(Philippine retail leader Anton Huang, president and CEO of the SSI Group, Inc., delivered this eulogy during the funeral rites for Larrie Silva, a pioneer of Philippine ready-to-wear who passed away May 14, 2025. Silva, then working for Pierre Balmain in Paris, was handpicked by Rustan’s founder and matriarch herself, Glecy Tantoco, to design what would be the first high-end RTW brand in the Philippines. However, his ties to Rustan’s and the Tantoco family went beyond the professional and into the long-lasting and personal bond through the decades.
It was a bond that Mr. Huang captured in heartfelt words here.)
Good evening
I’m here today speaking in memory of Larrie Silva, my grandmother Glecy Tantoco, my mother Nedy Tantoco, and my grandfather Benny Tantoco—all of whom shared lives that were so deeply interwoven with one another. Their journeys personal, professional, and creative were marked by collaboration, respect, and a deep, abiding friendship. And today, as we remember Larrie, we also honor the extraordinary bond he shared with our family and the Rustan’s family.
Larrie joined Rustan’s in 1974, fresh from Paris, full of energy, elegance, and an unmistakable creative vision. My Lola Glecy instantly saw in him not just promise, but brilliance. She recognized his originality, his taste, and his potential to leave a mark not just on Rustan’s, but on the Philippine fashion industry as a whole.
And leave a mark he did.
Larrie created two of our most beloved brands: Larrie Silva for Lady Rustan and Silvano for men. Both carried his distinct style— clean lines, understated sophistication, and a timeless sense of refinement. Through his designs, Larrie redefined ready-to-wear fashion in the country. He gave it polish, precision, and poise. He had an uncanny ability to make women feel strong, stylish, and confident—and to make men feel just the same.
But what truly set Larrie apart was his complete devotion to the craft. He was deeply involved in every stage of the creative process. Nothing left the store floor without his careful inspection and personal stamp of approval. Whether it was a fabric swatch, a hemline, a campaign photo, or the choice of model… Larrie made sure that everything reflected the vision he had in mind. He was a perfectionist but in the most inspiring and motivating way. Working with Larrie meant working to his standard, and his standard was excellence.
To our family, Larrie was so much more than a designer
Beyond the talent, the vision, and the discipline, Larrie had this incredible sense of humor. It was only him, only Larrie, who could make my lola and my mom laugh, even in the middle of a serious meeting or an intense presentation. He brought levity, lightness, and a wonderful irreverence to every room he walked into. And now that they’re all together again in heaven, I’m certain Larrie has them laughing still.
To our family, Larrie was so much more than a designer. He was a beloved friend, a trusted collaborator, and someone who cared deeply, not just about the work, but about the people behind it. He was generous with his time, his talents, and his heart.
He was truly deserving—not only to my lola and my mom, but to all of us at Rustan’s. His legacy lives on not just in his beautiful work, but in the spirit of creativity, elegance, and joy that he embodied so fully.
Thank you, Larrie. Thank you for everything. We miss you. And we will remember you always.
