Jessica Sanchez wears Oliver Tolentino's purple gown

Filipino-Mexican-American singer Jessica Sanchez wore a  purple creation of my good friend Oliver Tolentino for one of the rounds of the “American Idol” performance night when she sang the Mariah Carey hit “My All.”

Despite nursing a sore throat,the 16-year-old San Diego native  got a standing ovation from judge Steven Tyler for her subdued performance of Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing."  She also sang “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5.

Jessica looked stunning in a purple dupioni silk gown by Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino. The mermaid-cut dress had a bustier-draped bodice with ruffles and pleats accenting the hip.  “I was so happy to get the opportunity to dress her,” Oliver said in a statement.  “I always consider it an honor to dress Filipinos whenever they are representing us on the international stage.  I consider it my patriotic duty.”Other Filipinos on the international circuit have worn Oliver's creations in the past, among them journey frontman Arnel Pineda, journalist Kara David, and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga.

In his website  , Oliver Tolentino was described as a  "Los Angeles’ coveted red carpet couturier who  has been compared to the likes of Oscar de la Renta and Valentino.  A celebrity go-to for everything luxurious and elegant, Tolentino’s feminine detailing and strong silhouettes capture old Hollywood glamour.  With a design philosophy that stems from his native Philippines, Tolentino’s vibrant colors and prints and attention to details have earned him an A-List roster of clientele."

"Tolentino also specializes in eco-friendly fabrics, earning him the 2011 Featured Designer of eco-ethical endeavor Rags2Riches and the 2010 Sustainable Eco Fashion Award at Islands of the World Fashion Week in the Bahamas. Through his development and incorporation of native fabrics derived from pineapple fibers (piña), abaca plant fibers, water-lily leaves, jute and raw silk cocoon, Tolentino has become an advisor to his country’s weavers and embroiderers."

"Tolentino’s timeless collection has been seen on the red carpet at Hollywood’s most glamorous events or shows, including the Oscars, Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys, Grammys, American Billboard Awards, E!’s Fashion Police, and on two seasons of America’s Next Top Model (Cycle 17 and the Cycle 18) including the Cycle 18 premiere in which Tolentino appeared."

 I used to go out with Oliver in Manila and Boracay  and attend his fashion show parties for a cause in manila. He usually asks his guests who attend his parties  to bring gifts for the street children. 

And so, while Jessica Sanchez wore this alluring gown for a Mariah Carey song on "American Idol" 2012, she was wearing something that the diva she was covering in song just might have chosen to wear to a big event in the future. After all, Oliver Tolentino had definitely come up with a very special dress that was obviously designed to be worn by a true superstar.