Furne One – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

Gamechangers – Furne One

Fashion Designer 

From gaining his first stylistic inspirations from his grandmother as a creative thinker in his youth, Furne One has transformed his bold ideas into articulate creations, acting as a catalyst in the Middle East and Philippine’s fashion movements.

Launching his avant garde atelier ‘Amato’ in Dubai in 2002, the designer brought something distinctively contemporary to the regional couture scene – something unexpected, bold, edgy, future forward, romantic and sometimes even bizarre – but all at once very beautiful and exciting.  His creations have become coveted by the region’s elite, his dramatic shows have turned out into the most in-demand tickets during fashion season, and A-listers from all over the globe, too many to mention, have worn his pieces.  He has showcased his art around across the globe in runways, events and collaborations from the UK, Australia, Germany, to the USA. In recent years, Furne has also been holding shows in the Philippines, a nod to his roots.

Ever the consummate hardworking and strategic professional that he is,  Furne views his field as one continuous adventure and challenge that he is geared to win.  “The fashion industry is a fast-paced world. It changes constantly. You must learn to adapt and evolve with it but also challenge yourself to swim against the tide and strive to create your identity.” He says, continuing to work away on his next greatly anticipated works of art.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Furne One – Fashion Designer

Extraordinary he is – ‘The One and Only.’ Heading a couture brand – Amato – as its founder and artistic driving force for the longest time now in the emirates, it goes without saying that Furne One is a consummate master of his craft. And over the years, what he has learned is this: “The fashion industry is a fast-paced world. It changes constantly. You must learn to adapt and evolve with it but also challenge yourself to swim against the tide and strive to create your identity.”

Besides the extensive roster of international celebrity clients he has dressed, the numerous awards he has received, and the many fashion weeks graced with his drop-dead gorgeous gowns and dramatic stylings on the runway, not to mention pride of place for his atelier at the Dubai Design District, Furne modestly remarks that being able to grant support through his business to others has made his career all the more rewarding: “I think that the achievement I am most proud of is providing employment for my staff. Most of them have become like family to me, and I am most proud to have been able to help them and their families through Amato.”

Never running dry of ambition, Furne notes that alongside talent and originality, designers should possess an innate warrior within them and that the mere thought of abandoning hope shouldn’t exist. Furne says: “Giving up easily will not get you anywhere. I believe that failure can sometimes be the best way to learn. I’ve had failures in my life, but I never failed to get back up and learn from them.” And that is why Furne is the powerhouse designer we know of today.

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Photography by: Rozen Antonio

Illustrado 100 was made possible by sponsors: Giordano, Liali Jewellery, Mitsubishi UAE- Al Habtoor Motors, Michael Cinco Couture, Mapúa Institute of Technology, Centro – Amwaj Rotana Hotel , Max’s Restaurant Middle East and