Making ‘her-story’ on the global stage in style.
Last May 23, Filipino food creator Abi Marquez made history after being recognized as the Food Creator of the Year at the 7th annual World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA), which was held at the iconic Hotel Martinez during the Cannes Film Festival.
Known to millions as the ‘Lumpia Queen,’ Abi built a thriving community around her playful, food-focused content.
That also served as the inspiration behind her stunning modern, ketchup-red Filipiniana based on the popular Pinoy-style spaghetti.
The gown was a custom creation by Filipino designer Jo Rubio, who worked in collaboration with Marquez’s agency, NYMA led by its management, Kat Bautista (COO) and Karen Tumbali (VP).
Pam Ricarte, Creative Director and Head Stylist, revealed that the gown was originally conceptualized in blue, the team changed the plans after learning that Cannes’ carpet was the same color.
“We were originally set on a blue gown,” Pam shared. “But when we found out the carpet was blue too, we had to switch it up. That’s when the spaghetti idea came in– and it just made perfect sense. Playful, nostalgic, and a little unexpected, just like Abi.”
She added, “Abi and the team were all in on the concept. We requested a classic Filipina silhouette with a touch of French elegance for Cannes. We imagined the gown as pasta draping around her, complete with a suspended fork and beaded strands that mimicked spaghetti.”
Jo Rubio, known for his refined approach to heritage fashion, embraced the challenge, and told, “I study my muse, and I ask a lot of questions to understand the objective.”
“Food was truly our inspiration for the whole look. Since Abi is a good cook, we quickly gravitated on what would effectively personify her and coherent to her content,” he elaborated.
Rubio also described wearing a Filipiniana at Cannes as being a cultural representation on one of the world’s biggest stages.
“The Terno has always been the most iconic Filipino dress. To see it on the red carpet in Cannes is emotional. It’s a designer’s dream. But more than that, it’s a cultural statement.”
He also shared his hopes of this moment being a huge help in propelling more local design and craftsmanship onto the world stage, “Filipino artistry deserves to be celebrated not just occasionally, but consistently—and globally.”
Abi’s gown was crafted from red Italian silk and featured the traditional butterfly sleeves of a terno, but reimagined with sculptural flair.
The details were also intentional, from the gold-plated forks and tubular beads, draped silk straps, and strings of pearls that mimicked pasta in motion.
Also embroidered along the gown’s train were the words “Kain Tayo” (“Let’s eat”), a phrase that captures the warmth and hospitality of Filipino culture, adding another layer to the story of the dress.
The ensemble was finished with thoughtful, playful accessories—a spaghetti clutch by Nick Bentel, pasta-inspired nails by nailsby.nica, and a pair of spoon-shaped earrings.
Abi’s look turned out to be elegant, current, and quirky, but also enabled her’s and the Philippines’ story to be shared on the global stage.
