...the new fashion designer

Bloomingdales launches its Filipino-made label

By Don Tagala,

ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

03/23/2011

NEW YORK, New York - Filipino designer Robin Tomas finally debuted his winning t-shirt design at the Bloomingdale’s flagship store in New York.

Tomas is the winner of Supima’s contest for best redesign/rethink of the cotton t-shirt. Supima is the promotional organization of American Pima cotton growers.

“They only have a few pieces left, fortunately it’s a happy problem… unfortunately we’re running out of sizes as of today which is the first day its being sold, so it’s a limited run and I think half of it will be bought by my mom,” Tomas said.

Wearing her son’s trademark design, actress and comedian Tessie Tomas flew in from the Philippines to lend her support.

“Ang pinakamalaking payo ko sa kanya habang nakasuot ako ng isang Tomas outfit, by the way, ginawa niya ito sa Pilipinas, huwag siyang magbago, be proud to be Filipino (My biggest piece of advice to my son, while I’m wearing this Philippine-made Tomas outfit is don’t ever change and be proud to be Filipino)” Tessie Tomas said.

Filipino shoppers who attended the event say they’re proud to find a Filipino-made label in their favorite shopping store.

“I think that fact that he’s here in Bloomingdales means that he’s arrived in the New York Fashion scene. So we should all be proud of that,” Filipino writer and director Lyca Benitez-Brown said.

Tomas is also getting ready to launch his fall collection soon.

“I think it’s onward and upward for Robin. There’s no question about it. He is very talented. I’ve seen his collection, his fall collection, beautiful collection of different cocktails, evening dresses and he is a designer that we will definitely keep our eyes on,” Buxton Midyette, Supima’s Vice President for Promotions and Marketing said.

Tomas’ Bloomingdale launch is exclusive to its New York Flagship Store. It comes at a limited edition–available only until supply lasts.

The Bloomingdale launch marked another milestone in Robin Tomas’ career in fashion design, bringing him one step closer towards fulfilling his dream of making it big in New York.