MANILA, Philippines – Two of the fashion scene’s main authorities will be celebrating 25 years in the industry this 2014, and will be throwing a grand celebration side by side through a by-invitation event this Monday (October 13).
On Metro Magazine’s 25th anniversary as the leading fashion magazine in the country, Metrowear Icon Cary Santiago also celebrates his silver anniversary as the Philippines’ foremost couture fashion designer.
In a much-awaited fashion show Metro Magazine and Cary Santiago will be joining forces to present Santiago’s society and celebrity muses throughout the years and to showcase his newest collection.
Over the 25 years, Santiago has gained renown as a favored designer by the most beautiful celebrities and society’s most stylish ladies, having dressed the likes of Charo Santos-Concio, Ruffa Gutierrez, Bea Zobel, Amparito Lhuiller, Dawn Zulueta, Kris Aquino, Suyen Chi, and Maja Salvador.
When asked what he thinks is the best piece he created in his entire 25 years in the industry, Cary shared, “I started at the very young age of 18 and left the country at 23. I would say that my best pieces were done in the Middle East but were not under my name. I was a creative designer back then in a couture house in Lebanon and Dubai.”
“But when I came back, what made me here in the Philippines was the Pag-Asa, a Philippine Eagle-inspired terno. I won the Grand Prix for the Philippine and Fashion Design competition. I was then sent to represent the Philippines in Paris and I had good reviews. That made my career here. Right away when they saw it, they loved the details.”
Santiago who went to Hanoi to find inspiration for this anniversary collection will be presenting 40 haute couture pieces inspired by the French Indochine. His collection will be featuring evening gowns showcasing embellishments in lace, luxe fabrics, and intricate beadwork.
When asked what he thinks sets his pieces apart from the others, Cary boldly answered, “A Cary Santiago dress is very intricate. Right away, you can distinguish it from the fitting to the detailing. It’s very distinct.”
This will not be Santiago’s first show to be mounted side by side with Metro Magazine. This year’s Metrowear Icon: Cary Santiago show will be the sixth time for the two to come together. Santiago’s pieces were part of Metro and Metro Society fashion shows since 2009, such as Metro Society presents Cary Santiago (2009), Metrowear Bridal: Cary Santiago (2010), Metrowear Filipiniana (2011), Metrowear Rocks the Ruway (2012), and Metro Society 10 Masters & Muses (2013).
On his 25th anniversary, Metro trains the spotlight to Santiago once more, in a show that is set to be the grandest yet. “Metro has always been committed to curating the very best in Filipino fashion, and while each Metrowear is special, this one is especially close to our hearts as we celebrate our 25th year with Cary Santiago,” said Geolette Esguerra, Executive Editor of Metro Magazine. “He is a true innovator, and he is one of the few people who take to heart the often difficult process of haute couture.”