In the Mood for Love

PHOTOGRAPHER: Irvin Rivera / graphicsmetropolis.com
MODELS:
Kendall Galan @No Ties
Jesse Somera @Photogenics
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Ryan Domigpe
PRODUCTION ASST: Francis Gum
ASST PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Darwin Abad
Ben Kui
STYLIST: James Juarez
ASST STYLIST: Victor Jonas
MAKE-UP ARTIST: Tokiko Inoue
HAIRSTYILIST: Nina Jo

VIDEOGRAPHER/EDITOR:

Manuel Quintanilla / cinematikartizan.com

FASHION:
ALBERT ANDRADA
ANTHONY FRANCO
EZRA
IBAY’S
LILLIAN SHALOM
OLIMA ATELIER
YEN RED AB
ASHTON MICHAEL
ZARA
THAT’S THEFFT
LUXE DE VILLE VINTAGE
KATHRYN AMBERLEIGH
BENCH
SILVERWORKS
AIISHA RAMADAN
DIOR
ARTURO RIOS
Comme De Garçon
FAUBOURG DU TEMPLE
NICOLAS JEBRAN
AUGUST FIELD
ARTURO RIOS
SHOWROOMS:
STYLE PR
For The Stars Fashion House
Fashion Forwards
Olima Atelier

Soundtrack: Angkor Wat Theme – Shigeru Umebayashi, In the Mood for Love

The post In the Mood for Love appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Fashion Designer

The beauty of fashion is the fact that it is constantly evolving in ways that are fresh and unprecedented. And to keep up with the industry’s unwavering pulse is to strike a balance between reinvention and one’s own design DNA. Leading fashion figure in the Middle East Ezra Santos, of Ezra Couture, has never ceased to amaze both loyal clientele and fashion critics each season.

Internationally recognized, he has showcased breathtaking couture collections through the years on runways from Dubai, to New York, to Harbin, China. As he continues to design for an elite clientele that consists of A-list celebrities and royals, Ezra lives by the simple yet poignant mantra that is: “One must innovate to simply exist.”

Ezra’s signature style spells timeless elegance, femininity, and drama. In 2019, his collection ‘Looking through the Eyes of Love,’ which graced the runway at Fashion Forward Dubai’s October edition, showcased a new facet of Ezra’s design sensibility – modern spun with an edgy neoclassical twist. Paying homage to Arabic women and the region’s distinct cultural aesthetic, the collection was received with immense acclaim.   Another testament to Ezra’s brilliance in drawing inspiration from culture is his take on traditional Philippine fashion elements and techniques in recent years.  He has created several collections with pieces based on the terno as well as classic weaving, reinterpreted into statement dresses and gowns for contemporary couture-wearers.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Ezra Santos

Fashion Designer

Fresh from his latest runway conquest at Harbin Fashion Week in China this January 2019, where he has represented both the UAE and the Philippines, Ezra Santos’ star continues to shine brightly as one of the most iconic Filipino designers of our generation.

With his position as a leading designer in the couture world in the Middle East and in the Philippines tightly-secured, Ezra’s demeanor, much like most of his designs, is luxuriously elegant, but distinctively effortless.

And his body of work has definitely earned his right of place.  Growing from strength to strength allowing him to make inroads even in other parts of the world including the US, Ezra maintains a steady clientele of royals, the elite, and A-listers.  Furthermore, his sharp acumen for innovation enabling him to churn out his unique fashion perspective at every turn has also kept his atelier as one of the wildly successful homegrown fashion businesses of Dubai.  Ezra shares as a matter-of-fact, “Challenges in the couture world are an understatement. This is why we always continue to observe the trend and enhance it through our own approach. One must innovate to exist.” He adds, “Innovation nowadays has been as fast as the clock ticks. One must thrive to improve for the better and create self-sufficient works that supersede mediocrity.”

Ezra’s excellent discipline in his field works in synergy with his unwavering determination, “Through persistence, nothing is unachievable; the same goes as if you do not believe your current condition could be better, motivation will be rare too.”

Believing in the power of the divine which he credits for his many triumphs and rising influence in the world, Ezra shares his perennial guiding light to his endeavors, “Prayers. Nothing in Ezra Couture or even in my personal life could possibly exist if not with prayers.  This has been a powerful tool that I could boldly share with others.  I also encourage others not to lose even a strand of hope in any situation.   Fashion trends, style choices, and collections come and go, but this one thing remains unmoved.”

……………………….

Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ezra Santos

In recent years, the contemporary incarnation of Filipiniana style had made its way to the illustrious runways of the US, Asia and the Middle East.  Thanks to Ezra Santos, a true modern day champion of the unique Filipino aesthetic, our fashion roots have been masterfully translated to the now, and have proven to be universally appealing, and indeed, both haute and hot.

By delving into what Philippine style can offer to the world, Ezra has also brought a new edge to the couture scene, putting to the fore unique silhouettes, ethnic materials, and techniques that are at once historical and fresh for an international audience.  Always driven by the quest for excellence, he shares, “Bring something new and reinforce it to the fashion world. Become an untradeable signature for every single masterpiece.”

Known to dress some of the most glamorous women from the royal, elite and celebrity circles from the Middle East to Hollywood, with his distinctively elegant pieces the designer swears by the value of determination, talent, and a positive outlook.  Ezra remarks, “More than just the hard work, I am certain about perseverance.   Moving forward with passion in everything that I do, sums up to perseverance.  He adds, “Attitude is essential.  Whatever comes your way, your approach to every situation matters. Be it good or bad situation; this is the one thing that will keep you moving.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Photography by: Rozen Antonio

Illustrado 100 was made possible by sponsors: Giordano, Liali Jewellery, Mitsubishi UAE- Al Habtoor Motors, Michael Cinco Couture, Mapúa Institute of Technology, Centro – Amwaj Rotana Hotel , Max’s Restaurant Middle East and GVER – Your Friendly MarketPlace for Sharing

Co-Sponsors: Herschel Supply Co., Rove Hotels, The Medical City – Dubai , Filipino Institute UAE, MPQ Tourism, JAMES Travel and Tours Dubai, Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant, The Original Barrio Fiesta Restaurant – Dubai and Tapa King UAE. 

Read more Illustrado 100 on www.illustradolife.com

The post Ezra Santos – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

All photos captured by Bethoven Filomeno (@caughtbybetongslens)

Michael Cinco

michaelcinco.com

Ezra Santos

ezracouture.co

Furne Amato

amatocouture.com

Ryan Pacioles

Atelier Zuhra

Read more on these designers: 

100MIFG – Michael Cinco

100MIFG – Ezra Santos

100MIFG – Furne One 

100MIFG – Ryan Pacioles 

Read more about Filipino Fashion on www.illustradolife.com

The post Filipino designers captivate audience at Fashion Forward 2019 appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

It’s our 12th year anniversary and what’s a more fitting way to celebrate than asking the fabulous fashion circle of UAE to come party with us in their own interpretation of our theme for the evening: “Dark Seduction”.

Spoiler alert? They did not disappoint! One thing we love about our parties is our attendees; because they don’t just show up — they come through in the most stylish way. So expect nothing but darkly seductive looks!

Set in the ultra Insta-worthy naughty Barbary Deli + Cocktail, people took advantage of the 1930’s vibe of the place to pose, snap and dance the night away! Headlining our guest list are fashion industry’s iconic “Holy Trinity” Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, and Furne One Amato and since it’s also our Big Fashion Issue, top designers in the UAE were also present at the party! Statuesque Phio Enaje came in his mysterious version of the dandy look, Yen AB showcased his impressive signature stone studded cap. Casting Director of Fashion Forward Dubai, the svelte Michael Amazona was present along with Dubai’s fashionphiles. Notable fashion photographers Rozen Antonio and Jef Anog also did not miss out while make-up maven Valentino Montuerto and dazzlingly skilled stylists Joe Dark and The Style Curators Dubai served us with some fashion extravaganza!

Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes also clocked in with his wife Madame Yasmin Balajadia – Cortes who stunned everyone with her elegant beaded black dress. CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle East Ishwar Chugani also joined us as well as remarkable personalities from the business industry like Philippine Business Council Dubai Chairman Bobbie Carella.

We can go on with the name dropping but we think we should just show you:

https://www.facebook.com/illustradomagazine/photos/ms.c.eJxlk8ltBUAMQjuKvIy3~;huL8g9R8rgiBozNuHm7xZsZs7LyL~;9FeoiM~_1~_kotbK~_CqAVDwgzw7KZSVe5KzLhJfkBHUqE~_5xVE4jJ83JCXqlM3u~_IeJLJASpJpJMmi~_Yqzhzic4E59kkUiWcJ8pD9~_3jq2Wulkbl59D~;lFc4Jd04es0zmVBucbzgPHYjRzZW7Gobsz~;pxjQ7v9KxXm61gzOvzix77uSeZ5FrzRycWya9pvvVg~;slX7X8pktmv~_KVf5bBvyxeT7JrW~;JznW9T~;e70.bps.a.10161024772900051/10161024777005051/?type=3&theater

Take a peek at our livestream before the event:

So for those of us who have fun in fashion, it’s a Monday night that is worth remembering – not only because of the music, the naughty vibe and everybody’s love for dressing up, but most importantly, it was an occasion when we all came together to celebrate a community overflowing with so much talent, passion and respect for one another.

