ADVOCATE FASHION (FRANCIS LIBIRAN)

The Company Francis Libiran studied Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas before pursuing a course in Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. This A-List designer is the latest Filipino designer to be featured on Hollywood Supermodel Tyra Bank’s long-running reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model British Invasion.” His fabulous Hello Kitty Couture Collection, which was featured in the April 2012 episode of ANTM Cycle 18, was so impressive that it paved his way to design dresses and gowns for Tyra Banks herself which led her to be hailed ‘best dressed’ in many red carpet events. Because of his international success, clients from high society and even the biggest stars of showbiz are now after his creations. He did not always realize he would design clothes, but he has always been creative and has always known the art of looking good and feeling great. Francis Libiran stepped into another pedestal when he held his first fashion gala at the Grand Lobby of Manila Hotel, the oldest and historical luxury hotel in the Philippines, during its Centennial Celebration. On that once-in-a-lifetime event, Francis Libiran launched his ‘100 Collection’ making use of purely Filipino fibers such as pineapple and banana and embellishments such as mother of pearl. Francis Libiran was also the highlight in the very first Canada Philippine Fashion Week in Toronto, Canada in June 2013 held at the Roy Thomson Hall where his work was presented in an elaborate exhibit and fashion show showcasing his 100 Collection. In that same year, Francis Libiran was the lone representative of the Philippines in the annual fashion show in Tokyo, Japan, the Sakura Collection held at the Tokyo Tower. Francis Libiran perfectly executed his own rendition of Japan’s National Dress, the Kimono, infused with the Philippines’ Maria Clara which became the most-applauded collection during the festival. Francis Libiran never stops to work on his own craft to bring pride, honor, and glory to the Philippines. In October 2013, Francis Libiran wowed international fashion crowds during Portland, Oregon's version of Fashion Week called “FashioNXT”. There, he premiered his Spring/Summer 2014 Collection. FashioNXT aims to anticipate what’s next in fashion and lifestyle. It is ranked as the number 1 show in the US, outside New York Fashion Week, according to Time Magazine. Another feather to his cap, Francis Libiran gained new acclaim when he created the winning gown of Miss World 2013 Megan Young. After almost 50 years, the Philippines finally won the prestigious competition. Francis Libiran was voted by Metro Magazine, the leading fashion and lifestyle magazine in the Philippines, to be their ’Metrowear Icon’ for 2013. Holding such title, he designed and created 100 wearable art pieces and presented it in an amazing fashion show attended by the biggest names in the fashion and high society held at the Edsa Shangri-la Hotel Manila. Later on, a TV Special dedicated to him was aired on national television via the Lifestyle Network. He drew inspiration from his trip to Bangalore, India where he was captivated by the design details of the famous Bangalore Palace and the vibrant colors of its interior design. Francis Libiran’s love for fashion started at an early age. His early experiences in dealing with fashion took place alongside with his mother Rebecca whose own sense of personal style and elegance became a major influence for him. Enamored by his love for fashion and art, Francis Libiran has pursued his dream of becoming a soldier for the arts, bringing pride, honor, and glory to the Philippines.