The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Fashion czar Albert Figueras and his protege Erick Valena used to be inseparable.
As a team, Albert and Erick were symbiotic.
Figueras was generous enough to share his skills, talents and business acumen with Valena while the latter was obedient and cooperative with the vision and mission of the former in the growth and development of their respective fashion design careers.
Some good things never last, indeed.
Yet the personal bond between Albert and Erick is still intact.
The only reason they will physically separate as business partners is the enhancement of their respective preoccupations.
This year, Figueras enforces a more revitalized solo career in the sartorial industry where he plans to explore untapped territories in art design.
It must be remembered that Albert isn’t only a fashion icon, he is costume designer of outstanding theater plays as well like “Noli Me Tangere,” “Rizal,” “El Fili, ” among others.
After their Makati atelier, Valena will relocate to Lopez, Quezon where he is building his own dress shop.
At the moment, construction of Erick’s fashion house along the Maharlika Highway (formerly Real Street) is underway.
“I hope I can soft launch my shop in Lopez before the month ends,” said Erick who admittedly carries all the wisdom he has acquired from his association with the veteran Figueras.
Of course, Albert will be around in Quezon to celebrate the fashion business independence of Erick.
Good luck, Erick! (Boy Villasanta)