Renee Salud: Philippines’ Pride and Fashion Ambassador

(Photo courtesy of Renee Magtibay Salud)

Renee Magtibay Salud is definitely one of Philippines’ most treasured, quintessential, and prominent fashion designers whose career has spanned decades. Branded by the press as the Philippines’ Ambassador of Fashion, Renee Salud is more than a talented and gifted fashion designer; he is a kind and giving creative genius who helps others be it through mentorship of other up-and-coming designers or helping young women aspiring to be beauty queens.

The world-renowned couturier Michael Cinco worked in Mama Renee’s (as he is fondly called in the fashion industry) shop, learning the ins and outs of the fashion world and honing his skills and talents at the same time under the guidance of Mama Renee. Years later, Michael Cinco is now sought-after by JLo, Lady Gaga, and Middle Eastern royalty. Michael Cinco is just one of the many young designers that Mama Renee trained and helped get started in the fashion world.

Mama Renee is also known for his passion for building and training beauty queens in the making. Amongst those he discovered were Miss International 1979 Mimilanie Marquez and Miss Universe 1980 third runner-up Chat Silayan. He also discovered top fashion models such as Desiree Verdadero, Lou Bunyi, Patty Betita, Gem Padilla, et al.

Renee in Toronto. (Photo courtesy of Renee Magtibay Salud)

I am incredibly blessed to have met Mama Renee through my close friend, the multi-talented Events Director, Socorro Babes Castro Newland. During our lunch meeting at the house of one of my friends, Mama Renee and I bonded over our roots: we’re both Batangueños. Mama Renee knows my relatives from my paternal side and we both love eating seafood! I was charmed by Mama Renee’s humility and down-to-earth attitude. I was taken by his kindness and authenticity!

Let’s get to know Mama Renee and what drives the one and only Ambassador of Philippine Fashion.

(Photo courtesy of Renee Magtibay Salud)

Which Filipino designers influenced you and your style?

“I was inspired by Pitoy Moreno, Christian Espiritu, Aureo Alonzo, and Ben Farrales. Their lifestyle and the fame they enjoyed both motivated and inspired me to become like them. I was so impressed with the fashion shows they did outside the Philippines and I told myself that one day, I will be just like them. And, I did achieve my dreams because I worked hard and I never stopped honing my skills.”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

You are known as the Philippines’ Ambassador of Fashion. What are your future goals in the industry?

“I’ve always been determined to bring Philippine fashion front and centre to the world stage. I want to take fashion to the next level which, in turn, will help create more jobs for the Filipinos. I love doing fashion shows abroad because I want to showcase and highlight Filipino talent. I want the world to see how creative our designers are; how beautiful and talented our models are.”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

Your recent Philippine Tapestry II Fashion Tour in Canada was a huge success. This is not the first time that you did a fashion show in Canada; you started your first fashion show here back in the 80s. Why do you keep returning to Canada?

“I love Canada! I love the people, the quality of living, the natural beauty of the country, and the closely-knit Filipino community in different cities. Canada is like my second home. My favourite Canadian city is Vancouver. I can see the difference in lifestyle and landscape between Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. For me, Vancouver is the best!”

What was the inspiration behind your Philippine Tapestry II Fashion Show Tour?

“It is inspired by Philippine indigenous fabrics such as handwoven fabrics, inaul, abaca, and piña from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. I am so proud of our indigenous fabrics; I like to incorporate these with my designs and bring them to life and show the world just how beautiful our fabrics are!”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

There is one particular creation that caught my eye. It was a green ensemble that looked like a butterfly top with a matching long skirt. I thought this creation is so unique and the combination of the fabric and the design was truly a sight to behold!

“That particular masterpiece is made with an insular Mindanao fabric, inaul, and it was recently bought by someone. That design is actually butterfly wings; it’s designed to make a woman look graceful as she walks and enters the room.”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

You made your fashion comeback earlier this year in Manila at the Okada Hotel, with the aptly titled “To Love and To Cherish,” how did you feel about your huge comeback?

“I was so emotional! I cried because I thought that the pandemic would be the end of my life and my career! The fashion industry suffered a lot during the pandemic. My fashion show at the Okada Hotel is a blessing. I am so grateful for that particular opportunity to come back again and showcase my creations. In turn, I gave back to the community by making sure that part of the proceeds went to the rehabilitation of communities devastated by typhoon Odette. In life, we must always give back by helping others.”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

You’re known for discovering beautiful women. Who do you think is a true fashion muse?

“Without a doubt, my true fashion muse would have to be Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. They exude elegance, grace, and effortless style. I also like Anne Hathaway! She was magnificent in The Devil Wears Prada.”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

You are also known for your innovative Barong Tagalog designs, what inspires you to continuously create newer designs for the Barong Tagalog?

“I always try to infuse my own new and contemporary twists on a Barong Tagalog. I’ve created less formal, more casual Barongs that can be worn every day. I’ve designed barongs with many vertical stripes and patterns embroidered on the front and the back. Much recently, my Barongs have been made using indigenous fabrics and they’re more colourful!”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

Your wedding gowns are to die for! A lot of high society women have long favoured your bridal wear. Your wedding gown creations are always the highlight of all your fashion shows. What makes your wedding gowns different from other designers?

“My wedding gowns are mostly hand embroidered and I like to use calado fabric. Calado is only done by hand. It creates a dramatic design depth that pure machine embroidery can’t achieve. I love designing wedding gowns because it is all about love, hope, and beauty.”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

What’s next with Mama Renee? At 75, you are so amazingly active and always creating new designs, always on the go!

“I will be having a fashion show tour in Thailand in December of this year. I will be working on Thai silk fabrics but still incorporating Philippine designs. I will be representing the Philippines on this show in Thailand. The show will run for a week. I also have plans to do fashion shows in New York next February, in Italy and Paris. I also have plans on returning to Canada in the later part of next year!”

(Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)

Can you please share some words of wisdom with all young designers?

“You have to keep honing your skills and talents. Never stop learning. Learn from the best. Learn from your mentors. Have discipline. Be proud of your roots, take inspiration from where you come from.”

I’m super excited to watch his next fashion show in Vancouver! I can hardly wait!

The author with Mama Renee Salud. (Photo courtesy of William Orsua, Soul Mate Productions)