By: Ralph Galarrita, Jr.
Artists often carve their own unique niches, either as painters or creators of wearable masterpieces. However, Jean Pioso, a burgeoning Filipina designer, has managed to excel in both worlds, blending her creative passions into a mesmerizing tapestry of art and fashion.
Jean’s journey began when she emigrated from the Philippines to the United States, leaving behind a humble past. She turned to painting as a way to escape the pangs of nostalgia, her heart aching for her family in the Philippines and her husband, a dedicated Navy serviceman often stationed far away. What started as a form of therapeutic expression soon transformed her into a true artist. She had never imagined her path would lead her into the captivating world of fashion. It all started when a client was utterly captivated by her art collection displayed during an event in Los Angeles, urging her to step into the world of fashion shows. This pivotal moment opened a new dimension as she delved into the art of designing clothing.
Her ascent to the top was not without its challenges. Like many who embark on unconventional journeys, Jean faced her fair share of triumphs and tribulations. Balancing full-time jobs, managing her business, and raising a family, her life took a significant turn when her son left for college in San Francisco, leaving her to grapple with the loneliness of an empty nest. She persisted, even in the face of criticism, and the biggest test of her resolve came when a trusted friend she had hired for her first collection betrayed her. This betrayal nearly pushed her to the brink of giving up.
Photo Credited to: Carl Decras
However, Jean’s close-knit family provided unwavering support from afar, a constant source of motivation for her to keep pushing forward and striving to fulfill her personal goals. Through persistence and determination, she continued to hone her craft and establish her unique presence in the fashion industry.
Navigating through the intricate threads of her journey, she unearthed her defining moment, establishing her foothold in the fashion industry. As a Filipina designer residing in the United States, her wellspring of inspiration flowed from her network of allies and supporters, compelling her to make the nearly weekly pilgrimage to Los Angeles for pivotal meetings and engaging events. Jean meticulously fostered a community of models, devoted clients, kindred art enthusiasts, and visionary business owners and designers who shared her passion and creative outlook. Her recent collaboration with Alegre De Pilipinas, LLC. showcased a remarkable array of handcrafted bags, exquisite purses, and an innovative clothing line, spotlighted through digital campaigns and captivating fashion shows.
Jean’s inspiration draws from her work as a medical social worker and military ombudsman, as well as her dedication to self-preservation. She takes pride in representing military families in the fashion world and providing employment opportunities to her workers in the Philippines. Her designs often incorporate military themes as a tribute to active-duty military veterans and their families. This dedication was on full display during New York Fashion Week, where she showcased a military tribute luxury purse paired with a dress of her own design. Her second showcase is set for Paris Fashion Week, demonstrating her commitment to recognizing and supporting these sacrifices.
Photo Credited to: Carl Decras
Jean’s connection to her workers runs deep. As a military ombudsman, therapist, and spouse, she empathizes with their struggles and remains dedicated to supporting them through her art and designs. She is set to unveil upcoming jewelry collections and continues to use her designs, including bags, corsets, and dresses, to support underprivileged families in the Philippines. She has even established a foundation to aid underprivileged children in her home country, underlining her belief that contributing to the community and helping those in need is a higher form of beauty than creating any garment.
When asked about her fashion inspirations, Jean readily names individuals with impeccable fashion sense as her muses. She admires well-known figures like Catherine, Princess of Wales, the late Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth, Sheikha Moza of Qatar, and Imelda Marcos, who have consistently graced the world with their elegance, often in beautiful Filipiniana dresses. Additionally, she has found inspiration in Filipino designers who have excelled on the global stage, admiring their contributions to the industry.
Jean has brought her artistic vision to life on her websites, including https://www.jeanamourcouture.com/ and www.jeanamour.com, where she showcases a wide range of merchandise. However, her most significant achievement lies in the trust of her clientele, who have embraced her as a designer wholeheartedly. Her remarkable journey has been marked by numerous awards and nominations, such as the WOW (Woman of Worth) award, a certificate of recognition from the city of Carson, California, for her outstanding accomplishments as a Filipino American, and AmerAsia awards for her exceptional work as an artist, designer, and model.
This coming November 18, 2023, Jean will host a solo painting exhibit and fashion show in San Diego, unveiling her oil paintings and latest collections. Additionally, she is preparing to launch her jewelry line and a one-of-a-kind bra collection in Paris later this year.
It’s evident that Jean is poised to make a significant impact in the fashion industry. As the months unfold, keep a close watch on her remarkable journey, as she remains dedicated to crafting unconventional and unique fashion designs and paintings that leave an indelible mark. In her humble ambition, she aims to establish herself as an artist who leaves an enduring imprint on the industry.
Photo CreditED to: Carl Decras
This week, she is set to unveil her breathtaking creations at PARIS FASHION WEEK, an integral part of ALEGRE DE PILIPINAS INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS, led by the visionary Janice Tentler. Her collaboration with ALEGRE is poised to extend to upcoming events, marking the beginning of an exciting and enduring partnership.
Stay connected, visit www.alegredepilipinas.net and follow on social media: FB – Alegre De Pilipinas “official.”
Ralph Galarrita, Jr.
Editor-in-Chief
Alegre de Filipinas, LLC
