MEETING COUTURE AND CULTURE’S HEADLINE DESIGNER By Andrew Terry Pasieka
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MJ Magazine was fortunate to spend some time with John Ablaza, the designer who will be headlining Couture And Culture on January 18th, 2014. We wanted to know more about his first Canadian experience last June at Canada Philippine Fashion Week. Ablaza said the whole week was a hectic swirl of activity. Even though he was in a rush fulfilling all his duties, Ablaza still “had a chance to have a peak” at what Toronto had to offer, and is looking forward to his return. Ablaza said he felt priviledged to be part of an event that raised both awareness and funds for the Kol Hope Foundation for Children. This is an organization formed in Canada and the Philippines that assists disabled children, especially those suffering from trisomy-related disorders. With a quarter century of experience in the design business, Ablaza is qualified to be able to recognize real beauty, and has done just that in authoring a book entitled “Ramp Diva Filipina.” It pays tribute to all the Filipina models from the late 1970s to 2000 who brought honor and prestige to the Philippine modelling industry and the international runway. The book was showcased at the press announcement along with a number of Ablaza’s unique designs. Where will Couture And Culture take John Ablaza? For Ablaza, to be honored in this way in the midst of celebrating twenty-five years in the fashion industry is something he is particularly proud of. “To be the main clothing designer for an event as large as Couture And Culture promises to be will be more than a culmination of my life’s work.” Perhaps an opening into the North American market? “Of course. Designers are always looking for new inspirations. The possibilities of expanding into a huge (multicultural…sic) market like Toronto is exciting.” And Couture And Culture promises to be just as exciting, because of John Ablaza. l
SMJ Magazine | Fall 2013
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