Meet fashion designer Alexis Monsanto
By Elgin Zulueta :: http://www.philippinemabuhaynews.com
It's always fashionable to know people who are passionate about their craft. I had a tremendous time last Friday night when I interviewed fashion designer, Alexis Monsanto, at Hendel's in West Hollywood. Captured by the fresh and elegant interiors of the restaurant and a shared passion for good food and great conversation, I predicted it would be a perfect backdrop for a memorable and fun night.
Alexis Monsanto did not just do what was expected of him. He did something that made a difference, a big impact that benefited Filipinos with his recent journey to the Oscars. He had the good fortune to dress up Kimberly Rivers Roberts of the docu-film, Trouble the Waters, an Academy Award contender for Best Documentary Feature Film. He was featured in TFC's Balitang America, TV Patrol, and on NBC's My First Time: Nomination.
Alexis “Bong” Monsanto hails from Cebu and at the age of 23 produced his first runway show in Manila. With his strong desire and determination to succeed, he went to America to further pursue his passion for fashion design. His style is of elegance and sophistication, flattering and accentuating the natural curves of a woman's body. “Elegance is a state that exists between a woman and her garment. No matter how beautiful the design or how attractive the woman, if there is no spiritual affinity between the two, then there is no elegance,” he explains.
He is often asked about the secret behind the success of his couture, to which he would reply, “There is no secret. I drape the material directly on the body, following the contours of the body, cutting while observing the fabric to present itself.”
When not designing, he indulges in the arts as he loves the Opera, Symphony, and Broadway musicals. He gets his inspiration from Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso and looks up to the works of Valentino and Ungaro, both known for elegant styling and design.
He is the distinguished designer and product development guru for Rah-Koon, The Evans Group, the Menswear division of MASQ, and is the designer and founder of Alexis Monsanto Los Angeles in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
Alexis Monsanto is also a staunch supporter of non-profit organizations in Southern California, spearheading fundraising activities and committees for the fight of Equal Rights for Gay America. He also finds time to share his wisdom by being a part time instructor at the Otis School of Art and Design, California Design College, and at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
It was a pleasure for me to meet him. He is someone who has reached success internationally through sheer determination and commitment to his passion, the ripple effect of which reflects favorably on Filipinos. He is truly a remarkable individual. Not only did I gain a friend, but a great role model for he made me realize again that it is never too late to do the things you love, to be resilient and to make the most of what happens and be happy. We are all in the thick of life. I am embracing it with both arms and a huge heart.
Have a nice day and take it EZ!
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