California, USA – Top Filipino-born couturier and Hollywood fashion star Alexis Monsanto shines anew in his latest showcase, where some of his sparkling, culture-conscious designs highlighted the Bowers Museum’s fundraising gala for an exhibition on Asian archaeology, history, and style.
A who’s who of the high-end fashion scene marveled at the Qin Dynasty-inspired collection from the Los Angeles-based master during the May 22 event, held at the world-class art museum located in Santa Ana, Orange County, California.
The presentation of Monsanto’s Qin Court Collection ushered in the opening of the exhibit, World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century, now open to the public until Oct. 19.
“What a memorable and fun evening!” exclaimed the pride of the Filipino-American community, honored by the lofty status accorded to him by the mainstream fashion world.
The star-studded gala combined fashion, culture, and philanthropy, raising $1.5 million for the Bowers Museum.
Guests paid at least $2,500 per plate, with tables reaching up to $100,000, to support the museum’s exhibit featuring recent archaeological finds from China’s Shaanxi province. Dinner by Patina Restaurant Group chefs ended with a Terracotta Warrior-shaped cake.
Alexis Monsanto teamed up with global artisans and luxury brands like Delvaux and Van Cleef & Arpels. A standout ball gown—paired with a clutch, pearls, and a first-class ticket—fetched $50,000.
Monsanto expressed, “As an artist, I dreamt of my works being displayed in a museum. Thank you to the angels who supported me and helped me mount the Qin Court Collection. The gala was magical and on another level.”
Heritage and haute couture
The discovery of the Terracotta Army in the 1970s revealed the legacy of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The exhibit’s opening night also coincided with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, adding cultural weight to the event.
Tiffany Chang, Miss Asia-USA 2024, described it as “a show where history meets haute couture.” Featuring over 100 newly uncovered artifacts, The World of the Terracotta Warriors marks its North American debut.
Fashion designer Alexis Monsanto, who grew up in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental in the Philippines, found deep inspiration in the exhibit. His Los Angeles-based atelier on Olympic Boulevard is a far stretch from his early days, where a 1979 Manila fashion show sparked his passion.
Migrating to California in 1993, Monsanto studied at Otis College of Art and Design and built a career dressing stars like Kate Beckinsale, Simone Biles, and Karol G. He also earned a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and teamed up with Michael Cinco for high-profile fashion events.
Monsanto credits his mother’s resilience for his drive. Orphaned at 21, she raised her siblings while earning a degree and becoming an election registrar. Her story shaped his own, marked by perseverance and self-reliance.
Now a mentor and lecturer, Monsanto encourages future talents while serving on the advisory board of Fullerton College’s fashion program. “It’s free to dream big,” he said. “Fashion is passion. I came to L.A. with hope, courage, strong will—and a suitcase full of big dreams.”
