Puey Quiñones

Fashion Designer Puey Quiñones Returns to L.A.

This Time to Stay

BY JANET SUSAN R. NEPALES

Don’t look now, but fashion designer Puey Quiñones is back in Los Angeles, and this time, he is planning to stay for good.

Born in Bobon, Northern Samar, the humble and talented fashion designer, who also has an atelier in Manila and a Q Bridal shop in downtown L.A., will launch his new couture collection and his new couture shop in the City of Angels.

He said, “I emerged as a designer from very humble beginnings, and I remain grateful for everyone who helped me along the way. Staying connected to the past, but living in the present, allows me to create garments for the future.”

The soft-spoken designer attributes his Lola (grandmother) as his inspiration in becoming a designer. He narrated, “My grandmother was a seamstress. As a child, I loved to watch her work. I was mesmerized by the operation of the manual sewing machine and the clicking noise it made as the needle moved up and down through the fabric.

“The joy she found in creating something beautiful sparked a flame in me. I started sketching designs and experimenting with fabric when I moved to Manila and worked for designer Dennis Lustico, and it was clear that this was my calling.”

Growing up in the Philippines has taught him the value of hard work and resilience. “My humble beginnings instilled in me a strong sense of community and an appreciation for craftsmanship, which I carry into every piece I create.”

He added, “Music also had an important impact on me. My father played records every morning on the hi-fi, so I awoke to the vocal stylings of Shirley Bassey, Johnny Mathis and Frank Sinatra. Today, I always listen to music when I am creating a new collection.”

Although he lamented that his home province, Samar, has not developed materials that can be used in the creation of garments, Quiñones stressed that he has used and continues to use indigenous fabrics from other regions of the Philippines such as piña, jusi, inaul, abel Iloco and abaca.

He pointed out, “Increasing awareness of Filipino crafts around the globe through my designs is important to me.”

The 45-year-old designer, who was a guest designer for “America’s Next Top Model Cycle 21,” designed clothes using fabrics native to the Philippines for a runway challenge where the contestants had to walk in stilts.

He revealed that he gets inspiration for his designs and creations from various sources. “I often find myself drawn to art, nature and cultural history. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the people around me. Their stories and experiences shape the way I approach fashion. Traveling also opens my eyes to different styles and practices, which I then incorporate into my work.”

This year, he launched his new couture collection at a private event as well as his new couture atelier in downtown L.A.

“The couture collection highlights an array of intricate designs that celebrate both contemporary and Filipino traditional aesthetics, blending luxurious and local fabrics from the Philippines with bold colors,” Quiñones revealed. “Expect to see pieces that embody elegance and innovation.”

Quiñones is the only Filipino fashion designer who has a couture dress purchased by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) as part of its heritage collection.
He described the dress that was acquired by LACMA in 2020 as part of the museum’s historic collection and is now preserved alongside the creations of fashion legends, including Christian Dior, Madame Grès and Alexander McQueen: “I am still in awe of this incredible recognition. The piece, a stunning gown crafted from silk organza and adorned with intricate embroidery, was inspired by traditional Filipino textiles. When I received the news that it would be part of LACMA’s heritage collection, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It felt surreal to know that my work would be preserved alongside such iconic designers.”

A PeopleAsia People of the Year 2024 awardee, Quiñones shared how he manages his global shops in the U.S. and the Philippines.

“Managing my two shops is indeed a challenge, but it’s a journey I embrace wholeheartedly. Each market has its own unique needs and preferences, so I make a concerted effort to tailor my collections accordingly. Balancing both locations requires a disciplined schedule, but it also allows me to explore diverse creative avenues.”

Worn by celebrities, dignitaries and other VIPs, Quiñones admitted, “I have been fortunate to have my clothes worn by some incredible individuals. Celebrities like Melissa McCarthy, Dolly de Leon and even dignitaries such as the president and the first lady of the Philippines have donned my creations. It’s always an honor to see my designs being appreciated by such influential figures.”

Due to the demands of his work and profession, Quiñones is aware that taking care of his physical and mental health is vital. “Taking care of my physical and mental health is crucial in this demanding industry. I make it a priority to meditate and pray regularly, practice mindfulness and take time to recharge. I also find joy in cooking, which serves as a creative outlet for me.”

A very good chef as well, Quiñones shared that he learned how to cook from his grandmother. “I love preparing traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and other Samar dishes, as well as experimenting with new recipes like vegetarian dishes because my husband, Paul (curator of photographs at the J. Paul Getty Museum), is vegetarian.”

Looking ahead, Quiñones said, “I have dreams of expanding my brand internationally and collaborating with other artists across different media. I’m also passionate about giving back to the community, so I hope to launch initiatives that support aspiring designers in the Philippines. The world of fashion is ever evolving, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!”