We Bid Farewell To Legendary Filipino Designer Auggie Cordero

Auggie Cordero, a great Filipino designer and tastemaker, has passed away.

Widely considered as one of the finest couturiers in history, Cordero's contributions in the fashion industry placed Filipino excellence on the map. He rose to prominence in the 1970s by dressing Manila's elite and best-dressed. Among his prestigious clientele were Imelda Marcos, former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, the late philanthropist and socialite Chito Madrigal, and Filipina prima ballerina Lisa Macuja.

Quiet strength and display were the pillars of Cordero's work. His archetype was a bright Filipina woman, free-spirited but still with a sense of delicateness and refinement. In the 1970s he broke ground for making drastic changes to the presentation of the Barong Tagalog by softening the lines and contours of the barong while pairing them with skirts instead of pants. 

Cordero is also known for turning women into supermodels, from Menchu Menchaca-Soriano, Wanda Louwallien, and his most famous muse Anna Bayle, who has walked for Christian Lacroix, Versace, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Thierry Mugler in the 80s.

In 1994, Metro Magazine published its first issue under Guide Publications of Benpres Publishing and on the cover was model Gina Llanos photographed by Pancho Escaler at the Department of Tourism Building while wearing an Auggie Cordero modern baro in Japanese piña organza. Metro is proud to share a piece of history with the "complete designer."

His rich and deep legacy will leave a mark in the industry. Cordero will continue to become an inspiration to young designers today and many generations to come. Rest In Power Auggie Cordero!