Hard T’nalak shaped into pouf skirt with embroidered cropped top (Photo by Daniel Tan)
Randy Ortiz does an emotional curtain call surrounded by models past and present who have worked with him through the decades. (Photo by Daniel Tan)
There was excitement in the air towards the end of Randy Ortiz’s 35th-anniversary gala at the Gallery at Greenbelt 5. Manila’s top models from the days of yore–those who began when Ortiz was just a decade or two in the industry–such as Apples Aberin, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo (founder of Professional Models Association of the Philippines or PMAP), walked the runway in his creations. Loud applause and hoots from the audience drowned the music as they strode in their Filipiniana. Juliana Gomez, Ogie Alcasid and Dingdong Dantes were among the celebrities present.
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- Tim Yap models a coat ensemble of ethnic pattern and weave.
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- Dingdong Dantes layers on.
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- Juliana Gomez in terno ballgown
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- Marina Benipayo in classic pina terno
Many of the pieces in the collection utilized Philippine textiles in never-before-seen incarnations, such as a t’nalak draped and poufed skirt, which is challenging given the fabric’s hardness. There were also men’s oversized coats, jackets, women’s breezy lace ensembles, ternos and terno-inspired blouses matched with casual trousers.
“My signature aesthetic is romantic, very feminine and wearable,” says Ortiz in a chat with TheDiarist.ph.
He played with textures, prints, colors and cutwork, tapping a team of skilled artisans for the embroidery, most of it a work of three years.
“With me, it always starts with the inventory of fabrics. There were piňa, and small and big pieces of textile to combine with the main fabrics. This collection was difficult because I knew I had to deal with the scarcity of fabrics, and that I had to make do with what was available in the country. I had a clear vision of what the collection would be, but the execution was a challenge because of the fabrics’ width, and issues with malleability,” says Ortiz.
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- Terno coordinate of cropped top, ballgown skirt, combining embroidery and glitter
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- Cropped jacket of ethnic patterns, ballgown skirt
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- Plaid patadyong as contemporary accent
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- Mix of print, lace defining the terno
Working with Filipino fabrics takes a master’s skill. “I used piña, inaul, t’nalak and inabel of Cavite, Kalinga and Ilocos, and the Miagao hablon. I had the most fun and challenges with the inauls because of the scarcity, the width of the fabric, the exploding colors that I had to translate into tastefulness, and the t’nalak because of its lack of malleability. Making it appear fluid gave me sleepless nights.
“My vision is to be a catalyst for the development of the Filipino fabric and the textile industry. When properly supported, developed and engineered–in a way that adheres to the global standards in terms of size, availability and malleability–it can and will be a major source of revenue for the nation.”
Ortiz believes that indigenous fabrics are a “necessary choice” if Philippine fashion is to be recognized globally. Our homegrown fabrics distinguish our designs from those of the rest of the world–especially in fashion capitals.
The show was groundbreaking because Ortiz incorporated local weaves into his high-fashion elegance. It’s no easy feat–especially for somebody who makes clothes for the modern Filipina woman that shouldn’t be too fussy or overtly designed.
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- Jacket of indigenous stripes and embroidered applique
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- Waist jacket
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- Sporty in red
The “Randy O” aesthetic is clothing that can be part of any woman’s closet for a long time; something you’ll want to go back to again and again.
What makes a Randy O different also lies in incorporating current trends in his collections, putting a very “now” flavor into the blend.
Lasting over three decades years in a fickle industry is not for the faint-hearted, as one builds a legacy while continually updating looks for the present. Ortiz has been around for 35 years because of hard work and continuous innovation, while keeping a signature, easy-to-wear style.
Here’s to another 35 years, Randy O!
