Cover For the upcoming fundraising gala at Bowers Museum, Alexis Monsanto designed an all-black long sleeve with high collar silk velvet column gown with one-sided slit. A gold twin dragon in 3D laser-cut embroidery and black silk chiffon cape completes the look.
For the upcoming fundraising gala at Bowers Museum, Alexis Monsanto designed an all-black long sleeve with high collar silk velvet column gown with one-sided slit. A gold twin dragon in 3D laser-cut embroidery and black silk chiffon cape completes the look.
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Filipino-born couturier Alexis Monsanto, now based in Hollywood, proudly showcases his Qin Dynasty-inspired Asian fashion collection at the Bowers Museum Gala this May 22. This is in conjunction with the highly anticipated opening of the ‘World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries’ exhibition
Esteemed Hollywood fashion expert Alexis Monsanto’s latest collection is to be unveiled exclusively during the Bowers Museum’s fundraising gala on May 22.
Showcasing his signature blend of feminine, timeless and elegant designs crafted from exquisite fabrics with origami treatment, manipulation, and 3D processing, the intricate works take inspiration from the Qin Dynasty’s imperial court and other important cultural elements of the era. This is in harmony with the museum’s highly anticipated exhibition, World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries.
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Above Save the date poster for the fundraising gala of the Bowers Museum, featuring the couture collection designed by Alexis Monsanto
Save the date poster for the fundraising gala of the Bowers Museum, featuring the couture collection designed by Alexis Monsanto
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The Filipino-born couturier is an alumnus of the Otis College of Art and Design and has founded his Hollywood-based atelier that has dressed some of the most glamorous stars in ‘la la land’, such as Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale, Karol G, Mariah Carey, Felicity Hoffman, Jennifer Coolidge, as well as Olympic gold medallists in the past.
For the museum’s fundraising gala, guests are to experience unexpected looks from his atelier, including dramatic, bold, and sophisticated contemporary silhouettes with impasto hand painting on silk, embroideries, intricate embellishments like Swarovski crystals, laser cutting, embossing, and impeccable craftsmanship.
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Silver and grey lantern gown, with the halter top inspired by dragon scales. The grey lace embroidered beaded skirt has a sweeping train decorated with ostrich feather with Swarovski crystals details.
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Promising to be a captivating visual complement to the Terracotta Warriors exhibition, Monsanto drew creative inspirations from the exquisite jewels and precious stones worn by women in Emperor Qin’s court and from depictions of mythological dragons and other creatures used in the colourful art of the era. Undoubtedly, the momentous evening will be brimming with art, fashion, and international cultural exchange, all in the spirit of philanthropy.
To make this possible, Monsanto collaborated with select international artisans and luxury brands, including Delvaux for the red carpet clutches, as well as Van Cleef & Arpels and Mikimoto for the pieces of jewellery.
Above Filipino-born couturier Alexis Monsanto, now based in Hollywood, has been commissioned by the Bowers Museum to do a couture collection in conjunction with its Terracotta Warriors exhibition
Filipino-born couturier Alexis Monsanto, now based in Hollywood, has been commissioned by the Bowers Museum to do a couture collection in conjunction with its Terracotta Warriors exhibition
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Monsanto’s journey from the Philippines to Hollywood is indeed inspiring. After earning a pre-medical degree, the fashion world called him early on, which brought him to a prominent boutique in Cebu City. The owner, Leonardo Igloria, took him under his wing and taught him the basics of how to design, draw style lines, attend fittings of a garment, add trims, and design embroideries in building a garment for a certain client.
Inspired by the works of iconic personalities in fashion like Gianfranco Ferre, Emanuel Ungaro, and Valentino, he worked his way to reach Los Angeles and earn a fashion degree and an MFA at the Otis College of Art and Design.
In 2011, Monsanto was a finalist in the KTLA5 Catwalk competition. He then became the station’s red carpet commentator during awards season. Eventually, he earned the reputation of being a leading figure in the fashion industry for over a decade, headlining LA Fashion Week and being recognised by LA Fashion Magazine as “runway visionary” for his innovative designs and theatrical presentation.
In his Facebook post last April 19, announcing this milestone in his career, Monsanto concluded with “I’m brown and proud! This is a monumental feat! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!”
The exhibition at the Bowers Museum opens on May 24 for members and will continue to be open to the public until October 19. The exhibition at the Bowers Museum is jointly organised by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, and the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum of the People’s Republic of China.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
