Beverly Hills Fashion Designer Oliver Tolentino-An Elite Performance at NYFW

Beauty, Fashion, Style — By Hillary Streitberger on October 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm

By Hillary Streitberger

New York, NY- Beverly Hills based designer Oliver Tolentino stepped on to the scene this New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with glitz and glam. From rich colors, shimmer and tulle, his designs gave an elite performance down the runway. Featured in America’s Next Top Model and having dressed prominent talent, Tolentino has presented his designs worldwide.

From Austria to Bali, Thailand to Hong Kong, globally, Tolentino is a fashion sensation. His showings also expand from West Coast to East Coast within the U.S. In his native country of Manila is where he began his career, which in years to come, grew into the empire it is today. He expanded into the United States in 2009, opening his flagship store in Beverly Hills and has been a design sensation ever since.

His attention to sustainability in his craft practice is elite. He has quite the commitment to conscious luxury— some of his signature mediums being piña fabric derived from pineapple fibers, abaca, jute, water lily and Manila Hemp. He also makes a point to Filipino weavers, embroiderers, and textile traditions in each of his pieces. He is one of the biggest promoters of his native textiles.

Watching his designs sashay down the runway is a magical experience within itself. No two pieces are alike in color, texture or fabric. From couture bridal to eveningwear and menswear, the feminine silhouettes and sleek masculine edges give the touch that makes the pieces elite. A large collection, but with present diversity. Sometimes we fear a large collection to mean a lack of options present. Tolentino defines the odds of being a true statement. It is evident that each garment is made with attention to diverse detail, with such care.

Out of all the shows I did attend, Tolentino’s show reminded me the most of a traditional runway, which I loved because the backdrop was so simple that it made the designs stand out more. I love being at a show where the noise, stage and other surrounding creative jargon fades to the back and lets the art be as loud as it wants.

This helped me grasp every detail and really appreciate Tolentino’s work. I was able to remember every detail about my favorite pieces, study the stoic nature of the models and watch how the fabric sat and flowed.

I admired the way the glitter and metallics hung and swayed like tinsel, the way some of the skirts bounced and fluttered like dresses from period pieces and pressed and tailored suits. Every detail was rich in color and drenched in culture. Tolentino has a keen eye for couture. It’s evident that his years of work and experience only make his product sharper as time goes on. In a time when we can get lost in big designer names such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc., there’s such a richness in celebrating and showcasing independent designers who showcase their culture and put their creative process out on display. Tolentino gives us that, even though he is a large brand.

Stunning is an understatement when it comes to his designs. The detail is exceptional and the silhouettes are breathtaking. It is evident why Tolentino is in such high demand here in Beverly Hills and around the globe. His hand in dressing people in the arts, whether that is for television, red carpets, magazines or runway shows, is understood. Out of everything I have seen, elegance meets us at the front of his shows. His enthusiasm toward his work, his openness to speak about the importance of culture in his design process, sets him apart. Just viewing his website and seeing what diverse pieces he has available to clients on any given day is inspirational alone.

Tolentino, now in his 50s, has a blueprint for taking your passions and craft on a long- haul journey throughout a lifetime. It is refreshing that the tenacity to build such art is present throughout each stage of his life. It is a journey to be admired— something to be celebrated— not just here, but all throughout the world and by his clients and admirers. However, it is an added charm that we get to have him creating and inspiring others in our very own Beverly Hills.

 

All the photos above by Felicia Carter.