Filipino designers create excitement at New York Fashion Week with Aloysius, Ninja brands
Silhouettes show Aloysius’s love for fabrics. Photo by Jenjen Furer
It won’t be Fashion Week minus the inspiring diversity of the designers and their stunning creations.
This year, at least two Filipinos joined the exclusive colony of fashion designers from around the world who converged in the city and proudly presented their latest collections. They are Joseph Aloysius Montelibano with his callado hand embroidery clothing, and Ninja Evangelista and her uncommon, goddess-style handbags.
JOSEPH ALOYSIUS MONTELIBANO unveiled his Aloysius brand at the Philippine Center, a collection of dresses, blouses and gowns in flesh tones and versatile callado fabrics. The trend is one of understated elegance with its consistent use of nude hues now known as “the new black,” according to Marie Claire magazine. Joseph’s designs are a constant contrast in feel and texture: It could be an ensemble in lacey sheer top with satin-y maxi skirt or tulle overlay mini.
Joseph Aloysius Montelibano: ‘New York is the city that made me.’ Photo by Edwin Josue
The back is no less dramatic. No zippers, just a lonely button at the top leaving the rest of the spine to peek out.
A dream come true, said Joseph, 39, of his Fashion Week debut.
“This is 20 years in the making,” he told The FilAm.
As a Staten Island resident for many years, he worked the fashion circuit doing publicity for Hampton galas and other dressy events. He has garments industry experience, designing and visual merchandising for fashion houses, such as Sposabella Lace and Giorgio Armani.
In 2010, Joseph made the unprecedented move of going back to the Philippines to explore new ideas and learn about the business of sourcing materials. His prolonged stay brought him to Taal, Batangas where he made his acquaintance with filigree-style callado embroidery.
“I stayed in Taal for some time, I totally immersed,” he said.
Throughout his process of creating, he had flashes of Dr. Jose Rizal during his era and infused those visions into the “global fashion aesthetics” that New York represents.
What Aloysius stands for, he said, is “this Filipino fashion brand that highlights the versatility and beauty of hand-woven Philippine fabrics.”
From across the pond is bag designer NINJA EVANGELISTA who is the Creative Director for Dela Eva, her U.K.-based brand of luxury handbags and accessories.
London’s Ninja Evangelista. Photo: Dela Eva
Born in Vienna, Ninja — also Ninz to family and close friends — is known for at least three designs: the Poncho Bag, the Bucket Bag and the CEO Business Bag. At New York Fashion Week, she presented those designs she calls “timeless” but with “a little twist to them.”
Ninja studied fashion design at the prestigious London College of Fashion, a city she loves because it’s
The CEO Business Bag: ‘Timeless designs with a little twist to them.’
Her bio says Ninja has traveled to 42 countries, holds a Postgraduate Degree in Art and Architecture History, and did an Internship with Vivienne Westwood.
Asked by The Runway Authority which designer she would love to work with, she said she would love to “spend time with the house of Hermès to learn about their craftsmanship, spend time with Anya Hindmarch to learn about her colourful mind and then travel back in time to help Coco Chanel and Alexander McQueen revolutionise the fashion world.”
Fashion is her way of creating and expressing her vision.
Expect the Aloysius and Ninja brands to go far.
