Manila, Philippines– Furne One, the visionary designer behind Amato Couture, has once again pushed the boundaries of fashion with his latest collection, an homage to the city that catapulted his dreams into reality. Upholding his commitment to sustainable fashion, Furne’s collection features upcycled pieces crafted from hand-carved wood, embracing the artistry of recycling in the most exquisite way.

Photo: Amer Mohamad

The grandeur that underpins most of Furne’s collections is ever-present in this new offering. Extravagance is woven into each garment, with ornate embellishments and unconventional silhouettes creating a visual journey of gauzy fantasy. In this collection, Furne showcases sculptural garments in the form of hand-made wood assemblages and metallic fixtures, ingeniously accentuating a woman’s form. The use of upcycled materials isn’t just a nod to sustainability; it’s a deliberate nod to the skill of the artisans, elevating their craftsmanship to center stage.

Dubai, the city that embraced Furne and his dreams, takes the spotlight in this collection. As Furne expresses his gratitude, it’s evident that his designs carry the essence of the city that allowed his creativity to soar. “I will forever be grateful to this city [because] it made my dreams come true,” Furne shares in an interview with Vogue Philippines, a testament to the profound impact of place on an artist’s journey.

Photo: Amer Mohamad

Having honed his craft working alongside acclaimed Filipino lingerie designer Josie Natori, Furne developed a unique aesthetic during his time in her design studios in Paris and New York. His journey then led him to Dubai, a serendipitous stopover that would transform his path. After meeting his business partner Rashid Ali and launching Amato, Furne’s designs have become synonymous with opulence and innovation.

The collection unfolds in a palette of bronze, nude, white, and metallic hues, showcasing structured floral corsets and towering wooden frames. Amato’s pieces invite fashion enthusiasts to embark on a couture journey, where modernity meets texture, and artistic expression takes center stage. Oversized creations add a touch of enigmatic allure to the capsule, an embodiment of Furne’s avant-garde approach.

Photo: Amer Mohamad

Reflecting on his collection, Furne shared his creative process: “I played around [with] muted colors of white and nude with hints of metallics in the collection. I wanted colors that represent power and subtlety.” He elaborates on his pursuit of opposites coexisting harmoniously, a testament to his design prowess. The juxtaposition of soft white and nude tones with the strength of metallics creates a compelling statement of empowerment and versatility.

Furne One’s Filipino heritage, deeply rooted in his upbringing in Cebu, is a constant source of inspiration in his collections. Nature, the sea, and the province’s exquisite craftsmanship come to life through his designs. Furne takes pride in embodying the Filipino identity, turning his heritage into an artistic instrument that resonates across borders.

As Furne One continues to weave his creative tapestry, his latest collection stands as a testament to his journey, from apprentice to global sensation. The marriage of sustainability and artistry showcases his commitment to a brighter and more conscious future for fashion. Through his designs, Furne sparks conversations, evokes emotions, and pays homage to the transformative power of a city that gave him wings to fly and dreams to achieve.