Special thanks to: Emirates Airline and Barbary Deli + Cocktail

The post WHO WORE WHAT?! ‘Dark Seduction’ at Illustrado’s Intimate 12th Anniversary Fashion Bash appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

EZRA SANTOS

Fashion Designer

If there is one designer in the region who has utilized and championed Filipino design aesthetics to great effect, it is the divine Ezra Santos.  His offering at Fashion Forward’s October 2016 edition with the haute couture reincarnation of the humble ‘banig’ as ‘piece de resistance’ was not only a feat in fashion design and fabrication, but also a triumph of indigenous Filipino artistic sense re-interpreted for the world.

The collection which consisted of stunning, painstakingly hand-woven Filipiniana-esque pieces was an astonishing follow-up to Ezra’s past assemblages featuring refined contemporary creations inspired by the Maria-Clara and terno dresses, not to mention the iconic ‘Imeldific’ butterfly sleeves.

This time around, apart from promoting Filipino culture, which he believes is part of his calling, the designer has also dedicated his show to his artisans, commemorating his atelier’s 12th year anniversary and sharing the glory especially with those who have been there with him from the very beginning.  2016 not only marks a special birthday for his business.  It is also the year when he has finally become sole proprietor for his brand, quite a rare privilege for very few fashion entrepreneurs in the country.

Ezra who is deeply spiritual reflects “This was a year of blessings and breakthroughs and I am very thankful. One reason that has always kept me strong and courageous is knowing that I was never alone in my journey. My best friend, confidant and adviser, our Lord, has always been there.”

Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

The post Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ezra Santos – Trailblazer appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

ILLUSTRADO STUFF: Christmas Wishlist

Of course we at Team Illustrado desire world peace – that is, in addition to THESE!

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ, Editor-In-Chief

Advanced concert tickets and a Paris trip in June 2017 to watch the international premiere of Joe Hisaishi Symphonic Concert: Music from the Studio Ghibli Films of Hayao Miyazaki. 

An extravagant gift fit for a music/Studio Ghibli nerd! The music of iconic Studio Ghibli films of Academy Award-winner Hayao Miyazaki  (2002 “Animated Feature Film” for “Spirited Away” and 2014 Honorary Award) featuring Joe Hisaishi’s celebrated scores will be performed live by the Paris-based symphony orchestra and choir Orchestre et Chœur Lamoureux at two concerts in June 2017 at the Palais des Congrès de Paris. A lady can dream!

RAMON BENITEZ, Creative Director

A local get away!

Something I always look forward during the winter season- to see one of the most beautiful places in Oman. A stay at the Hatta Fort Hotel can really mean something. The view of the Hajar mountains from the cozy chalet is it for me! A one and a half-hour drive, you get transported to another world – to the little Italy in Oman.

NICHOLO JALLORES, Associate Editor

A dog

I really want a dog. But I will only get a dog if I have enough space, so I guess what I really want is a bigger home. But I cannot afford a bigger home just yet, so I guess what I really want is more money. But homes are expensive, so I need a lot of money. So I guess what I really want is 100 million dollars. For the dog, I mean.

RONY PAGTAKHAN, Barangay Kapitana

Hermes Birkin Bag

I’m not really into bags, but if I were to be gifted a designer bag of my choosing, eh lulubusin ko na! An Hermes bag is forever. Simple and elegant design na hindi nalalaos. Puwede ko pang ipamana, isanla, o ibenta. I got inspired when I saw Ezra Santos carrying one. Very classic and understated, but commands attention and respect.

ALWEE VILLAROSA, Marketing Coordinator

Netflix and Apple Music Subscription

I enjoy spending time with myself as much as I enjoy other people’s company. So this Christmas, I want to have a free 1-year subscription to Netflix and Apple Music. My mind would be at peace if I don’t have to worry about how “I wasn’t able to get most out of this month’s payment” because I’m doing other things. But on a much cheesier note, DXB-MNL-DXB ticket would be nice too! I just want to visit the places I used to go to with my friends and fam.

