FASHION enthusiasts are definitely wanting for a repeat or rerun of his comeback project in November 2019. Featuring his well-loved bridal collection including pastels and reversible, color-changing gowns, the show was held at the famed Manila Hotel. His favorite model Marina Benipayo’s careful turnaround and perfect execution of the color-changing bridal gown has become the talk of the town.
“It’s always a joy working with the seasoned fashion models who are lovingly called señora. Their dedication and discipline is really impressive. Nowadays, newbies don’t interact to learn from each other. They only have their phones or gadgets with them while seated in one corner” he commented.
Galang definitely knows what he is talking about. He has dedicated over 40 years in this career after all. He is one of the very few Filipino designers who can lay claim to a respected position in the highly competitive international fashion industry.
And, who doesn’t know Toni in the world of fashion in the Philippines?
Acknowledged as one of the Philippines’s leading exponents of Filipiniana dressing, Toni has been hailed for his innovative use of indigenous materials, the revival of traditional patterns, the practiced handiwork in painting and embellishment, and attention to detail. Born Antonio G. Vijungco and raised to a family of high-profile professionals, Toni decided to pursue his craft via the fashion runway.
Conquering the international fashion runways, jet-setting from the fashion centers of Asia, the United States and Europe, Toni’s name is distinctively noted and his style wonderfully appreciated. He is the first and only Filipino designer who has held a show at the centuries-old Marble Hall in Antwerp, Belgium. He is also one of the very select designers who were invited to dress up Barbie on her 40th anniversary joining the ranks of international designers like Liz Claiborne, Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld.
His alma mater, San Beda College, honored Toni by naming him “Bedan of the Century” for his talent in fashion during its centennial anniversary in 2001.
While on vacation in the US contemplating retirement, Toni met a producer who prodded him to stage a fashion show for an organization in Seattle.
The 2018 holiday fashion show showcased international and local artists using themes from Filipino culture, with the equally renowned Raymond Villanueva as the director of the event who also hosted a workshop for the models.
“Today I want to do more shows. I’m excited as before. And, my bucket list is to do a show before the Sultan of Brunei. I don’t know why but I want to do a show for royalty,” he added.
Meanwhile, he is gathering concepts and more materials for upcoming shows, about which he doesn’t want to give details yet.