On a quiet Tuesday afternoon in a three-story building in one of the busiest districts of Metro Manila, Filipino designer Puey Quiñones‘ Atelier stands out with its full-length bay windows; looking up from the outside, you can see pots of plants in different sizes lined up in several corners, providing shade and cover from the infamous humidity and heat that the Metro is known for, apart from that, it gives an illusion of privacy to the ongoings happening inside. It’s a sign of what to expect from one of the most intriguing designers in the country.
There is no denying that Quiñones has undoubtedly made his mark. Over the years, he’s been hailed as a legend for his innovative approach to Filipino fashion and design, incorporating a seamless fusion of European haute couture with a touch of Filipino flair. His Atelier is a clear representation of that. From his days working under designers Dennis Lustico, Rhett Eala, and Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Puey learned how to manipulate fabric in a way that became his trademark.
Inside Quiñones’ Atelier
Fast forward to Tuesday’s event, Quiñones is about to unveil his 2024 Holiday collection, which, according to him, is an ode to the grand old masters of couture. “My vision for the show is to bring back the spirit of haute couture, specifically during its heyday in the 50s. Designers from Paris would entertain their clients at their respective ateliers, which is a straightforward yet powerful way of making the presentation exclusive and intimate.” Says Quiñones. It’s a far cry from the ‘exclusive’ drops of collections we see everywhere nowadays on social media since this is the trendy/new way of letting people know what is going on.
What made Puey decide to step back from all the noise was his desire to follow in the footsteps of the greats: Dior, Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Cristobal Balenciaga by presenting to the exclusive few a stunning 11-piece collection that demonstrates his ability as a world-class designer.
According to Quiñones, being a fashion designer isn’t just about creating dresses; it all boils down to understanding their clientele to the core, from their body to their personality. “It’s really different from Ready-to-Wear because what I do isn’t just about the clothes; it’s the essence of couture and who I am as a designer,” he said.
Glamour, timelessness, and playfulness were the three words Puey used to describe this presentation. The aim was to introduce the brand’s made-to-measure experience. It reinforced his identity as a comprehensive and holistic lifestyle brand, from art to fashion and food.
The Collection
For this Holiday 2024 series, he drew inspiration from the polished-waisted glamour of the 1950s, incorporating elegant tailoring and feminine silhouettes. The pieces highlighted quality and rich fabrications, seamlessly blending luxurious new textiles and materials sourced from Italy and the United States with traditional local materials.
Look 2
Amid the opulent blues and browns of the Atelier and its coral-like chandeliers, the designer’s signature sculpted works took centerstage, from fuchsia pink and lemon yellow cascades of flowing silk chiffon and geometrically structured silk taffeta frocks to graceful silhouettes of black and white and delicate classic headpieces, each piece was a testament to Quiñones’ masterful craftsmanship.
The latest collection proved Quiñones’ prowess in womenswear and demonstrated his distinctive taste for menswear. A green-tailored suit with a pleated accent alongside a modern interpretation of the Barong Tagalog reflected his commitment to redefining heritage styles with contemporary flair. The union of womanly contours, elaborate ornamentation, and timeless draping underscored Quiñones’ dedication to the impeccable, appealing to a diverse and discerning clientele seeking refined and innovative yet culturally resonant design statements.
Inside Puey’s Mind: Insights for Designers and the Importance of Keeping Heritage Intact.
On questioning him about the future of Filipino fashion, Puey shares his thoughts about the industry and how it has a long way to go to become a global fashion powerhouse. However, there is a silver lining; it has the potential to be one. “Our rich textile making heritage has the potential to grow and skyrocket if we arcanook for ways in which we can help creatives and artisans grow simultaneously by bringing in new technology and techniques to help sustain and translate our heritage fabrics for the global market.” This has always been one of the biggest challenges that many local designers encounter since they hope to break through the industry’s glass ceiling, and while many try, very few truly get the hang of things.
“I admire our Filipino heritage, and I firmly believe that we need to preserve it. However, I also believe that we really need to understand that the real concept of fashion, at the end of the day, is business. We still need to make money to keep doing what we love; otherwise, the whole fashion house will go down.
One piece of advice that Puey can give new designers about striking a fine chord between being an artist and a businessman is the importance of having a good team and sticking to what you know best. “My husband Paul acts as a co-chair in the company with me. At the same time, I’m also the Creative Director. When it comes to what I do, it’s my sole responsibility to take care of the brand’s image while other members of my team take care of other sectors.”
After all these years in the industry, Puey learned that in order to be successful, one has to delegate. This is why, despite whatever anyone else may say, Quinones has done very well for him since, and it looks like we’ll be seeing more of him quite soon.
Credits Make-up: Lon Suarez | Hair: Mar Vin | Photographer: Gerald Gloton | Special thanks to Kevin Conopio & Patrick Rosas
For more on Puey: www.pueyquinones.com
