A couple of weeks ago, I attended separate occasions highlighting major developments in the fashion careers and businesses of two Los Angeles County-based friends: Amiel Noble and Irvin Rivera. The former is a designer specializing in barong and Filipiniana dresses of the highest quality, while the latter is a photographer who creatively tells stories through visual contrasts.
Noble welcomed a select group of movers in the Filipino-American community to his Noble Creations boutique in Artesia as he presented his brand’s first-ever ambassador: Enchong Dee. The actor, who mentioned he is set to shoot his first international movie later this month, looked dapper in his barong outfit, which complemented his neatly combed hair and prim and proper demeanor.
“It’s hard to find something of great quality to match your energy, especially in barong. I saw Noble Creations as cool and something that resonates where I am right now,” said Enchong, who expressed delight at the opportunity.
The close-knit event was attended by notable personalities in Southern California, including the highly revered couturier Alexis Monsanto, former PBA courtside reporter Janelle So, and actress Donita Rose, whom Enchong described as someone he looks up to because of her already high stature in the showbiz industry when he was growing up in the province.
He added, “People my age are wearing barong in events. So it’s a privilege to have this opportunity to be the face of this brand, which I am more than willing to help grow and be known in the whole of America and the Philippines.”
Noble takes pride in having picked “a handsome, very upright man” as an endorser. Enchong noted that he admires a businessman who dives into selling a product where there “could be a risk.”
Apart from quality assurance crafted by hands nurtured in Lumban, Laguna—hailed as the Embroidery Capital of the Philippines—Noble Creations is a brand Enchong proudly describes as “a Filipino outfit I am proud to wear, where, the first time they see you, they would know exactly that you’re wearing a Filipino creation.”
Noble was recently honored at this year’s Burdang Lumban Festival in the Philippines and at The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) held in Hawaii.
On the other hand, Irvin, whom I formally met last March, brought in a business partner, Cecilio Asuncion, to further enhance his reach. They launched their spacious and stylish GM (Graphics Metropolis) Studio in downtown Los Angeles on Oct. 26.
Irvin is a visual creative who regularly publishes A Book Of Magazine, devoted to featuring a specific artist per issue, while Cecilio is a show producer and the founder and creative director of Slay Model Management. Together, they gathered a pool of fashionably dressed artists and problem-solvers like them to celebrate the launch of a studio that looks forward to the next photoshoot, video project, special event, or any creative endeavor worth pursuing.
“This is where ideas come to life and creativity thrives,” they said. “This is just the beginning of building a space for photographers, producers, magazine editors, hair stylists, makeup artists, and the like.”
GM Studio offers production services and creative space, along with features like rooftop access, high-speed internet, plenty of parking options, and a spectacular view of downtown L.A.
Both Noble and Rivera have risen from struggles that often challenge Filipinos moving to America. They have eventually found their niche, their circle, and their ultimate purpose as careerists.
