Filipino designer Alexis Monsanto set to open Los Angeles Fashion Week with 'Ode to Odyssey'
October 12, 2026
The acclaimed Hollywood couturier brings Philippine heritage, intricate craftsmanship, and theatrical glamour to the opening night of LAFW Spring-Summer 2027.
Acclaimed Hollywood fashion designer Alexis Monsanto is set to kick off Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW), powered by Art Hearts Fashion, with the unveiling of his latest Spring-Summer 2027 collection, “Ode to Odyssey.”
The Filipino-born couturier will open the premier fashion event at The Majestic Downtown (650 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA) on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Presented by the designer known throughout the industry as “Hollywood's Fashion Expert,” Monsanto's runway show promises a theatrical fusion of nature, fantasy, and high fashion.
Nature and Fantasy
Conceived as a visual narrative depicting the designer's personal journey in fashion, Ode to Odyssey explores the art of collage. The collection brings together elements of lush floral gardens, aquatic realms, fauna, and celestial wonders, transforming them into sophisticated couture pieces.
Drawing inspiration from orchids, birds, and butterflies, Monsanto developed a soft pastel color palette designed to evoke an enchanted Mediterranean atmosphere. The collection balances contemporary menswear and regal-inspired looks, highlighted by:
Signature Techniques: Three-dimensional processing, origami techniques, fabric manipulation, laser cutting, embossing, and intricate embroidery.
Architectural Details: Bold silhouettes, basket weaving, and structured tailoring.
Luxurious Fabrics: Satin-face silk organza, printed silk chiffon, Italian tulle, linen, ostrich plumes, and traditional pineapple fabric.
Couture Embellishments: Hand-painted Aida fabric and Solstiss lace accented with Swarovski crystals.
The runway will also feature the Monsanto luxury tote bag, adding a lifestyle element to the presentation.
"His work and his creative vision as a designer, with his theatrical presentation and cinematic visuals, have earned him the invitation to open LAFW. It will be an unforgettable evening of runway shows and the best designers that we can showcase," noted Erik Rosete, executive producer of Art Hearts Fashion.
Global Collaboration & Philippine Heritage
For Ode to Odyssey, Monsanto partnered with a select group of international artisans and luxury brands to bring his vision to life. The presentation features contributions from:
- Noble Creations: Premier Philippine heritage clothing store.
- Jojo Bragais: Renowned Filipino footwear designer.
- Charlie Lapson: Celebrated jewelry designer.
By incorporating traditional Philippine materials like pineapple fabric alongside heritage craftsmanship, Monsanto brings a distinct touch of Filipino artistry to the Hollywood stage.
From the Philippines to Hollywood Royalty
An alumnus of the Otis College of Art and Design and founder of the Los Angeles-based Alexis Monsanto Atelier, Monsanto has established a prominent presence in the American fashion scene spanning over a decade.
His career gained significant momentum in 2011 as a finalist in the KTLA 5 Catwalk competition, later leading to red-carpet commentary roles for KTLA during awards season alongside news anchor Lu Parker. Recognized by LA Fashion Magazine as a "runway visionary," Monsanto was most recently awarded a Special Commendation from the State of New York (presented by Assembly Member Steven B. Raga) as a Fashion Designer of Distinction.
- Over the years, Monsanto's high-fashion creations have been worn by global stars, entertainment personalities, and world-class athletes, including:
- Hollywood Stars & Musicians: Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Coolidge, Karol G, and Felicity Huffman.
- Olympic Legends: Simone Biles, Missy Franklin, Jacqueline Joyner-Kersee, and Nadia Comăneci.
Founded in 2010 by Erik Rosete, Art Hearts Fashion (AHF) is a world-renowned runway platform operating across major fashion capitals including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, London, Ecuador, and Shanghai. Known for high-end production quality, professional staging, and inclusive programming, AHF has hosted iconic global brands ranging from Nike Swim, Adidas, and Steve Madden to couture designers like Michael Cinco, Michael Costello, and Trina Turk.
Alexis Monsanto's Ode to Odyssey presentation brings together global glamour, Philippine craftsmanship, and cinematic runway storytelling to launch LAFW's newest season.