Ronaldo Arnaldo: Dream weaver

Ronaldo Arnaldo’s collection received favorable reviews during the last Phillippine Fashion Week Holiday 2013. Arnaldo was inspired by the concept of the “intrinsic pattern lock” — distinctive or individual patterns, prints or fabrics that transform into something new when fused together by a hint of color, or by an interesting detail resulting in a fresh and updated version.

“I came across some very interesting fabric with unique prints and details such as the solihiya (rattan weave pattern) and the woven silver and black satin that looks like a painter’s brush strokes. I accidentally piled them together and thought, ‘why not combine them?’ With the aid of another detail (structural flounces or asymmetric patterns) or a striking color combination (emerald green and cobalt blue), it worked! The look is more updated and modern. The entire capsule collection is more on luxe dresses that are so easy to wear and will definitely fit any event without being too flashy or too boring. I’ve observed that the market now is on fashion that is interesting but at the same time not too basic and too trendy. Something that would last several seasons from now. Some sort of an investment dressing. I’m so delighted to hear my clients telling me that, ‘I still wear the dress you made for me five years ago.’ So this is where my fashion philosophy is geared to: practicality and value for money without sacrificing quality,” Arnaldo explains.

Looking back from the first time Arnaldo had participated in Philippine Fashion Week (about 10 years ago), he is thrilled and amazed about the evolution of his design aesthetics. “I can’t believe I have done hundreds of designs and ideas already. Over the seasons, I have created a portfolio of my collections. With this portfolio I was able to stamp my ‘look,’ which makes my design distinctive, always reinventing but still maintaining this stamp. I guess this sort of an exploration continuous to propel my creativity. This is what I love in fashion designing,” shares Arnaldo.

He says he is always challenged to create new ideas twice a year just as what designers in other parts of the world are exactly doing. “I feel global. It opens doors to a lot of other possibilities.”

 Right now, Arnaldo is doing online retailing and high-end uniform concepts aside from the usual wedding entourage and formal gowns and dresses. His exposure from fashion shows has a long-term effect mileage-wise. “Doing shows makes a designer current and active as perceived by the public. For me, the ultimate fulfillment is to see my clothes being worn in real life after being shown on the runway. I believe it is the balance of creativity and marketing that’s important for a designer to survive in this cutthroat world of fashion designing,” shares Arnaldo.

(Ronaldo Arnaldo’s atelier is located at 2384 P. Ocampo Sr. Ave. (Vito Cruz Ext.), Brgy. San Antonio, Makati City. For more information,

call 0917-525-9823.)

Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Model: MARIANNA HENUD • All clothes by RONALDO ARNALDO • Hair and makeup by RAZ RIMOR of BUZZCUTS • Art direction by REM DIVINO • Production assistant: KINNY ANDRADA • Shot on location at the ALABANG TOWN CENTER • Special thanks to Javi Hernandez of Ayala Commercial Group and Tintin Enriquez of the Alabang Town Center