Oliver Tolentino (2nd from left) with (from left) model Tutay Maristela, Mrs. Miriam Ferrer and Consul General Neil Ferrer.
Photo by A. Caruthers
HOLLYWOOD fashion designer Oliver Tolentino launched a new San Francisco showroom last month with a grand fashion show co-hosted by the Philippine Consulate General. The designer’s new showroom is in the Philippine Center building, which is managed by the consulate and located just off fashionable Union Square.
Photos taken by Jon Santos
According to Tolentino, “San Francisco and the Bay Area have so many Filipinos living there and people often contact my Beverly Hills boutique looking for a Filipino designer for weddings and events. I’ve been doing pop-up trunk shows in San Francisco for many years, so it makes sense to set up a location there.”
The location joins his two standalone boutiques in Beverly Hills and Manila. In 2009 Tolentino became the first Filipino couture designer to expand operations successfully from the Philippines to the U.S. while also maintaining his Makati boutique. San Francisco is now his third outlet.
Tolentino launched the San Francisco showroom naturally with a fashion show last October 26, attended by co-hosts Consul General Neil Ferrer and his wife Mrs. Miriam Ferrer, as well as their thirty-plus guests from the diplomatic corps, including Greece’s Consul General to the U.S. and representatives from Australia, China, the European Union, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, Peru, and Vietnam. A who’s who of the Fil-Am business community in the Bay Area also were in attendance. The Honorable Juslyn Manalo, recently re-elected Mayor of Daly City, presented Tolentino with a plaque on behalf of her city.
Following a reception of champagne and waiter-passed hors d’oeuvres, professional models presented 41 looks in rich jewel tones of purple, red, blue, green, and black, adorned with intricate beadwork, embellishments, and floral designs. The dramatic collection embodied an opulent, timeless style, while blending couture craftsmanship with wearable designs. Key silhouettes ranged from structured bell skirts and dresses with halter and sweetheart necklines to flowing gowns with dramatic puff sleeves and overblouses. An array of shiny beaded and embroidered mermaid dresses accentuated the models’ curves. The collection paired fabrics such as tulle, lace, silk, and sequined fabric, with eco-friendly piña, abaca, and inabel. There also were separates, including boleros and blazers, some with pleated sleeves.
The collection was well received by the diplomatic crowd.