________________________________________________________________________

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The post ILLUSTRADO STUFF: Christmas Wishlist appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

From lending his sartorial talent to top fashion houses in Saudi Arabia and Dubai to establishing his very own haute couture brand EZRA that is now considered as one of the most esteemed high fashion labels in the region, Ezra Santos has indeed made an illustrious name for himself.

Known for his signature style nestled on a foundation of clean elegant lines, which consistently pushes boundaries with a fresh point-of-view, and blessed with just the right touch of dainty, as well as mindful and measured use of embellishments and detailing, Ezra’s masterpieces are coveted by the region’s gliteratti.

Looking back, the designer attributes the start of his ascent to his first gala show, “In the Beginning” which claimed roaring applause during its staging at the Madinat Jumeirah. Then months after, his remarkable ‘Afrique d’Or’ collection made it to New York where he earned a standing ovation from the world’s fashion critics and gurus at his show that at the Couture Fashion Week. Thereafter, a string of successful shows in the UAE and the Philippines, and just recently, Vietnam under the banner of the Asian Couture Federation, and the rest is history. Now, Ezra shares a position of distinction with fellow Filipinos Furne One and Michael Cinco as the UAE’s Kings of Couture.

Having dressed beautiful Arab women from the elite and royal families, Ezra’s divine creations have also adorned A-list celebrities such as the Middle Eastern star Haifa Wehbe, international pop superstar Britney Spears and Hollywood actress Michelle Rodriguez among many glamorous others.

The post Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ezra Santos – The Divine Style Createur appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Nowhere is the special role and capacity of women in facilitating cross-cultural understanding more apparent than in the case of the group FLAG (Filipino Ladies Association for Growth).

Composed of the Diplomatic Ladies of the Philippine Consulate General of Dubai & the Northern Emirates, and supported by a select group of prominent Filipina leaders, FLAG was founded by Mme Lu Cimafranca – wife of former Phil Consul General Head Hon. Frank Cimafranca in 2014, and is now lead by Mme Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes wife of current PCG Consul General Hon. Paul Raymund Cortes. Mme. Cortes explains, “FLAG’s main objective is to enhance the role of Filipino ladies in the UAE through active participation in community events. It focuses on women empowerment and the advancement and the promotion of Philippine culture. We hope to raise awareness among the various ethnic communities in the UAE about what the Filipina woman can contribute and achieve in this country’s multicultural landscape.”

Speaking on the special role of women in the community, particularly the contribution that diplomatic spouses bring to the table, Mme Cortes elucidates, “Spouses provide the foundation for diplomats to keep grounded especially when the world of diplomacy and consular issues gets rough. In addition, we complement their work plans most often in socials and cultural events. There are many instances where the informal and back channels work more effectively than the formal and official route and this is where the spouses play a decisive and crucial role.”

Last year, FLAG spearheaded the Terno Ball in the UAE which brought Filipino trailblazers and the diplomatic community together. The group has also provided support to some charity organizations. Continuing on, Mme Cortes shares, “We will be working on the Filipiniana Ball which we hope could showcase the uniqueness of Filipino fashion and highlight the renowned creativity that have produced superb talents like Michael Cinco, Furne One, and Ezra Santos. We also hope to plan more activities in the next couple of months.” She also adds that FLAG will also pursue worthwhile advocacies back home especially those related to disaster relief and support for less-privileged children.

“We are excited to work with everyone here most especially in projects that would uplift the image of the Filipino in the emirates. Rest assured, I will continue playing an active role in ensuring that our women are empowered and confident of what they could contribute in this part of the world,” she concludes.

The post Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Filipino Ladies Association for Growth (FLAG) appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Photos From the Illustrado Fashion Editorial – Amor Vincit Omnia; Haute Couture – Ezra Santos; Creative Director – Michael Cinco; Photography – Jef Anog; Hair & Make-Up – Valentino Montuerto Jasmin; Models – (Luna of MMG Models), Karo and Nikola of The AgenC

If Michael Cinco is all about grandiose beauty, Furne One the master of dark drama, and Rocky Gathercole continues to play shock and awe, Ezra Santos’ domain is firmly placed on the altar of refined elegance.

It has been a decade since we started Ezra-spotting – watching and imbibing this Filipino designer’s divine definition of fashion.  From the time he unveiled the startling Ezra dress – with string upon strings of pearls draped as a bodice, to his first gala held for the Middle East glitterati, his debut in New York at the Couture Fashion Week, and through his various shows at Dubai Fashion Forward, and Philippine Fashion Week.

