule at the hospital.
Alma also has a strong interest in beauty pageants. In 2019, she became a member of the Queen Universe Philippines, and in 2021, she served as the ambassador for the Ms. Fabulous America Filipina Pageant. She serves as a mentor and advisor to young women who are preparing to compete in beauty pageants.
What’s next for Alma T.
While APFW marked Alma’s debut collection, it certainly won’t be the last. She’s headed to more fashion shows this year to show off a brand new collection, establishing a brick-and-mortar boutique in Las Vegas, and hoping to inspire others along the way.
With the accolades she received after her debut collection at Asia Pacific Fashion Week, Alma T is set for fashion stardom.
