Cover Pepito Albert (Photo by Margarita Forés / Instagram)
Pepito Albert (Photo by Margarita Forés / Instagram)
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Last Sunday, May 28, the Philippine fashion world lost a celebrated name
It was a sorrowful day for the Philippine fashion industry. Pepito Albert, the veteran Filipino designer whose works ranged from traditional barongs to splendid gowns, died at the age of 63.
Albert was known for the clean lines, subtle drapery, precise construction, and rich fabrics that engulf the core of his design. His fellow colleagues in the industry hold him and his works in high regard—with him already being a staple in the design game.
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Just last February 5, he was able to showcase one of his last works: a gorgeous collection with designers BARBA, JC Buendia, Tonichi Nocom, and Randy Ortiz at Pintô Art Museum through a fashion show titled Algodon.
Above One of Pepito Albert’s works for Algodon
One of Pepito Albert’s works for Algodon
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He was one of the few veteran designers who consistently incorporated Filipino culture in his works. His death is a resounding loss in the Philippine fashion industry.
Rajo Laurel, a fellow fashion designer, shares the same sentiments. He even took to Instagram to share his thoughts and to wish his friend a final goodbye.
“My dear Pepito, my mentor, my teacher, my boss, my friend. Thank you for everything. The world is truly less brighter now. I will see you in my dreams,” Laurel says.
Margarita Forés also took the time to pay her respects. “Fly high to the heavens, my dearest Pepito. With a deep hole in my heart, I won’t say goodbye. You will be with me forever.”
Another one of the designer’s closest friends is Margie Moran Floirendo, who was distraught over the turn of events. “I will never forget how you made me feel beautiful in your designs. I will miss the lunches with Carol Garcia and @agnesiath and in your beautiful home in Matuod with your neighbour, the late Nina Halley. Rest in Paradise, my dear Pepito Albert,” she says.
The late designer, before greeting death like an old friend, had a fruitful life. He studied fashion design in Los Angeles and launched his first collection in the same city in 1987. Fast forward to 1991 and he returned to his home, the Philippines. He soon became a favourite among the country’s affluent circles. He earned his name fair and square, and that is how everyone will remember him.
Albert, his works, ingenuity, and his memory will remain.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
