MANILA, Philippines—I first met Randy Ortiz in the late ’80s when he was starting to make a name in the fashion industry. Back then, he was most known for his witty, unconventional menswear designs that paired print on print and different textures.

It was not surprising to find a collared shirt that combined stripe or floral patterns with polka dots in his collections then sold at Sari-Sari.

His designs actually reflected his personality, which was fun and a bit frivolous. You could always count on Randy for caustic yet hilarious remarks that always made everyone laugh. Ate Vi or Juday, as his close friends in the industry began calling him, wasn’t only becoming successful, he was also well-loved and admired by those around him.

Although initially recognized as a menswear designer, Randy also designed women’s clothing with a strong menswear influence. He dressed women in Katharine Hepburn-style suits and the like, while adding a bit of femininity with a ruffle here or a deep V-neck there.

He designed wedding and evening gowns for Manila’s glitterati and show-biz royalty. His work was always streamlined, elegant and easy to wear.

Lucy Torres-Gomez, Randy’s friend and client, says, “I like that his clothes are not complicated, but they’re also not boring. I like that he makes a woman really look like a woman, and a man really look like a man. He designed my wedding gown and also dressed me up for many other occasions. I keep all the gowns he made for me.”

Although Randy has maintained a strong presence in the industry, the former Fashion Design Council of the Philippines president has not had a gala show since 1996. At a certain point, I would even say he stuck to certain formulas that worked.

Although his pieces were always clean, well-made and wearable, they bordered on the safe, sometimes lacking the joie de vivre that the designer is loved for.

Impressive

But finally, after 12 long years, Randy Ortiz is ready to present his latest collection in “Aspirer,” a Samsung Metrowear fashion show on Sept. 4 at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

The designer, who created an impressive 92-piece collection, sees this event as a big step in his evolution as an artist.

“I’ve definitely stepped out of my comfort zone for this one. From wearable, safe and structured clothing, I’ve moved on to more experimental pieces that feature details and embellishments,” he explains.

While inspired by cinema, Randy created a holiday collection that also pays homage to Rudy and Ondette, his parents and the most influential people in his life.

The pieces, carrying influences from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, offer various textures, forms and details that were prominent during those decades: baby-doll dresses, peplum jackets, and voluminous skirts in fabrics like silk, taffeta, brocade, silk organdy, among others.

Accordion pleating, embroidery, pin-tucking and draping, to name a few, provide much needed contrast.

Hard-edged modern elegance mixed with neo-baroque touches also characterize the collection. Leather and metal are combined, while the rosette takes center stage in various patterns and textures.

Men’s line

Meanwhile, his men’s collection focuses on reinvented silhouettes of the jacket, highlighting textures and patterns with the use of leather, light wools, rayon and corded fabrics.

Randy’s best friend and this show’s director, Jackie Aquino, says, “If you know Randy like I do and saw how he has changed through the years, you’ll really see how he has grown as an artist. He has aspired to achieve things he hasn’t done, and he has succeeded.”

Having also seen Randy’s work in the last 20 years, I am thrilled to see a fresh, inspired and soulful collection that reflects the designer’s current state of being: an accomplished, confident artist who has come into his own.

E-mail the author at afashion@inquirer.com.ph