An Evening of Couture and Culture: Alexis Monsanto Brings Qin Dynasty-Inspired Fashion to the Bowers Museum

The world class Bowers Museum in Orange County has commissioned Hollywood fashion designer Alexis Monsanto to present his latest couture collection, inspired by the Qin Dynasty, in conjunction with the highly anticipated exhibition, World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries.
The exclusive unveiling of Monsanto's collection will take place during the museum's fundraising gala on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Known as "Hollywood's Fashion Expert," the Filipino-born couturier, an alumnus of the Otis College of Art and Design and founder of the Hollywood-based Alexis Monsanto Atelier, will showcase his signature blend of feminine, timeless and elegant designs crafted from exquisite fabrics with origami treatment, manipulation, and 3D processing.

Alexis Monsanto

Guests will experience the unexpected looks direct from his Los Angeles atelier, featuring dramatic, bold, and sophisticated contemporary silhouettes with hand-painted silk, embroideries, intricate embellishments like Swarovski crystals, laser cutting, embossing and impeccable craftsmanship. Monsanto's collection promises to be a captivating visual complement to the Terracotta Warriors exhibition.

Monsanto drew his inspiration and color palette from the beautiful jewels and precious stones displayed by women in Emperor Qin’s court and from the depictions of mythological dragons and other creatures used in the colorful art of the era.

The May 22 Gala, spearheaded by the exhibit’s chair, Anne Shih, will offer an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, art, fashion and international cultural exchange.

Monsanto is collaborating with a select group of international artisans and luxury brands, including Delvaux, the esteemed leather goods house, which will provide the show with exquisite red-carpet clutches and jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels.

Monsanto's journey from the Philippines to Hollywood is an inspiring story. In 2011 he was a finalist in the KTLA5 Catwalk competition. He then became the station’s red carpet commentator during awards season.

He has been a leading figure in the fashion industry for over a decade. He headlines LA Fashion Week and has been recognized by LA Fashion Magazine as “runway visionary” for his innovative designs and theatrical presentation.

 
He has dressed many of Hollywood’s stars, including Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale, Karol G, Mariah Carey, Felicity Hoffman, Jennifer Coolidge and Olympic Gold medalists.

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Emma Stone's many looks in Cruella

The new behind the scenes clip of Cruella highlights the narcissistic and fierce fashion looks of Cruella De Vil, starred by Emma Stone.

From paper to fabric, Emma Stone transforms into different looks but still hails the 101 Dalmatians villain. Costume designer Jenny Beavan definitely has called on the divine muses for her designs to bring these extreme impressions. It is important for her to make Cruella just black, white, gray and red to create the cruel icon for revenge. Watch the behind the scenes featurette below which also features styles for the Baroness (Emma Thompson). 

What's your favorite look? Comment your selection from the different outfits below.

Cruella opens in theaters or order via Disney+ this May 28. Directed by Craig Gillespie.

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"COCOON" - THE NEWEST FASHION GEAR BY JEROME SALAYA ANG

For our extra shot into safety, especially if we are already allowed to go out during this time of COVID 19, noted fashion designer JEROME SALAYA ANG has conceptualized, designed and executed his latest take on Covid fashion with "COCOON."

For this stylized design, Jerome defined "cocoon" as 'to envelop' or surround in a protective or comforting way. To wrap or cloak. This new normal in everyday get-up will help us protect ourselves from any airborne diseases and viruses. Getting closer is no longer a problem and social distancing will be lessened with added protection.

"We are now living at the edge of a new era. The design philosophy was aimed to be more sporty and flexible so that there is more movability factor when it is worn.
And, the sizing is meant to be 'free' and genderless. After all, this is what the future is --- it's all about mobility.
We also considered our weather here so we opted the usage of lightweight material which is of upmost importance."

Ang will be exploring with these types of fabrication that will best suit our weather including it's weight which has to be light. And most specially, it is washable for re-use. For me it would be a very important factor as the climate in the Philippines is very warm.

1. Screen mesh 180mm grade (Please see photos)
2. Crumpled laminated paper sheet
3. Silicon plastic
4. Micro fiber repellant silver back
5. 1 ply taffeta silk

The Cocoon.
A loving embrace.
The covid wardrobe.

Support and buy local.

For further inquiries, and online sales, please contact 09188199537
Facebook / IG:
jerome salaya ang

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afternoon with the gang of KIMMY DORA 2

a small chitchat with bloggers took place with the masterminds of the success and great anticipation of the new movie, Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme. the gang of Kimmy Dora comprised of Eugene Domingo (Kimmy/Dora), Bb. Joyce Bernal (director), Chris Martinez (writer). the movie will be in theaters starting June 13 nationwide.
Eugene, Joyce and Chris talked about how fun and challenging the production of Kimmy Dora is. as for Chris, it was a bit easier for him to produce the plot of the sequel unlike how he introduced the characters in the first movie. we'll be served with a comedy movie with a twist of horror and adventure which makes it more engaging to the audience. even kids will love it too.

as the plot requires to set in Korea, Eugene and Joyce remembers their experiences shooting with Korean staff. they explained how serious they are when they work despite Eugene and Joyce goofing around, shopping. Chris, on the other hand, while he is here in Manila, developed our characters' traits. Kimmy and Dora got richer and all others, funnier. the characters in the movie resemble little bits of the actors in real life, Chris Martinez says.

production of the movie was made even easier by those who contributed their time and talents especially the clothing designers who developed Kimmy and Dora's clothes: Jan Garcia, Rajo Laurel, Joey Samson, Kaye Morales, Rhett Eala, Tatah Galias, Marlon Rivera, Maxie Cinco, Ferdie Abuel, Jerome Salaya Ang, Cay Cuasay and Oz Go. you'll see their works within the movie.

Eugene has achieved a lot and she's thankful for the support that fans give her. soon, you'll see her reprise a role portrayed by the superstar Ms. Nora Aunor in PETA's remake of Bona. we'll see Eugene Domingo again take the stage where she has started. and also in I Do Bidoo Bidoo singing Apo Hiking Society songs in a musical movie feature. this is with Ogie Alcasid, ZsaZsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano.

Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme is by Springfilms and ABS-CBN Star Cinema. showing on June 13, 2012 in theaters nationwide. see the official music video below.

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