Alan Del Rosario

Del Rosario arrived from the Philippines in the late 80’s to pursue his fashion and design dreams. He studied civil engineering in the Philippines to fulfill his parents’ wishes.

Growing up in Cebu, his parents were reluctant for their son (one of seven children) to pursue a career in the arts, fashion and design world. Since the arts was in his heart, he made a deal with his parents — he’ll get a degree in civil engineering first but he can pursue whatever he wishes after graduation.

With a Civil Engineering degree as a safety net, he left the Philippines for Los Angeles. At this time, he was a 27-year-old international student looking to start over, looking for a break in the fashion world. He started by studying at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). He excelled in their accelerated program eventually working his way up to earning a scholarship and being awarded the school’s prestigious Bob Macke award.

After FIDM, he worked for a large company learning the ropes and business side of the fashion industry.

In 1999, he started his own line carrying his namesake. It was a major hit. A year later, Gen Art LA awarded him a winner of the prestigious ‘Fresh Faces’ in fashion for eveningwear.

Known for his signature style and evening-gowndresses, major retail stores and specialty boutiques flocked to order Del Rosario’s clothing line. The orders became so overwhelming that it was hard for Del Rosario to keep up with the demands. He eventually lost some accounts.

After the September 11 attacks, retailers stopped calling. The economy slumped and the demand for his clothing line went downhill. Del Rosario had to close his business.

Wanting to start over, he joined a clothing company (that he doesn’t want to mention) and revamped their way of business. According to Del Rosario, he turned the small clothing company from a $7 million-a-year business to a $40 million earner.

A few years ago, he received a call from an old friend about starting another line. This friend, Henry Kim, now financially backs his new collection.

Del Rosario is once again rising to the top of the fashion and design world.

His gowns have grown so popular that Hollywood stars wear his private collection. His clothing collection can be found at major retailers such

as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macys Beverly Hills, Anthropology, Fred Segal and a number of other specialty boutiques in Los Angeles and New York, the US’ fashion capitals.