Furne One, world couture designer in Phoenix

By Diana Prieto-Bernal

If you love fashion and designers as much as I do, you understand the excitement I felt as I interviewed famous couture designer Furne One.

Although born in the Philippines, Furne established himself and his studio 14 years ago in Dubai. He says Dubai has been very welcoming for him, and that he felt Dubai would be more understanding of his unique, sophisticated designs that have graced the forms of celebrities such as Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry. Our beloved Shakira just chose another one of Furne’s designs for an up-coming red carpet event.

Furne acknowledged he speaks choppy Arabic, but said he makes himself understood when he talks the language of high fashion, especially the Arabic words for colors, textiles, and cuts. These are the words he knows best in Arabic.

Furne explained that he realized his gift for fashion at age 10, when he saw his mother and aunt wear fashionista designs. That’s when he first took interest in the fashion world.  His parents didn’t support his interest in fashion. His mother wanted him to become an accountant, and his father hoped he would become an engineer. Neither thought he’d become a fashion designer.

He says that his biggest supporter of his career was himself. He had a strong desire to become as well known and famous as he is these days throughout the world. Now, he says, his parents are very proud of him. 

Never once in his career did he encounter an obstacle or situation that made him want to stop designing, Furne added.

“Never. Nothing. Designing is a part of me,” he said.

I asked him what style recommendations he has for curvaceous Latinas?

“Flaunt it. Show it. It’s not about being slim, it’s more about the personalities,” Furne said.

Did he have a particular culture that influenced him more than others in his designs?

“No, it depends on my inspirations,” he said.

We all wonder if it is harder for fashion designers to work with famous and beautiful celebrity women. Furne said, “It is case by case. Katy Perry is easy to work with. She doesn’t have a diva attitude. They are all great to work with.”

Of all the women in the world, Furne said the one he would like to dress next is Madonna, adding that he is a true “Madonna lover.”