Francis Libiran unleashes forward-looking 'Sterling' showcase for 25th anniversary

MANILA, Philippines — The Grand Ballroom at the City of Dreams witnessed a dream-like, surreal and hypnotic showcase such that Manila has never experienced before. On November 24, internationally renowned fashion designer Francis Libiran brandished “Sterling,” his forward-looking collection inspired by the mythical phoenix.  

The cerebral and trailblazing Ariel Lozada directed the mystical showcase. The fantastical hair and makeup was by Eric Maningat with help from the legendary Henri Calayag. The men’s hats were created by the highly creative Ricky Vicencio

“The Francis Libiran Phoenix Collection is inspired by 25 years in the craft of designing works of wearable art. It narrates a journey of rising from the ashes reflected by the transitioning from gold to gray to black, and finally to a fiery red gown — The Phoenix,” explained the architect-turned-designer.

This writer was given the privilege to observe the fittings of the models in early November. It was a tedious yet fulfilling process as Libiran and his army of assistants, skilled seamstresses and tailors labored to present a cohesive collection. What resulted was, indeed, this year’s most sterling showcase.

A relatively relaxed Libiran graciously shared some insights:

“I love sourcing. Part of what I’m doing every night, I would scroll through my phone and look for different suppliers around the world. Then I came across Iraq. They have really nice fabrics that are embellished. The crystals that they are using are not plastic, they’re really crystals. That’s why they’re a bit heavy.

“The one worn by model Austin Cabatana is a mirrored shirt. On Yaofade la Cruz, they’re really stones on her flowy silk taffeta gown. You’d be amazed how they stuck the stones on the fabric because they can’t easily be removed or fall off.

“So when I saw the materials, I was really wowed that I really wanted to go to Iraq and see for myself. But the thing is, it’s dangerous to go there. So I was transacting with the suppliers online, making sure that they would arrive at a certain time.”

The opening piece was supposedly earmarked for supermodel Ria Bolivar.

Called “Rebirth of the Phoenix,” it tells the journey of Francis