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ESTEEMED fashion designer Benjamin S. Farrales died on March 6. He was 89 years old. Also known as Mang Ben by friends and clients in high society, Farrales was hailed as the “Dean of Philippine Fashion.”
Born in Cotabato in 1932, the multicultural environment of that region would set the tone for his designs. The intricate local clothing of Muslim women and indigenous people in the area gave color to their work at a time when many designers looked to the West. While indigenous fabrics and ornaments are experiencing a renaissance now, Mr. Farrales had been using these materials since his career began.
In an excerpt from the book Ben Farrales, Fifty Years in My Fashion by Abe Florendo, recounted how he started out as a street sweeper and hobbyist of a high-end clothing store in the 1950s. After two years in this apprenticeship, he opened his own store in Malate. Here, members of high society were in and out, and her career took off while dressing up some of the best-known names in the country.
Quoting again from In my fashionSaid the couturier, “Back then, women had money to spend. There were endless parties. The women casually changed clothes two or three times a day. Wealthy families competed with each other for the greatest weddings, birthdays, and debutante balls. They knew what they wanted and could talk endlessly about clothes. “
The official Designers Circle Philippines website issued a statement that read: “A tremendous loss to the world of fashion. The Philippine Designers Circle mourns the passing of ‘Dean of Philippine Fashion, Mang Ben Farrales’.
“It hurts our hearts to understand that a few days after having endorsed him for the National Fashion Artist Award and a few more steps before this recognition was granted, Mang Ben is no longer with us. But as Filipino designers, we will continue to celebrate and commemorate their legacy! “
His passing sparked a host of reactions from the fashion industry on social media.
Fashion designer Francis Libiran said in a Facebook post, “Rest in peace Mang Ben Farrales. We will miss you so much. “Jewelry designer Gerry Sunga also posted on Facebook:” Bye for now, dear Mang Ben. Thank you very, very much for the love (thank you for the love) … the entire fashion industry is mourning your passing and will miss you. “
The model Marina Benipayo published a photo in which she wears one of her creations with the caption: “It was an honor, Mang Ben Farrales. Rest in peace in the loving arms of God. “Actress Teresa Loyzaga did the same with a post showing her wedding dress, saying” Thank you for being a wonderful Ninong (godfather) for me. He will be missed. I love you! Be calm.”
“Truly a legend and a pioneer. His designs not only drove fashion forward, but I feel like he was always ahead of his time. – while remaining timeless, ”said Jodinand Aguillon, founder of the Philippine vintage store Glorious Dias, in an Instagram post.
The passing of Mr. Farrales ends an era in fashion, with him serving as a link to a more glamorous past. In a story from 2013, Business world witnessed a retrospective of Mr. Farrales’s designs at Philippine Fashion Week. “To close the show, they took Mr. Farrales on stage to the tune of his favorite song, ‘My Way.’ As he made his way to the end of the runway, confetti fell on him and his models as an aria played in the background. He received a standing ovation from the crowd. The fantasy figures he created. brides, queens and goddesses – made a reality by her models, they stood around her and joined the crowd in celebration. “
In 2015, Mr. Farrales received the Gawad CCP for sa Sining Disenyong Pangmoda (Fashion Design). In a video from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, he said: “I know what I stood for and what I want, and doors were opened for me. When you have the talent, you will never lose ”. – Joseph L. Garcia
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