Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino ‘wowed’ the crowds at the 10th Anniversary showing at Fashion Week El Paseo.
Tolentino was invited to return to the jet-setting town and bring along with him some his most spectacular fashion designs from the Philippines.
Not only was the fashion purely Filipino, but the music for the runway walk was by Sylvia Le Torre – while his gowns and designs were set off by supermodel muse Tutay Maristela.
To date, Tolentin is the only Filipino designer to show at El Paseo – in all, he showed more than 60 pieces on the runway.
In a review, Palm Springs Life said the show was a success: “Tolentino won over fans with a series of spectacular ball gowns worthy of the finest royal ball, debutante gala, or tasteful state dinner.
“The spirited showstopper charmed spectators with his exquisite craftsmanship and detail. His frills, fringe, color, and fabric flair mesmerised.”
In another review, the fashion columnist for the Palm Springs area newspaper, The Desert Sun, wrote: “Tolentino’s elegant couture gowns were appropriately the last to sashay down the runway since all were showstoppers, especially the first look – a red, ruffled hoop skirted gown which caused an audible gasp from many in the audience.”
After a run to San Francisco to host a trunk show at the end of March, Tolentino will return to Manila where he will be working out of his boutique.
