The Legacy of Tonichi Nocom Lives On

The Legacy of Tonichi Nocom Lives On

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A man of many talents, Anthony “Tonichi” Nocom has left a legacy in the realm of Filipino creative industry as a fashion and interior designer

Filipino retail fashion achieved a new level of sophistication and style through the hands of Anthony Nocom. In his passing last June 29, 2024, the 64-year-old creative will be remembered for his vision of elevating the everyday wear of the Filipino people. With a heart beating for creating, Tonichi—as he was fondly known in the industry—was also an interior designer. It was the career that led him to his road to fashion, and to the women’s section of the SM Malls. 

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Anthony Nocom Tonichi Passes Away FDCP Former President fashion designer interior designer SM

After taking a year-long course in the Philippine School of Interior Design, he applied and assumed the role of interior designer in the said mall chain, then known as ShoeMart. After his experience in arranging mannequins, particularly in the Boutique Store section, Nocom then worked as junior merchandiser. “All my knowledge of the industry is from SM, from my work experience,” he shared in one of his interviews. His eventual love affair with fashion came after his career in interior design. 

As a fashion designer, he developed a particularity for everyday clothing due to his exposure in the retail industry. Describing his creations as “basic styles with unique detailing,” Tonichi emphasized the importance of choosing quality fabric in his pieces—be it for men or women.

Anthony Nocom passing away kaftan algodon agriculture
Tonichi Nocom’s kaftan iteration at Algodon

Among his contributions to the womenswear collections of SM Retail are fabric prints and the evolving iterations of a kaftan. In one collection, Nocom transformed the said silhouette into tunics and tops that would cater to different curves of women. Last March, he went back to his interior designer roots and curated a dining set with fellow creative JC Buendia at the WORLDBEX 2024. 

The Filipino creative industry has lost a visionary whose eye for design resonates through the pieces one can find in their homes, always with comfort and style. Tonichi Nocom will be greatly missed. 


The wake of the former president of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines will be for viewing from July 1 to 6, 2024 at La Funeraria Paz, Quezon City.  The urn viewing will follow suit from July 7 to 10, 2024 at Sanctuario De San Antonio in Forbes Park. 

Photo: MEGA ARCHIVES
Featured Image: Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (via Instagram)

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