It was no wonder that during the recent state visit of US President George Bush, Joe was tapped by Malacañang to design the barong tagalog that Bush wore to the state dinner.
The magic of Joe’s work and how he conducts his career with refinement were the subjects of yesterday’s tribute to Joe Salazar at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. It was an honor that was long overdue for Joe has dedicated his life to his craft. But more than that, people love Joe Salazar for his capacity to open his heart and let his friends in.
AGA MUHLACH, actor: One thing I will never forget about Joe is what he did for my wife Charlene. When Charlene told me that she wanted Joe Salazar to do her wedding gown, I was so happy. I have known Joe since 1984. He did all my clothes for my movie Campus Beat. I was just starting out as an actor then yet he was so nice to me. When Charlene and I went to see him for our wedding it was the same Joe we met, hindi siya nagbago. He is not mayabang and in spite of who he has become, he has remained humble. Kaya for me the best talaga si Joe.
IMELDA COJUANGCO, civic minded lady: A woman always feels self-assured and attractive when her couturier designs her a gown that enhances her personality and is a perfect fit. That is what Joe Salazar does for me. No exaggeration, we can do a fitting in 10 minutes. His ingenuity coupled with his humility is legendary.
KIT ZOBEL, housewife: Some of Joe’s most endearing qualities beyond his amazing talent, vision, and success are his being a humble, shy and kindhearted gentleman. To have him create a gown for you is a wonderful experience. From watching him execute his design on paper to actually seeing it on you in front of the mirror…the instant transformation…from blue jeans to glamorous. He pays attention to detail and is truly a master of his craft. I count myself lucky to know him and I wear his creations proudly.
NINA HERRERA HUANG, equestrienne: His work is testimony to his unwavering passion for his craft. His creations remind me of masterpieces. They ought to be in museums. They are works of art that exude mastery of his skill and talent.
To me though, what makes a "Salazar" very distinct is the character of its originator. And it is this particular character that actually comes out in his creations. They are unselfish. They are courageous and generous. They are devoted to his clients. Each piece, a labor of love, an insight into the real Joe Salazar. Here is one man who gives through his artistry way more than he takes.
TINGTING COJUANCGO, woman of style: Throughout the ‘70s and up to the ‘90s it seemed Joe Salazar’s inspiration for every terno he made was Imelda R. Marcos. She had the height, the beauty, talent and the means to wear a Joe Salazar creation.
The gowns that Joe made in those years were breathtaking. They were a combination of the feminine with lace and ruffles and the masculine in stiff sinamay. Joe would also put subtle beading or intense colors of embroidery on the gowns. He could make a woman look heavenly and unreachable or appetizing.
One of the memorable gowns he made for me was light beige with a subtle tinge of apple green. It was a full skirt with layers of lace and petticoats, so girlish yet so glamorous.
The other one has been photographed many times. It is made of black sinamay and black thin angel lace with fuchsia flowers. So dramatic, so severe yet so utterly feminine.
His creations have been part of my life. through unforgettable events.
ILOCOS NORTE REP. IMEE R. MARCOS: Joe Salazar is our modern master. He makes fashion,which is essentially fleeting and frivolous, a timeless and fulfilling endeavor. And beyond his towering talent, Joe is a fervent and inspiring friend. What an honor it is, Joe, to be dressed by you. Or better yet, what fun!
RISSA SAMSON, president, Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP): Joe Salazar’s creations are such poetic masterpieces. His is the kind of couture that inspires models to step into a soulful mood, to move with grace, and to feel the passion of the designer. I first felt it when I fitted the high school prom gown he made for me six years ago. Today, I still look at every new creation of his with the same sense of awe. In the dressing room, models treat his gowns with reverence. On the ramp, we just feel so beautiful wearing them.
CHITO VIJANDRE, owner, Firma: Joe is a true friend. He is the only one who can stop and look at one of my flower arrangements with such admiration and discuss it for the longest time as if it were the Sistine Chapel masterpiece. But Joe is like that – he takes everything to heart and is intense about the things that matter to him, like art and beauty, which are primary passions in his life. We have had many wonderful years of sharing these passions, be they architecture, interiors, music, entertaining and yes, clothes. When it comes to this, Joe is a genius. I always look forward to going to his work area so I can be in awe of one of his creations. Just when you think he has done everything, he comes up with something so totally un-Joe, a stunning piece so unexpected and revolutionary but always with the Joe stamp of dignity and elegance which can only emanate from a beautiful soul. A woman can always surrender to Joe’s orchestrations and be assured of a glorious symphony of a dress that will surely merit a standing ovation. And yes, it will last a lifetime, just as my friendship with this amazing man has.
KRIS AQUINO, TV host: I’ve only had the privilege to wear Joe’s creation once, for Tatler Philippines. His work is elegant, flattering, and beyond compare as far as fit is concerned. Calling him a design genius is not praise enough.
BEN CHAN, retail king of the Bench empire: Joe’s passion for his art and craft is contagiously inspiring. It’s rare to know an artist whose sense of aesthetics transcends the tides of time and trends. A humble genius we should all learn from.