The Legacy Of Fashion

Three family-founded brands which have put Philippine fashion and style on the global map continue to be relevant today, thanks to the way their founders have passed on the torch to the next generation of creatives

TESORO Words by CHIT l lIjauCo

Ever since she wowed the Philippine fashion scene with an embroidered voile blouse inspired by a cigarette ad in 1972, Ma Beatriz Fabella Pamintuan-Tesoro or Patis had begun, unawares, to write a strong legacy. Clearly, she was no ordinary designer: she always looked back (late 18th to early 19th century Philippines and the American Colonial being favourite periods), championing Philippine style and transforming Filipiniana fashion into both casual wear and haute couture.

Almost 50 years in the industry today, Patis has not only built an iconic brand but changed the mindset towards going local. This she did by not merely transforming a sketch into a jaw-dropping outfit but by immersing herself in Philippine design, in her home and her personal style as well.

Today you can find her, at least once a week, in a quiet corner of Tesoro’s in Makati, hidden behind her eye-popping creations, all Philippine-inspired of course. Here she meets her clients, who continue to fill up her calendar, hungry for “Patis-attention,” which has gotten to be a rarity ever since the designer moved to her creative haven in the mountains of Laguna, three hours away from the city.

The move is one of the major changes in her life in the last decade. The other is the death of her husband of 46 years, the lawyer Jose Claro “Tito” Tesoro, in 2016. A son died in 2008 but not before leaving her a granddaughter, now 14. Her first grandchild, Enzo, courtesy of only daughter Nina, has just graduated from university. Two other sons complete her family and yet, according to her, it took a couple of years to adjust to a life without Tito. She has bounced back, however, happily immersed in her creative world.