Oskar Atendido now choreographs with filigree

Oskar Atendido was well known as a top fashion director in the 1970s, which included the much- acclaimed Bagong Anyo and the Miss Universe International beauty pageant in Manila.  A decade later, he started toying with local materials for fashion accessories and joined the Philippine International Trading Corporation which was  then at the forefront of exporting high-quality local goods under Nonoy Yulo.    

On a trip to Vigan, an appreciation for filigree jewelry blossomed when he  realized that this arduous  process  produced a finished product that was amazingly light and airy.  This technique has been popular for over four centuries, with the painstaking but awesome work of art comprised of twisted metal threads and tiny beads fused together to resemble  metallic lace.

Looking through Oskar’s collection, he explained, “One of the most familiar filigree works is the  tambourine. It also represents one of the oldest Philippine styles of  jewelry that goes back to colonial times, when most of the adornments used were based on religious objects commonly used by the Catholic faithful — rosaries, scapulars and medals.”

Making sure that our Philippine heritage will always be incorporated in his designs, he works with experienced local craftsmen, using an alloy of copper and silver as the base metal electroplated with 24k gold to prevent tarnishing.  

Inspirations for Oskar’s pieces originated from our pre-Hispanic past (tribal)  and colonial Spain, combined with modern touches.

Freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones are  sometimes added as accent pieces to create one-of-a-kind items.  What’s more, they are reasonably priced (starting at P7,500). The collection can be found at  Firma (Makati), Spirit of Asia (Magsaysay Building, Roxas Blvd.) and the Cora Manimbo shop (Greenhills).

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