Pinoy designer Francis Libiran’s works featured in ‘America’s Next Top Model’
Filipino designer Francis Libiran’s creations will be seen in the latest episode of “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM), which will air in the Philippines on Sunday, April 29.
“Nakakataba ng puso. Parati nilang (sinasabi) na Pinoy Pride—another Filipino who made it to the international scene,” Libiran said in an interview with “TV Patrol” aired Friday, April 27, two days after the episode premiered in the US.
It was ANTM producer Michael Carandang who invited Libiran to design for a challenge in the show’s 18th cycle.
Libiran’s task for the challenge was to create designs using the Hello Kitty character, a favorite of ANTM executive producer and host Tyra Banks. The designer shared that Tyra herself wanted the designs to be radical and difficult for the models to wear.
“Pahirapan natin yung models, parang ganoon,” LIbiran told
TV Patrol.” He described that the designs involved the use of lunchboxes and even toasters, thus making them indeed difficult to wear but interesting to look at.
LIbiran will also showcase more of his regular glamorous red carpet designs in the show, as worn by ABS-CBN’s Anne Curtis.
“Tyra loves the Philippines”
“Mahal ni Tyra ang Pilipinas, diba? For her to do that,” LIbiran relates.
He acknowledged Carandang for opening the doors of the international scene for him.
It will be recalled that Tyra wore a gown Libiran created for her as a birthday gift at the Blossom Ball, the annual benefit gala event hosted by the Endometriosis Foundation of America last March 15. Libiran’s’ gown grabbed Tyra a spot in the event’s best-dressed list.
