Freeway Art’s Ramon Valera Collection Launch

Last Tuesday, October 12, 2010 was the launch of the fourth edition of  Freeway Art’s National Artist Collection Series featuring Ramon Valera.  I believe this is one of the best in the collection so far with more designs to choose from, two dozen designs to be exact!

Why not? Ramon Valera is the first fashion designer to be proclaimed as National Artist for Fashion. Valera is known for his elegant gowns and ternos.  Valera was celebrated for his ingenuity and craftsmanship, for revolutionizing the national costume, for his mastery of embroidery and beadwork and for and translating Philippine motifs into contemporary terms. (I’ll post more about the vintage and timeless ternos and gowns by Valera in another post).

Although Valera has been known to dislike RTW’s, this is Freeway’s way to give tribute to an icon in the fashion industry by creating their interpretation of Valera’s legendary artistry and designs.

Freeway’s Valera National Artist Collection features woven dresses, tunics, dramatic blouses and sublimation graphic tees.   The collection which features Valera’s signature looks includes updated beadworks and modern silhouettes, embroidery and hand-drawn sketches.

The launch was hosted by Tessa Prieto-Valdez and was some of fashion’s most important persons and known admirers of Valera. Ilocos Congresswoman and former First Lady Madame Imelda Romualdrez-Marcos graced the event.   With guest resource speaker and resource speakers Valera’s niece Peching Zulueta-Gomez (Valera’s niece), fashion designer Aureo Alonzo and National Museum of the Philippine’s curator Nick Legazpi, Jr whom shared interesting stories and glimpse into the life of the man behind the National Artist.

The Freeway Art Ramon Valera Graphic Tees

Freeway Art Ramon Valera Blouses

The super cool Freeway Art Ramon Valera jacket

Freeway Art Ramon Valera Dresses

This is my most favorite

This is my second favorite