The recent passing of Pepito Albert has left the local fashion scene in mourning. We look back on his past to pay tribute to the impact he made in the fashion industry
Highly regarded and respectable in the local fashion community, many practitioners have learned a thing or two from the late designer, Pepito Albert. His works spread across bridal to couture, showcasing a versatile eye grounded with such timelessness. And despite his recent passing, there is no doubt that his impact in the fashion industry goes beyond time.
His journey in fashion started when he obtained his education at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California. After his studies, the late designer made his way back to the Philippines where he then started to cater to people from high society—the cause behind the rise of his success.
However, Albert wasn’t only known in the high society hemisphere as he also had his works displayed in magazines. Despite the rise of his career, he preferred a quiet circle—opting to keep an arm’s length from the media. In a sense, it’s a way of him signaling to people to let his designs speak for themselves rather than himself. One can say that it’s an act of a true artist.
Speaking of his designs, he was known for his liking towards locally produced textiles. His expertise in handling such delicate materials would often translate into clean lines, sleek silhouettes, and precise fittings—all the things that exude class and elegance.
This was also presented at the Algodon fashion show held at the Pinto Art Museum just in February of this year. Although only one creation walked down the runway, there is no doubt that it was the perfect way to end the night. Worn by Filipino supermodel and all-around creative Joan Bitagcol, the piece featured a dark gray bolero with oversized sleeves and a billowed black skirt layered with tulle on top. Though the ensemble might be deemed as simple to some, it captured the very essence of Albert’s identity in fashion—timeless.
