Brides-to-be who are planning their wedding events on the “ber” months would do well to start meeting up with their couturiers of choice.
According to couturier Albert Fontanilla, six months before the special day is a good time to start bridal gown preparations. “If you want your gown to be done right, give your designer ample time to work on your attire. This advice is especially true for women who opt for gowns with intricate beadwork and embroidery.”
In order to give ladies the heads up on the latest wedding gown looks (and an intro to their creators), Uptown/Downtown brings you five designers who are known for their dedication to detail and craftsmanship.
Dan Cadiz
A graduate of Slims Fashion and Arts School, Cadiz worked as assistant designer to senior designers Ching Santos and Bobby Novenario before branching out as an independent couturier. His experience as a fashion designer in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given him a keen grasp on the execution of opulent designs that demand heavy crystal and beadwork.
(Rebecca St., BF Homes, Las Piñas City. Contact no.: 0922-8362213.)
Ferdie Sayo
After 14 years working as a designer for the royal family in Qatar, Sayo decided to come home and establish himself as a formal gown and wedding ensemble couturier. Sayo promptly set up his shop in Imus, Cavite and has since enjoyed a steady, loyal following from women who look for chic, soft and ultra feminine designs.
(Unit 301, Costa Grande Bldg., Palico I, Aguinaldo Highway, Imus, Cavite City. Contact nos.: 0977-4156344 and 0939-9393694.)
HRM Moda
HRM Moda is the fashion house of Hen Mangahas. Mangahas established his atelier in 2014 after spending more than a decade in the Gulf region. He focuses mainly on formal and bridal gowns and has since maintained a loyal following. Among his celebrity clients is Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere of France who wore Mangahas’ crystal-studded royal blue gown during one of the pageant’s events.
(Unit B, Real St., Zapote Rd., Las Piñas City. Contact no.: 0947-1719999.)
Albert Gonzales Fontanilla
A graduate of Industrial Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology, Fontanilla started paying his dues as an assistant designer to Danny de la Cuesta and Bobby Novenario. Fontanilla then spent several years working as a fashion designer in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, UAE and Abu Dhabi. In 2013, he returned home and established his atelier. He is a member of the Fashion & Design Council of the Philippines.
(Shop A, Ground floor, San Pedro Bldg., President’s Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City. Contact no.: 0956-1827788.)
Rem Divino
Rem Divino is best known for having worked as a designer for then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo where he created major pieces such as PGMA’s final State of the Nation Address gown, her ensemble during her visit to the Vatican and her gowns during her dinners with the royal family of Spain and Japan.
Divino left for Dubai at the tender age of 19 and worked for the fashion house of Balqis for over a decade before returning and setting up his atelier in BF Homes, Parañaque City.
Apart from former President Arroyo, Divino’s clients include Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, “Asia’s Queen of Songs” Pilita Corrales and internationally celebrated pianist Ingrid Santamaria.
(45-F Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City. Contact no: 0916-6934446.)