I admire his work, designs, and artistry, which led me to produce his first US fashion tour, where he featured beauty queens and top models like Desiree Verdadero, Sarah Jane Paez, Myrna Benipayo, Lala Flores and supermodel Melanie Marquez.
The show was a big success and catapulted Renee to the international scene. He is very humble, fun, easy to work with, and looked up to by aspiring designer and models. He has an eye for beauty and can transform an ordinary looking girl to a beautiful swan.
We have had tours in Las Vegas, Nevada and other parts of the United States. Through that first Reflections fashion show, he was able to connect with different fashion producers and gain loyal clients that are still with him up to now.
“Mama Renee,” as he is fondly addressed by his peers, has also been in fashion segments of various shows and has coordinated beauty pageants as a judge and coach.
Melanie Marquez (the Philippines’ third Miss International) was an average, tall teenager. But with Renee’s expert eyes, he saw something in her and pushed her to join the Binibining Pilipinas, making her the representative of Miss International and winning the much coveted title.
Also some of his protégés (like Desiree Verdadero and Chat Silayan), who were Miss Universe hopefuls, made it to the top five under his tutelage.
His claim to fame as the “Ambassador of Philippine Fashion” is due to his runway shows in the fashion capitals of New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Milan and the designs that he has made for his established clientele -- from wedding brides, to the elite, to socialites . He is known for his fusion of the classical Philippine look with modern-day style. He is known for his innovative use of handmade fabrics and organic materials from different regions of the Philippines.
His designs have been described as “timeless,” “genius,” “culturally hip,” and “world-class.”
This fashion icon is now busy with his first love: fashion design. He would sometimes take various cameo roles in telenovelas.
After so many years I am so excited to see Renee again in Los Angeles on August 25, at the White Party fashion event in Pasadena Hilton, which ws produced by LA designer Lou Razon.
To me, it is a sweet reunion because he will show his fabulous artistry and collections once again. He makes us proud to be Filipinos because he has proven that when it comes to fashion, we are world-class.
Bienvenido, Mama Renee!
article source: asianjournal.com
