Of tango, flamenco and everything in between

When entertainment editor Gie Trillana requested me to accompany her to Albert Figueras’ Couture (atelier located at Rizal Village 1129 Antipolo, Makati City), my answer to her was, of course, an affirmative.

Figueras is Trillana’s designer of choice for the modern Filipiniana outfit she will wear during the 8th Eddys Awards, slated on 20 July in the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.

Some of Figueras’ celebrity muses are Max Eigenmann, Eugene Domingo, Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon, Celeste Legaspi, Rio Locsin, Pilar Pilapil and Manila’s high society ladies.

Designing for Trillana

Figueras was all smiles as he sketched the modern Filipiniana ensemble for Trillana.

“I am using inabel fabric for your outfit,” said Figueras. “It’s a versatile Filipino fabric. . Right now, using local fabrics, and showing the many ways on how to create it as a dress, gown or even a terno, is popular. I believe it is not even a fad. It is here to stay. And it is not only us who are loving it, but foreigners as well.

“The Terno Con, which is a flagship project of a local clothing brand, truly helped in the appreciation, promotion and patronage of our fabrics and textiles and made wearing Filipino dresses and outfits a matter of national pride, not just being fancy or ‘in.’”

On the topic of being fashion-forward, Figueras said: “I appreciate the people who believe in the said movement. Most especially for the millennials and the Gen Zs, most of them know what they want to wear, they are not afraid to experiment. Their outfits are their ways to express themselves.”

His sketch for Trillana was finished, presented it to her, and the sweet smile and satisfaction on her face was evident.

Prior to taking her measurements, Figueras expressed his admiration for men wearing skirts, “That is a big no-no especially in this macho society of ours before,” said the seasoned haute couture designer. “Now, artists like Harry Styles, or locally, Xian Lim, SB19’s Pablo, carry skirts with confidence and swag. Also, men with an abundance of neck accessories, even the wearing of pearls, plus their painted finger nails, exciting times, indeed.”

Tango and Flamenco

Trillana and this columnist share the same natal day, 26 June, and on that date this year, Figueras presented his Tango and Flamenco fashion collection in Fashion Forte XXIV, which was produced by Nardie Montoya Presa and directed by Audie Ac-ac Espino.

Figueras’ classic and polished designs were most evident in his collection. The dresses, predominantly in red, with a handful in black and gold, blended simplicity with elegance — never loud, but always memorable. “It is my 40th year as a designer, and the jewel that represents the said digit is the ruby; that is why most of the pieces presented on the catwalk were in red.”

Of the tango and flamenco theme, “The drama, fire, heat and passion from these dances from Argentina and Spain, I put their essences and distinctions in the collection. Sexy and seductive, yes, but never bordering on trying hard to unveil skin.”

In a Facebook post by Ina Campillo, it said: “As always, Albert did not disappoint. His Spanish-themed collection brought the house down. To introduce his collection, he opened with a fantastic flamenco dance number by teacher Angel of Fundacion Centro Flamenco, and this was followed by the fashion collection, which was mostly in red, the color of desire, love and passion.”

Figueras’ fashion aesthetics and creations reflect the beauty and grace of the Filipina, emphasizing it with soft silhouettes, elegant colors and smart styling.

“Classy, confident, cosmopolitan and who know their life purpose and do them well are my kind of women,” Figueras said.

His picks for models include the most fashionable Filipina celebrities like Janine Gutierrez, (Pilita Corrales, Janine’s grandmother, used to be one of his muses), Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey, Iza Calzado and Kim Chiu.

And now, Gie Trillana of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED) is part of them. And also yours truly, an “honorary woman,” I must say, for I do have my share of Albert Figueras couture.