Hollywood actress wears gown by designer Oliver Tolentino to Awards Night

Los Angeles-based Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino was the choice of Hollywood actress Rachael Leigh Cook when she attended the 34th People’s Choice Awards in Hollywood on January 9. Cook, who stars in the TV crime drama “Perception,” appeared onstage as a presenter wearing a teal silk chiffon gown designed by Tolentino, featuring a hand-draped bodice, built-in twisted belt, and draped flowy skirt with a slit at the left leg. Commended for her choice in gown, the 33-year-old actress said on Twitter, “Oliver is a real talent! I look forward to following his career.” Cook thanked Tolentino for the gown and addressed him on the microblogging site, saying, “I got many compliments on it—that all belong to you.” Designer of the stars A native of Bataan, Tolentino opened his LA atelier only three years ago, but in such a short time, he has managed to build a solid A-list clientele. His creations have been worn in several important events, including the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys, American Billboard Awards, and the Cannes Film Festival. Aside from designing Cook’s gown at the recent People’s Choice Awards, Tolentino also made the chartreuse yellow frock that singer Fergie wore when she co-hosted Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve 2013, as well as the red silk brocade cocktail dress that actress Victoria Justice chose for the Teen Nickelodeon HALO Awards last November. Tolentino, whom fashion site JustLuxe.com described as having an “unconventional approach to luxury women’s fashion,” is known for his designs made of local, eco-friendly materials such as pineapple fiber, Manila hemp or abaca, water lily, jute, and raw silk cocoon. One such “eco” gown, in abaca and pineapple fiber, was worn by “Twilight” star Maggie Grace when she attended the Global Green USA 13th Annual Sustainable Design Awards last December. For his work with eco-friendly fabric, Tolentino—nicknamed the “Valentino of the Philippines”— was given the 2010 Sustainable Eco Fashion Award at the Islands of the World Fashion Week in the Bahamas. He was also the featured designer of the local eco-ethical business Rags2Riches in 2011. - VVP, GMA News