Dennis Lustico: Making it in America
Imelda Marcos once said, “If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.” The maxim holds true now for not just the East Coast but for the West Coast as well. That side of the US has bred Macs, Kitson and Rachel Zoe.
Another Filipino designer about to make it in America, our very own Dennis Lustico, is now about to present his debut collection in San Francisco this Nov. 14.
“To be a part of this project is a privilege. What I like most about this show is the objective of the organizers, Philippine International Aid headed by Lisa Yuchengco, which is very inspiring,” says Dennis. The show will not only hig hlight the talent of yet another great Filipino designer before a western audience, but all the sales of the clothes flown to the Marriot Union Square in San Francisco will also benefit the organization.
“It is a good feeling to know that, in a little way, I am helping other people, too,” Dennis shares, rising above the usual froth of fashion events.
Currently they have over a thousand children enrolled in various public schools in Metro Manila and the PID also provides assistance in terms of health, shelter and psychological services for the youth in the San Francisco Bay area.
When it came to imagining and creating the clothes, Dennis wanted to utilize our native materials in a new way: “The challenge is how to make a collection that’s Filipino without using materials such as piña, jusi and other local fabrics. I have decided on incorporating frayed-edge detail, hand-paint, embroidery and beading to show our Filipino touch. Fabrics are raw silk, tropical wool, tweed, laces, tulle, satin, organdy. The colors are black, ivory, champagne, ink blue, coral and pewter.” He adds: “My favorite pieces are on the fluid side although I cannot create chiffon dresses this time as it requires a fitting days before the show. I have decided to use the ‘50s silhouette instead, which is more forgiving in terms of measurement. There are bouffant ball gowns and hourglass knee-length dresses. Together with these are the early ‘60s silhouette in straight and almost barrel-shape sheaths.” These classic shapes of course are laden with details like hand-woven thread fringe, shell-colored beads hand sewn on waistlines and delicate lace crafted as bodices.
After he makes his mark in the land of Stars and Stripes Forever, Dennis hopes to revive his career in ready to wear aside from his couture line. Dennis used to be the head designer of U in Rustan’s, focusing on eveningwear.
Nothing better says “I love the Philippines,” after all, than a great outfit made by our local hands. Good luck, Dennis!
