New York State of Mind

Filipinos are incredibly talented people. Antithetically, the Philippines does not promote an atmosphere that will allow a budding brilliant designer to further hone his God-given talents and skills. Moreover, the Philippine environment is not at the moment capable of distinguishing a promising young thing. I notably noticed that colonial mentality does not help in making a genius out of an able individual either. Colonial mentality causes the designers to hold back, for a career in a land like ours would be a starving one if not impossible. I daresay that this same mentality drove the Filipino creative geniuses away…

It is but a sad reality that design whiz kids had to leave just so they can actually be a somebody. Narciso Rodriguez, Josie Natori, Ito Curata and Rafe Totengco all made it big… but not here. Hollywood embraces our very own Filipino designers. Dubbed as New York’s cutest fashion designer (he would rather discuss your latest boyfriend than your latest look –Vogue) part designer, part PR persona Narciso Rodriguez dolls up a few too many chic somebodys. His love for clean lines and rich materials made him a rave among all of New York. Charmed his way through the foreign land, Hollywood personalities, models, and the jet-set crowd alike celebrate the brilliance to be found in Rodriguez’s collection. Legendary bag maker Rafe Totengco is enjoying the attention that’s now being showered upon him. Attention that is due to him. When Rafe bags were flown in to the Philippines (only this time with a letters that spelled "New York" under the name brand) shelves befall empty at the speed of Schummacher. Funny how a little "NY" stitch brought sudden miracles to the merchandize. So beautiful are lingerie mogul Josie Natori’s creations that even then-America’s Sweetheart Winona Ryder cannot resist to take her hands off (literally) Natori merchandizes. Among the other stolen items found alongside the Natori handbag were famous imported brands. Gucci and Prada to name a few. Now if this does not prove how much of a success Natori is, then I don’t know anything about success. Albeit these creatives took off the country to seek for bigger and better thing in terms of design, they remain authentic Pinoys in their heart of hearts. Evident in their pieces are a boast of touches that are uniquely Filipino.

If only we see the beauty in the designs of the House of Loewe that made Kate Moss its muse. If only we are not blinded by colonial mentality then we too can see what drove Winona Ryder to include a Natori in her loot bag of shoplifted items. If only we see what Sharon Stone see in Ito Curata’s creations then the Philippines will also enjoy the genius in him – in each and every one of them. If only…