Hollywood-based Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino has been invited to show at United Colors of Fashion (UCOF) in New York on September 9. Tolentino will be 1 of 5 designers from around the world to participate in the annual charity fashion event at the prestigious Pierre Hotel on 5th Avenue off Central Park in Manhattan.
According to its website, UCOF is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enlist creative, gifted, and underprivileged aspiring artists in New York who have dreams of being in the fashion industry-arts and give them the tools to make their dreams come true.
Additionally, the organization aims to provide financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia and paralysis living in South Africa and Asia who are at risk and unable to obtain services through normal channels.
The other four designers this year include Amparo Chorda from Spain, David Tlale from South Africa, Louda Larrain from New York, and Eric Raisina from Cambodia. Tolentino is representing the Philippines and the U.S. since he has a boutique in each country.
Tolentino plans to showcase his native Filipino fabrics in his 12-piece collection by using pineapple fiber (piña), abaca plant fiber, and raw silk cocoon. In recent years Tolentino has advised his country's weavers and embroiderers on how to modernize their centuries-old fabrics for the international market, and he has introduced them at Fashion Week El Paseo (Palm Springs), Downtown L.A. Fashion Week, Islands of the World Fashion Week (Bahamas), EcoChic events (Hong Kong, Geneva, Milan, and Singapore), and the OSCARS® Designer Challenge (Hollywood).
In 2009, Tolentino became the first ever Philippines-based designer to expand to the U.S. when he opened his Melrose Avenue atelier and boutique in West Hollywood. In 2 short years Hollywood celebrities have taken note of his meticulous attention to detail and finishings. His creations have been worn by Vivica A Fox, Kimora Lee Simmons, Amber Riley (to Golden Globes), Jenna Uskowitz, Sophia Bush, Spice Girls' Mel B, Macy Gray, Patti Austin, Lea Salonga, Tatyana Ali ( to win at the Image Awards), Eva La Rue, Aly Michalka, Molly Burnett, Wendy Davis, Niecy Nash, Camille Grammer, and Cee Lo Green (in “I Want You” video & to perform on the American Billboard Awards).
United Colors of Fashion takes place Friday, September 9th, which is also the first night of New York Fashion Week. UCOF is preceded by a silent auction reception and the five designers' sixty-piece fashion show is followed by a VIP after-party.
United Colors of Fashion (UCOF)
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