Aldwin Ornopia Guardiana, much known for his moniker “J Lo” in the UAE fashion industry, defines success as being in the state of contentment and happiness. J Lo is The Filipino Times 2017 Fashion Designer of the Year. His accomplishments include creating masterpieces for his meticulous Emirati clientele as well Philippine dignitaries and beauty queens and celebrities.
“My clients patronize my product, evident to that are the repeated customers and referrals who keep coming back to my shop. The latest, I can say is Madame Yoko Vingno, some consuls and other dignitaries for whom I am more than happy to be of service. I made them get out of their usual and normal ways of dressing. To become a household name doesn’t just come as magic. It’s a work of art, a master craft along with customer service and hands-on involvement,” said J Lo.
As a fashion designer, J Lo loves to hold fashion shows. Among his favorites so far were the Dubai fashion Fiesta in 2010; the Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show at Al Ain Convention Center in 2011; and The Fashion show @Ras al-Khaimah where he showcased his collections twice in a year.
“I came here as nobody. I started from scratch. I started as assistant designer with a Dh1,500 monthly salary. But because of my will power to survive and drive to know what Middle Eastern fashion was all about, I gave my best. I gave my all, believing that at the end of the rainbow there’s a pot of gold.
The most recent was the Breast Cancer Awareness Forum and Fashion Show which he held together with one of his best friends, Allen Villena, to honor women who survived the disease.
“I believe being a fashion designer will not be complete If I didn’t have my own fashion show or just by joining a fashion show. I’m glad that with the help and support of my boss I am able to showcase my creations,” said the proud son of Cebu City.
J Lo’s accomplishments have already caught media attention, and were featured in international magazines including Egalite Magazine (Latin America – based Arab magazine), Asian Dragon Magazine, Peoples Asia Magazine, Abu Dhabi Weekly, Lamasat Fashion Catalogue and Gev Magazine in San Francisco USA.
Filipino celebrities and beauty queens like Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, Megan Young, Angelica Panganiban, Melai Cantivieros, Sheryn Regis, Angeline Quinto, Venus Raj , Maris Racal, Nikki Valdez, Miss World Philippines Queenie Rehman, Isabel Lopez, Say Alonzo, and Nadine Lustre have all worn J Lo’s creation.
“I came here as nobody. I started from scratch. I started as assistant designer with a Dh1,500 monthly salary. But because of my will power to survive and drive to know what Middle Eastern fashion was all about, I gave my best. I gave my all, believing that at the end of the rainbow there’s a pot of gold,” J Lo said.
“I am a living testimony that dreams may come true. I believe 12 years working in one company is an evident that I am contented of what I have right now. As long as I make my family happy, and satisfy my wants. In other words, I’m happy and grateful in everything that I have right now. As always, I believe success isn’t measured by societal standards. The surest way to success is hard work,” he added.
J Lo gained the respect of Madame Yoko Vingno, the beloved spouse of the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, HH Ambassador Constancio VIngno, Jr., not only for his excellent craftsmanship but also for his commitment to serve the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi.
As part of his giving back, J Lo is active with community service. He gives free lectures to distressed OFWs at POLO OWWA Abu Dhabi on basic fashion design, pattern making and make-up application training course for the livelihood reintegration program of OWWA and TESDA.
The Filipino Times Awards 2018 will be held on 7 September in JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in association with du as the platinum sponsor. The TFT Awards, which is now on its 4th edition, is proud to have RAKBANK as the gold sponsor and Al Tayer Motors-Ford as the car partner. Category sponsors of The Filipino Times Awards are Nikon, Pancake House International and Bawiq, while the support sponsors are NMC Mabuhay Clinic, Hot Palayok Restaurant & Grill, CMG Cargo, MPQ Tourism and Dofreeze-Eurocake.
