PUEY QUIÑONES:

To show Philippine couture to the world

The moment I saw the exquisite details in Puey Quiñones’ gowns worn by Tina Cuevas, I knew this guy was extraordinary. Sure, he had his ups and downs before reaching the top, but with hard work, determination and talent, how can you not shine?

Coming from a barrio in Samar, it has been a 20-year leap for this son of a police officer and biology teacher who wanted him to finish political science. Instead, Puey learned the art of couture from his hometown neighbor, the now-illustrious Dennis Lustico, and further honed his skills at Bergamo and under designer-mentors.

Now based in Los Angeles with his husband Paul Martineau, a curator at the Getty Museum, Puey remains humble even as he can proudly count his measures of success: Manila’s beautiful women go to him for important occasions. And by the way, at my favorite LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Arts), there is a Puey Quiñones work of couture art.

‘ My dream is to show the world the fine expertise by Filipinos in bridal couture. I plan to expand my bridal line in Los Angeles and bring the business model to Manila.

I want to create three categories for my bridal line. First is the Red Label for readyto-wear. The bride can come to my store, fit a dress, and if she likes it, she can buy off the rack with a price range of $800 to $1,500.

The next is called the Gold Label, a madeto-order concept. The bride can make an appointment to fit the samples and try our fitting shell sizes. Then we make the dress according to her size. The price range is $2,000 to $3,500. The last is the Couture. The process is from sketch to actual product. Using premium materials such as silk and French laces. The price starts at $5,000.

I would like to open more doors in ’ Manila, the US and other parts of the world.