Albert Andrada is one Filipino designer who gives true meaning to the term “world-class.”
He was a favorite of Arab royals in the United Arab Emirates, where he designed for the royal family. When he created a gown for Paris Hilton at the Grammys, Hollywood bowed to him when they named Paris the Best Dressed.
When he made that famous blue gown for Pia Wurtzbach when she was named Miss Universe in 2015, the universe made it loud and clear that Albert Andrada should also be crowned one of the Philippines’ prides and best fashion exports.
Which is perhaps why he was invited to join this year’s Bench Fashion Week. Ben Chan’s “Love Local” campaign embraces and pays tribute to Filipino designers who make our country proud.
Just recently, Albert was invited to join New York Fashion Week, where his collection, “Illuminati,” was inspired by the clouds and the sky. “My color palette consisted of white and sky blue,” he said. And of course, his finale gown was worn by who else but Pia Wurtzbach. “Pia is a very nice lady; she hasn’t changed a bit after winning the Miss Universe crown. Despite her busy schedule, she flew a thousand miles with me just to be my finale model in New York.”
Right after Albert confirmed his participation in NYFW, he received invites to join Paris Fashion Week and Moscow Fashion Week. “I declined the two invitations because there was no ample time for me to make a new collection. Besides, I still had three fashion shows after it. I did shows in Laos Fashion Week, Malaysia Fashion Week, and Singapore Fashion Week. God willing, it will be Paris and Moscow next year.”
In Malaysia, he was named Most Connected Designer in Fashion Asia’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Albert remains a humble and well-grounded person despite these many awards.
What inspires him? “The wonderful people around me. You get to learn what life is all about from them. Life is about what God has given you. A gift that will inspire others and leave an impact on their lives.”
After having dressed up royalty, Hollywood, beauty queens and Manila’s elite glamorous set, he would like to dress up the Queen of England.