Esteemed Filipino designer Randy Ortiz recently celebrated his 35th year in the fashion industry by unveiling his new anniversary collection. Named Randy O 35, the stunning 70-piece collection was showcased at Greenbelt 5 last week in collaboration with Ayala Malls' Bravo! Filipino campaign.
Aside from paying homage to the country's indigenous textiles and traditional ensembles, the elegant lineup was also a testament to the 62-year-old designer's masterful artistry and passion for Philippine culture. The runway show was divided into seamless segments to capture Randy's creative vision, starting with a spectacular display of handwoven garments that transition into his signature dreamy and romantic creations. Learn more about Randy O 35 ahead in Randy's exclusive interview with Preview.
Preview Creative Spotlight: Randy E. Ortiz on His Randy O 35 Collection
Can you give us an overview of the concept or theme behind your collection? What was your creative vision and how is it connected to your design ethos?
"The theme behind my collection is global Pinoy chic. It’s an homage to the Filipino dress and the modern Filipino man. My creative vision for my 35th anniversary is to come up with something that stays true to my core as a designer. My strengths are classic, romantic, and structured pieces that make use of the available weaves of Mindanao, Panay, and Calabarzon. Utilizing the world-class skills of our artisans was also essential in making a collection that is wearable and distinctly Pinoy. Hopefully it will be embraced by the worldwide fashion landscape."
"I also wanted to be definitive with that very thin line of making the collection contemporary Pinoy fashion rather than traditional ethnic Filipino fashion, wherein lines are sometimes blurred to the naked eye."
Are there any particular influences that shaped your collection? How did they inspire your work?
"The most influential element which came into play in the collection is my heart for Philippine fashion and my advocacy for Philippine textile and indigenous weaves. I am a firm believer that with the right support and promotion, it can be a major player in the nation's economy. And for the local designers, including me as one of the more senior advocates, I see it fitting to be the first to encourage the continuity of the movement until it reaches a point wherein it’s a valuable contribution for everyone."
What are the main design elements in your collection? Are there any specific fabrics, materials, motifs, silhouettes, or colors that defined your collection?
"The main design elements in my collection celebrate the femininity of the Filipina and the evolution of the modern Filipino. I used available indigenous weaves such as Inaul and Tinalak from Mindanao, Hablon from the Panay Islands, silk from Miagao, Indang from Cavite, Inabel from Kalinga and Ilocos, Pina from Calabarzon and Visayas, and embroidery and beadwork from our local artisans that I matched with textiles from all over the globe."
"I divided the collection into segments. The first of which is a fully embroidered emerald gown, which is an ode to my 35th and to my mom Lourdes. Next is the colorful Inaul sa Mindanao Hpanggang sa Tinalak, the more muted Indang, Inabel, Burda at Pińa. Next comes the bolder Sa Itim, Sa Pula, Sa Puti, then it proceeds with a stroll down the romantic highway thru the Pastillas, Gatas, at Yema (Balintawak) before ending with my interpretation of Manila Wear.
What methods or crafting techniques did you use to construct your pieces? How long did it take to complete this collection?
"Since my design process starts with the inventory of the available fabrics I have, as an entrepreneur, I have to strike a balance between cost effectiveness and my design direction. I make use of patchwork and fabric manipulation, while closely monitoring my pattern makers, seamstresses, embroiderers, and beaders to achieve not only nearly perfect pieces, but also to be very cautious in wasting precious local textile and weaves. I started way back in 2020 at the height of the pandemic."
What specific message do you wish to convey through this collection? How do you want others to feel after watching your show?
"I meticulously crafted each piece for each segment in the hopes of sending a message to my fellow Pinoys all over the world that we should be the first to support our very own fashion. That support might be a catalyst to the further development of our weaves not only for local consumption but for the rest of the world."
"I am a strong believer that the only way we can ever be recognized in the global fashion landscape is if we make distinctly Pinoy pieces with hints and touches of worldwide trends. I want everyone to feel proud of being a Pinoy after watching the show with heads held high that we can compete and be a force to be reckoned with."
Can you share any fun fact or unknown trivia about any of your pieces?
"I started fitting the models as early as a month before so as not to rush. But lo and behold, my passion got the better of me and it turned out that we wanted to polish and fine-tune it even further. No one might believe this but three years were not enough as I had to spend sleepless nights a week or two leading up to the day of the show itself just to have all the finishing touches done. If everyone just knew what this collection required of me—body, mind, and spirit!"
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