Oliver Tolentino is the first Philippines-based fashion designer to expand into the United States. The young couturier/designer opened his first U.S. boutique on Melrose Ave in July 2009. A majority of his ready-to-wear and couture pieces are made from native Filipino fabrics such as piña, which is pineapple fiber. His Spring 2010 40 piece collection featured lots of beautiful bold colors. Stylish avant-garde pieces were mixed in with elegant sequined chiffon gowns and dyed piña draped gowns. A hand-dyed bustier cocktail dress was paired with a fully beaded bolero piña blouse. Oliver accentuated an electric blue pleated cocktail dress with a stunning beaded blue belt. I’m not a fan of green but I’d wear the long-sleeved hand-dyed celadon green cocktail dress any day. The first half of the runway show featured cocktail and ready to wear pieces, while the second half centered on his couture collection, which was amazing. There were a number of stunning pieces such as the silk taffeta purple ball gown that was embellished with hand-cut circular accents, which covered the entire skirt. The silk chiffon Grecian gown accented with Swarovski crystals was also spectacular. When the show was over Oliver received a standing ovation. It’s obvious that Mr. Tolentino has a bright future ahead.
Narrative: Nikki Neil Photos: J
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