Growing up in a family of seamstresses, at a very young age, Paul exhibited an eye for fashion and the details that go along with its creation. Blessed with overwhelming support from his family and friends, Paul pursued fashion at Slim’s Fashion & Arts School. Since he started his career and founded his own design company MIKEL Couture, he has come a long way. From conceptualizing and creating his first bridal gown for an overseas-based colleague, to landing his first celebrity client Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz (a very supportive client and friend), to showcasing his bridal creations at Wedding Essentials’ Tadhana 2018.
Looking back on his ten years of design journey, Paul recalls his very first fashion creation–a chiffon dress clad with a draped bodice and beaded accents, which he then displayed is his then small atelier back in 2012. From the onset of his design career, Paul has a clear point of view when it comes to his aesthetic. While he gives high regards to every client’s request, his aesthetic always speak volumes and shows in each of his creations. Simple, classic, techniqued; these are the words that truly describe Paul Tenorio as a designer. His aesthetic leaves enough room for playful techniques. From dainty and simple silhouettes to grand big skirts swimming in beaded embroideries and appliques, Paul’s eye for design exceed expectations.
When creating his masterpieces, Paul mostly works with an array of fabrics; gazaar, satin, tulle and different kinds of laces. While these are fabrics he already mastered, he tastefully applies these staple fabrics and spin them with masterfully with modern techniques. Paul’s vision is to marry traditional fabrics and masterfully apply them modernly to every creation. He also looks forward to deep diving into more local fabrics he can source from the south.
As the Creative Director of MIKEL Couture, he hopes to be remembered as who makes creations tailor-fitted to the needs of his clients; creating pieces that embody their womanhood and tastefully accentuates every shape. His bridal creation speaks highly of every woman’s right to a red carpet moment every time they wear his creation. Paul’s stroke of luck was a byproduct of his years of perseverance backed by his utmost values and principles.
As a designer, Paul believes in the beauty of simplicity. He takes pride in creating pieces grounded on the organic beauty of a simple silhouette spun to perfection with his masterful modern technique. (Words Mark Samson | Featured photo by Mark Neto Diaz)
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