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While Filipino artisans and couturiers have always possessed the skill and the soul, favorable recognition once seemed out of reach—especially when international labels stood as the standard. That perception, however, has been shifting. Piece by piece, collection by collection, the Philippines has been asserting its creative authority. The idea of Filipino design standing shoulder to shoulder with the premier houses across the continent is no longer a distant dream. Numerous homegrown designers and communities have been honoring their roots while simultaneously leaving a global mark through their artistry.
Among that list of names is Rian Fernandez, a leading voice in Philippine couture best known for his detailed craftsmanship and dramatic aesthetic. A fixture in the pageant scene, he has created standout looks for numerous beauty queens.
And now, Fernandez is the genius behind Cardi B’s custom bodysuit during her Little Miss Drama tour.
Latina Fiesta
The American rapper has never been one to shy away from extravagance on stage. In New York, she made her appearance wearing an asymmetrical blue number with flared bottoms, complete with vibrant floral elements. Rich in color and texture, Fernandez captured the “Latina Fiesta” spirit, envisioning the radiance and liveliness of a bustling street market or a Caribbean festival.
The entire process took more than a month, with every embellishment and hand-finished detail crafted to withstand stage lights, choreography, and constant motion while preserving both structure and flow.
Cardi B’s team first connected with Fernandez after discovering his work on social media. “My pageant pieces have a very distinct identity—bold, intricate, and unapologetically glamorous—and I think that visual language resonated with her brand,” he shares with MEGA. The rapper’s stylist eventually reached out, leading to the creative alignment that happened at the right moment.
When the brief landed, Fernandez met it with clear enthusiasm. “My immediate reaction was excitement mixed with a strong sense of responsibility,” he recalls. “Designing for Cardi B, especially for a global tour, is a completely different scale. There was no hesitation, but I was very aware that every detail had to translate not just up close, but across arenas, cameras, and audiences worldwide. It pushed me to think bigger, sharper, and more fearless.”
This project sits alongside his established work dressing Miss Universe titleholders R’Bonney Gabriel and Sheynnis Palacios. Fernandez sees the two worlds as distinct yet equally rewarding. “In comparison to dressing Miss Universe winners like R’Bonney Gabriel and Sheynnis Palacios, the pressure is simply different—not necessarily greater or lesser,” he says. “Pageantry demands perfection in stillness and precision, while a global music tour requires movement, durability, and stage impact. With pageants, you’re creating a defining moment. With a tour, you’re creating something that lives and evolves with every performance. Both bring immense satisfaction, but in very different ways.”
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For Fernandez, this Cardi B milestone extends beyond personal achievement. “(It) means a great deal to me. Not just personally, but for Filipino designers as a whole,” he shares. “It proves that our craftsmanship, storytelling, and artistry can stand on the same stage as global fashion houses.”
He offers straightforward guidance to younger talents hoping to follow a similar path: “Stay authentic to your design voice. Master your craft, embrace your cultural identity, and don’t be afraid to show your work to the world—because sometimes, the right people are already watching.”
Looking ahead, Rian Fernandez continues to dream big. Among the artists whose stage presence and approach to fashion speak to him the most, he names Beyoncé as someone he would love to dress, as her legendary performances and deep appreciation for storytelling through clothing align closely with his design philosophy. Now that would indeed be another collaboration to behold.
Photos: RIAN FERNANDEZ (via Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
The custom bodysuit worn by Cardi B during her Little Miss Drama tour was designed by prominent Filipino couturier Rian Fernandez, known for his intricate, dramatic aesthetic.
Cardi B’s stylist discovered Rian Fernandez’s work on social media and felt his bold, glamorous visual language was a perfect fit for the rapper’s personal brand.
The blue, floral-adorned outfit was inspired by the “Latina Fiesta” spirit, envisioning the vibrancy, color, and lively energy found in bustling street markets or Caribbean festivals.
Pageantry demands precision for stillness, while music tours require durability, impact, and structural flow to withstand the rigors of stage lights, choreography, and constant movement.
It serves as powerful proof that Filipino storytelling, artistry, and craftsmanship can compete on the same global stage as world-renowned international luxury fashion houses.