If Michael Cinco is all about grandiose beauty, Furne One the master of dark drama, and Rocky Gathercole continues to play shock and awe, Ezra Santos’ domain is firmly placed on the altar of refined elegance.

His signature style nestled on a foundation of clean elegant lines, consistently pushes boundaries with a fresh point-of-view, and is blessed with just the right touch of dainty, as well as mindful and measured use of embellishments and detailing.  Nothing more that will make the piece look the least bit ostentatious, yet nothing less to make it another generic and safe fashion rehash. 

Flawless. Disciplined. Beautiful.  

That definitive aesthetic is no more pronounced than in his collection this year. Stamped with Filipiniana inspiration featuring contemporary interpretations of the Maria Clara dress of another era – Ezra’s current style assemblage showcases incarnations of the baro with its voluminous sleeves, as well as the ultra feminine paňuelo.  Curve hugging serpentina dresses with a new version of the butterfly sleeve emulate the terno.  The collection was an astounding exercise in merging both traditional and contemporary fabrics, as well as old and new techniques that typically won’t find themselves side-by-side on the same runway.  Abaca, piňa, and tulle, including space age neoprene, in a barely there palette of blush, soft pinks, and peach with an unexpected smattering of deep fuschia, provided the canvass to hand painting, 3D laser-cutting, as well as laborious beadwork. 

All in all, elements were deftly combined to make up a collection that is on one hand, fresh and current, but on the other, rooted in timeless elegance.

Interestingly enough, this the second time Ezra has brought Filipino style to the international runway.  The first instance was when he unveiled his Imeldific revolutionalized terno at his Dubai gala in 2010.  What is pleasantly surprising though, is that even in this second display, his inventive streak has been successful yet again, at churning out something that is new, albeit built on the old.  Quite an edge, compared to other Filipiniana-oriented designers who somehow seem shackled to the dictates of tradition. 

Perhaps, even more admirable, is that fact that the inspiration for his collection is deeper and goes beyond the mere creation of another fashion moment, a new trend, and opportunity for more business for his atelier.

Asked why he keeps on campaigning for Filipino style, a risk averse to commercial considerations, Ezra Santos shares, “I feel it is my duty to promote our country through fashion. If we won’t do it, who else will?”

Click here to check out our previous articles on Ezra Santos

The post Ezra Santos: Ezra Enraptured appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Photos by Eros Goze

Filipino Culture showcased at prestigious Terno Ball in Dubai

Illustrado, under the patronage of the Diplomatic Ladies of the Philippine Consulate General together with the Ladies of the Filipino Community in the UAE hosted a unique and prestigious showcase of Filipino culture in the United Arab Emirates for a select group of VIPs.

The Terno Ball, attended by some 300 diplomatic dignitaries, as well as leading community figures, was held on the 7^th of November at The Atlantis Hotel – The Palm Jumeirah.  A highlight of the event is the “Rigodon de Honor” – a traditional Filipino-Spanish quadrille folk dance, performed by select Philippine Consulate General staff members.  Dancers from the United International Private School and the Filipino Dancesport Social Club performed folk dances “Sayaw sa Bangko” and “Tinikling.”  Filipino fashion designers, including Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, Jimi Buenconsejo, Bandoix Flores, Carla Fuentes, Alberr Fontanilla, Bambi Alcantara and Nelson Buhain, also showcased one-of-a-kind Filipiniana-inspired couture gowns.

According to Mrs. Lucila Cimafranca, wife of Philippine Consul General Frank Cimafranca and main patron of the event, “It is our hope that through this event, we will able to share and champion the magnificent beauty of the Filipino culture on the world stage. Many Filipinos have experienced great triumph in the UAE. This momentous gathering is an opportunity to pay tribute to these trailblazing kabayans, and also a chance for us to show our gratitude to the country and community that has been a truly gracious and generous host to the Filipino people.”

The event is sponsored by BMW, Ghena Tourism, Ayala Land International, Al Saif Group of Companies, The Farm at San Benito, Ariel Weddings and Rotana Hotel.

Special thanks to: MODELS:  Ann Llagas, Glacy Marano, Benedickte Namia-Gamelgaard and FLC Models and Events; HAIR & MAKE-UP TEAM:  Jhoana Nelissen, Yhence Sioting, Maricel and Bobby Caparas.

The post Filipino Dubai: The First Terno Ball in the UAE appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.