SF SHOWROOM OF RENOWNED FIL-AM FASHION DESIGNER OLIVER TOLENTINO OPENS AT PHILIPPINE CENTER IN GLAMOUR AND STYLE
Consul General Neil Ferrer and Madame Miriam Ferrer, with Fil-Am fashion designer Oliver Tolentino and Fil-Am supermodel Tutay Maristela (A Caruthers photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Filipino American fashion designer for the stars Oliver Tolentino debuts his first showroom in Northern California at the Philippine Center in San Francisco, in a fashion show held at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall on 26 October 2024.
Consul General Neil Ferrer and Madame Miriam Ferrer led the dignitaries in attendance, which also included Greek Consul General Grigorios Tassiopoulos; members of the Legion of San Francisco Consular Corps, and Filipino Community leaders such as Fil-Am Daly City, California Mayor Juslyn Manalo.
“I wish to say on behalf of the entire Philippine Consulate General family and the Filipino American Community in the Bay Area: Welcome home. We are deeply grateful for your decision to open a showroom here at the Philippine Center,” Consul General Ferrer told Tolentino in his welcome remarks.
Consul General Ferrer added that the “evening’s showcase of Filipino talent and creativity is a fitting conclusion to our celebration this October of Filipino American History Month,” and quoted U.S. President Joe Biden’s message where he referred to Filipino artists as among those who “have enriched the very essence of who we are as a people.”
“Oliver Tolentino is a name that has become synonymous with elegance and innovation in fashion. His work beautifully bridges the rich traditions of Filipino artistry with contemporary design, creating pieces that tell stories and evoke emotions,” the Philippine Consul General further said.
“We look forward to more engagements with you as we showcase the beauty of Filipino culture and the promising future of Philippine fashion,” concluded Consul General Ferrer.
The fashion show featured 17 models, headlined by Fil-Am supermodel Tutay Maristela, who donned 34 outfits from Tolentino’s collection. Filipino motifs are evident in his collection, such as the use of Philippine piña (pineapple fabric) and other natural textiles, and the use of designs such as the distinctive solihiya (Filipino geometric pattern) and the butterfly sleeve.
The San Francisco showroom at the Philippine Center signifies Tolentino’s expansion in Northern California. His other showrooms are located in Beverly Hills, California and in Makati City, Philippines.
The Bataan-born Tolentino has been advocating Filipino haute couture using Philippine indigenous weaves, which he recently showcased at The Hinabi Project’s “Terno de Mayo” gala show in San Francisco.
Tolentino’s use of natural and handwoven Philippine textiles has brought his work to some of the world’s biggest stages such as the New York and the Los Angeles Fashion Weeks, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Oscars. He holds the distinction of being one of only two Filipino fashion designers who dressed an Oscar winner.
Interested clients in Northern California may reach out to Tolentino through the contact information posted on his website. END
Fil-Am supermodel Tutay Maristela donning an Oliver Tolentino creation (A Caruthers photo)
(San Francisco PCG photos)
Fil-Am fashion designer Oliver Tolentino, with Madame Miriam Ferrer and other members of the Legion of San Francisco Consular Corps in attendance. (A Caruthers photo)