FASHION July 2013

STYLE STAGE CELEBRITY JUDGE PROFILE
Amato Haute Couture and brand, Furne One,
created by eccentric fashion designer, Furne
Amato has never been more sought after. This
illustrious creative is esteemed worldwide
in the fashion and entertainment industries in
anticipation of each lavished couture piece that
graces bodies of the glamorous. It’s no wonder it
wasn’t long before Amato’s Dubai-based designs
and face were foreseen to take the red carpet
and center stage, globally.
From an early age living in the Philippines,
young Furne was captivated by fashion. Already
sketching at age ten, he used his inherent
interest in aesthetics, gleaning appreciation from
his Mother and Grandmother’s own admiration
for beautiful appealing apparel.
By 1994, Josie Natori and other foundational
fashion players took notice after his competitive
win for the MEGA Magazine Young Designer
of the Philippines Award with his Furne One
line. He was Natori offered an apprenticeship
by Natori, herself, at her design house in New
York. That same year, Amato received the first
prize at Japan’s Women’s Wear Awards. All of
his exploration and intrigue paid off, as his next
notable accolade was as finalist at Manila’s
Fashion Designer Awards three years later.
In 2002, the elite clientele in Dubai were thrilled
as Furne opened his first boutique. He called it,
Amato. Meaning “beloved,” it was no wonder his
idolizing patrons had first glimpses of Furne’s
unique creations. Again, Amato’s work set
the stage for an inundation of offers including
Swarovski’s request for a highly embellished
bridal dress for their 2007 limited edition book,
Unbridled. This opened a collection partnership
with them yet again for its Crystalised Swarovski
Elements events.
Celebrity Fashion Designer
http://amatohautecouture.com & http://furneone.com
In 2008, Germany’s Next Top Model invited
Amato as a special guest designer for the show’s
season finale with supermodel, Heidi Klum.
This initiative launched international response,
and influenced his repeat role for the following
three years!
While International Fashion Week(s) from
London, Dubai, Los Angeles and Miami, desired
this rising designer on their catwalk, he was
marked as a favorite, bringing monumental
success. This brought the acclaim of celebrity
status, as sensations including: supermodel,
Heidi Klum, and singers, Jennifer Lopez, Katy
Perry, Shakira, Nicole Scherzinger, Amber Rose
and Nicki Minaj considered his creations a must-
have. Excitedly, the brands’ first boutique in the
US opened successfully in Los Angeles (2012)
with more cities to come. Furne One and Amato
Couture are a result of diligence.
With so many talented designers it’s interesting
to include that he believes his luck was inclusive
of “being in the right place at the right time.”
Either way, it is time for Furne Amato to shine.