Puey Quiñones at work
Fashion designer Puey Quiñones will officially showcase his new couture collection at a private event on June 20, when he will also launch the opening of his new atelier in downtown Los Angeles.
The couture collection, Quiñones revealed, would “highlight an array of intricate designs that celebrate both contemporary and Filipino traditional aesthetics, blending luxurious and local fabrics from the Philippines with bold colors. Expect to see pieces that embody elegance and innovation.”
The soft-spoken and humble designer revealed where he gets inspiration for his designs and creations. He said, “Inspiration for my designs comes from various sources. I often find myself drawn to art, nature, and cultural history. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the people around me. Their stories and experiences shape the way I approach fashion. Traveling also opens my eyes to different styles and practices, which I then incorporate into my work.”
The PeopleAsia People of the Year 2024 awardee, who has an atelier in the Philippines and a Q Bridal collection shop in Los Angeles, is known for being the only Filipino fashion designer who has a couture dress purchased by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) as part of its heritage collection.
He described the dress that was acquired by LACMA in 2020 as part of the museum’s historic collection and is now preserved alongside the creations of fashion legends, including Christian Dior, Madame Gres and Alexander McQueen: “I am still in awe of this incredible recognition. The piece, a stunning gown crafted from silk organza and adorned with intricate embroidery, was inspired by traditional Filipino textiles. When I received the news that it would be part of LACMA’s heritage collection, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It felt surreal to know that my work would be preserved alongside such iconic designers.”
He disclosed how he manages his shops in the U.S. and the Philippines: “Managing my two shops is indeed a challenge, but it’s a journey I embrace wholeheartedly. Each market has its own unique needs and preferences, so I make a concerted effort to tailor my collections accordingly. Balancing both locations requires a disciplined schedule, but it also allows me to explore diverse creative avenues.”
The 45-year-old designer, who was a guest designer for “America’s Next Top Model Cycle 21,” designed clothes using fabrics native to the Philippines for a runway challenge where the contestants had to walk in stilts.
Worn by celebrities, dignitaries and other VIPs, Quiñones admitted, “I have been fortunate to have my clothes worn by some incredible individuals. Celebrities like Melissa McCarthy, Dolly De Leon, and even dignitaries such as the President and the First Lady of the Philippines have donned my creations. It’s always an honor to see my designs being appreciated by such influential figures.”
Born and raised in Bobon, Northern Samar, Quiñones shared that growing up in the Philippines “has taught me the value of hard work and resilience. My humble beginnings instilled in me a strong sense of community and an appreciation for craftsmanship, which I carry into every piece I create.”
He confessed that he realized he wanted to be a fashion designer “when I was just a child, watching my grandmother sew our clothes. The joy she found in creating something beautiful sparked a flame in me. I started sketching designs and experimenting with fabric when I moved to Manila and worked for designer Dennis Lustico, and it was clear that this was my calling.”
Due to the demands of his work and profession, Quiñones is aware that taking care of his physical and mental health is vital. “Taking care of my physical and mental health is crucial in this demanding industry. I make it a priority to meditate and pray regularly, practice mindfulness, and take time to recharge. I also find joy in cooking, which serves as a creative outlet for me.”
A very good chef as well, Quiñones shared that he learned how to cook from his grandmother. “I love preparing traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and other Samar dishes, as well as experimenting with new recipes like vegetarian dishes because my husband Paul (Martineau, Curator of Photographs at The J. Paul Getty Museum) is vegetarian.”
Looking ahead, Quiñones said, “I have dreams of expanding my brand internationally and collaborating with other artists across different media. I’m also passionate about giving back to the community, so I hope to launch initiatives that support aspiring designers in the Philippines. The world of fashion is ever-evolving, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!”
