Farrales passes, 88

Fashion pillar Ben Farrales, known as the Dean of Philippine Fashion, passed away Saturday evening. He was 88.

Farrales, fondly called “Mang Ben” in the local fashion scene, put the Philippines in the international fashion map with his stunning collections which featured Islamic-inspired terno designs.

“Mang Ben to his proteges and associates, designers and models as well as fellow devotees of the Sto. Niño and co-stalwarts in the world of arts and culture, our Tio Ben was a compassionate and generous man,” his grandniece, Leana Carmona, said in a Facebook post announcing his passing.

Carmona said Farrales succumbed to complications of prostate cancer.

“It was an honor, Mang Ben Farrales …rest peacefully in God’s loving arms,” said former beauty queen Marina Benipayo on Facebook.

“It is an honor and a privilege to have modeled your creations, Mang Ben Farrales. Forever grateful,” wrote former fashion model Patty Betita.

In 2015, Farrales bagged the GAWAD CCP Para sa Sining – the highest award given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines – for the Fashion design category.