The historic Negros Museum in Bacolod City is set to host a fashion event this week.
Negrense designer James Larnelle Montealto will stage his most personal project yet — a solo runway show titled “Alas Singko: The Larnelle Fashion Show”.
The event, featuring his Spring/Summer 2026 collection, is set at 5 p.m. Saturday, October 25.
This showcase marks the 27-year-old’s first major solo effort in his hometown — a meaningful full-circle moment for the rising national star who first fell in love with fashion under the Negrense sun.
Montealto promises a collection that is both deeply personal and strikingly modern — an ode to memory, womanhood, and quiet strength.
“It’s not just a fashion show,” Montealto says. “It’s a homecoming, a love letter to Negros, and a celebration of where I began.”
In an industry often defined by fleeting trends and fast fame, Montealto stands out — not just for his clean, timeless aesthetic, but for the deep sense of soul and identity stitched into every piece he creates.
At just 27, this proud designer has already dressed major celebrities, made waves in national fashion events, and built a brand rooted in elegance, emotion, and authenticity.
Raised in the heart of Negros Occidental, Montealto’s journey into fashion was born not from luxury or access, but from quiet, formative moments at home.
“I remember watching my mom alter my clothes and my dad sketching images of women,” he shares. “They were my first silent teachers in fashion.”
These early experiences, though simple, left a lasting mark, awakening in him an understanding of form, femininity, and the power of style as a mode of self-expression.
It wasn’t until high school that Montealto saw a real path forward. A friend handed him a course list from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, and the Fashion Design and Merchandising program instantly caught his eye. “It just clicked,” he says. “It felt like a sign.” That pivotal moment set his life on a new trajectory, blending his personal history with professional ambition.
GRACE OF NEGRENSE CULTURE
Montealto’s roots in Negrense culture are deeply woven into his work. “Growing up here taught me the value of beauty, craftsmanship, and hard work,” he reflects. “The culture, the people—there’s a certain grace and warmth that shaped how I see the world.”
His designs echo that upbringing: pieces that favor clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and refined details over fleeting trends. Montealto describes his style as modern yet classic, always with a subtle touch of glam—a reflection of stories, emotions, and experiences made wearable.
His creative inspirations span both the personal and the iconic. While designers like Tamara Ralph, Carolina Herrera, and Zimmermann helped shape his design language, it is his own life—the challenges, triumphs, and quiet growth in between—that fuel his collections.
“Each piece I create is like a diary entry,” he explains. “Every collection reflects a part of my journey.”
DRESSING ICONS
Like many artists, Montealto’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. Financial limitations, moments of self-doubt, and criticism from others were all part of his early experience. But instead of letting those hardships deter him, he turned inward, grounding himself in faith and perseverance.
“I always say God is my boss,” he says. “So if something doesn’t work out, I trust that He’s redirecting me to something better.” That spiritual mindset helped him remain focused and resilient through the ups and downs.
Today, Montealto is no longer just a promising young talent—he’s a designer with a growing national footprint.
One of his proudest achievements came when he was tapped to dress Marian Rivera for a campaign shoot, despite never having a fitting.
“We pulled it off perfectly,” he recalls. “Seeing her in my design, looking stunning and confident—it was surreal. It reminded me of how far I’ve come.”
He now dreams of one day dressing Heart Evangelista, another icon he sees as a perfect muse for his brand.*PR