From weddings to premieres, Francis Libiran has become Darren Criss’ go-to designer for those special moments that deserve more than just a red carpet look
Darren Criss has an appreciation for bringing together personal significance with Hollywood glitz, and his collaborations with designer Francis Libiran are indicative of this heartfelt authenticity. From award shows to weddings and even a Christmas album, the actor-musician turned to the designer for those moments that call for something more than just red carpet wonder.
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Most recently at the premiere of his musical, Maybe Happy Ending, Criss brought a piece of home with him. He debuted a custom barong from Libiran, made of Piña Jusi fabric and cultural pride, akin to wearing your heart on your sleeve, except this time, with an elaborate Sarimanok-inspired beading across the chest.
The Sarimanok is a mythical bird that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune—a fitting choice for a premiere night where everyone’s hoping for rave reviews and an extra box office zero or two. Criss paired it with off-white wool pants and a detachable overshirt with enough embroidery.
Libiran wove the colors of the Philippine flag into the design, but with a subtlety that was more patriotic, not parade-ready. The expressive and intricate beadwork patterns illustrated his Filipino lineage. While everyone else was playing it safe in their standard tuxes, he managed to stand out with an elegance that was exotic and refreshingly personal.
Criss and Libiran’s collaboration goes back to 2019, when the two first met at the Golden Globe Awards. While some celebrity friendships are fleeting, this one turned into a sartorial partnership. By April of that same year, Criss had commissioned Libiran to craft a Barong Tagalog for what many would consider a man’s biggest red carpet event: his wedding day.
Libiran made use of Pintados, inspired by indigenous tattoo patterns from Cebu. The look also honored his mother’s heritage, showing that you can be both a Hollywood heartthrob and a tribute to your Filipino ancestry all in one swoop.
Libiran has become Criss’ designer of choice for both on-screen appearances and personal milestones. Take, for instance, the art deco bomber jacket he wore to the 2019 Aladdin premiere—a Filipino-made creation with a sleek design. In his ensemble for the cover of 2021’s A Very Darren Crissmas, he brought the holiday with a brocade suit that made you feel like the season’s greetings came with tropical heat.
It’s a rare sight to see an actor so intertwined with a designer, much less one that’s rooted in a shared cultural history. With Darren Criss as the muse, Francis Libiran as the craftsman, and the Sarimanok flying high above it all, this kind of collaboration feels like it should never have an ending.
Photos: HARTMAN COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
