Ramón Valera (August 31, 1912 – May 25, 1972) was a Filipino fashion designer who was bestowed with the National Artist of the Philippines honor in 2006.[1][2] He is the first Filipino fashion designer to receive this distinction.[3] In 2017, his work was displayed in an exhibit called Valera and the Modern: An Exhibit on the Life and Work of National Artist for Fashion Design, Ramon Valera[4] which was curated by Gerry Torres at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s School of Design and Arts Gallery.[5]
Valera's gowns have been worn by notable Filipina women including Gloria Romero, Bárbara Pérez and Imelda Marcos.[5]
Valera was born on August 31, 1912, in Santa Cruz, Manila and finished his education in De La Salle. He was the first to introduce the one-piece terno that was fastened in the back with a zipper. He re-imagined the Maria Clara outfit by adding bell sleeves[4] and making it into a wedding gown.[1] He died on May 25, 1972.[6]
Recognition
In 2006, he was honored with the National Artist of the Philippines distinction.[4] In 2007 he was named a Distinguished Lasallian by the De La Salle Alumni Association. A postage stamp was issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation on the occasion of his birth centenary in 2012.
References
- 1 2 "Ramon Valera: The Philippines' First National Artist for Fashion Design". Impak Ng Sikat! DLSU. 2012-11-29. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ↑ "Valera, Ramon". CulturEd: Philippine Cultural Education Online. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ↑ "Legacy of Nat'l Artist Ramon Valera continues with his family's new bolero designs". NOLISOLI. 2018-11-15. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- 1 2 3 "Must-see exhibit: Millennials meet Ramon Valera". Inquirer Lifestyle. 2017-09-21. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- 1 2 "Remembering Ramon Valera: A pioneer in Filipino fashion design". The Benildean. 2017-09-08. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ↑ "Order of National Artists: Ramon Valera". NCCA Government Philippines. April 7, 2020.