Eddie Baddeo romances the millennials
Thirty-two years after he broke into the scene, clothes engineer Eddie Baddeo maintains a fresh and vibrant outlook in creating fashion.
Remaining visible by dressing up some of the country’s most fashionable and style-conscious women (and men) for the much-awaited annual gala of the annual Best Dressed Women of the Philippines, his close association with the organization — which raises funds for the Philippine Cancer Society — shows a far departure from his creative beginnings.
Eddie first made his mark as a designer of avant-garde fashion, creating highly artistic clothes from the most unlikely materials. In the ’80s, while many fashion stalwarts tried to pay tribute to women’s newfound sense of freedom through oversized shoulder pads and exaggerated silhouettes, Baddeo created metal bustiers, party wear made of Venetian blinds, cocktail clothes fashioned from shiny compact discs, and headdresses from electric fan covers. Not surprisingly his unapologetic passion for creating offbeat designs earned him a rep as Philippine fashion’s enfant terrible.
“I find today’s millennials a rich source of inspiration because of their wide variety of interests and the polarity of their personalities. They are adventurous, but also celebrate traditions. They are self-possessed, yet have a keen interest in the world around them,” says the designer.
This August, as part of Baddeo’s 32nd anniversary celebration, the designer is treating debutantes and brides (and their entourage) by offering considerable discounts.
“It’s my way of giving back to women who, for 32 years, have given me inspiration, excitement and energy to envision beauty and convert that into reality through the art of fashion. That whole creative process has kept me inspired and going for more than three decades,” Baddeo concludes.
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Haute couture creations by Eddie Baddeo. Photographed by Sonny Espiritu. Hairstyle and makeup designed by Eric Maningat. On models Abby San Diego and Satrriani Espiritu.