From Negros To The National Runway: The Story Of Fashion Artist James Larnelle Montealto
In an industry often defined by fleeting trends and fast fame, James Larnelle Montealto stands out — not just for his clean, timeless aesthetic, but for the deep sense of soul and identity stitched into every piece he creates. At just 27, this proud Negrense designer has already dressed major celebrities, made waves in national fashion events, and built a brand rooted in elegance, emotion, and authenticity.
Raised in the heart of Negros Occidental, Montealto’s journey into fashion was born not from luxury or access — but from quiet, formative moments at home. “I remember watching my mom alter my clothes and my dad sketching images of women,” he shares. “They were my first silent teachers in fashion.” These early experiences, though simple, left a lasting mark. They awakened in him an understanding of form, femininity, and the power of style as a mode of self-expression.
But it wasn’t until high school that Montealto saw a real path forward. A friend handed him a course list from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, and one program instantly caught his eye: Fashion Design and Merchandising. “It just clicked,” he says. “It felt like a sign.” That pivotal moment set his life on a new trajectory — one that would blend his personal history with professional ambition.
Montealto’s roots in Negrense culture are deeply woven into his work. “Growing up here taught me the value of beauty, craftsmanship, and hard work,” he reflects. “The culture, the people — there’s a certain grace and warmth that shaped how I see the world.” His designs echo that upbringing: pieces that favor clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and refined details over fleeting trends. Montealto describes his style as modern yet classic, always with a subtle touch of glam — a reflection of stories, emotions, and experiences made wearable.
His creative inspirations span both the personal and the iconic. While designers like Tamara Ralph, Carolina Herrera, and Zimmermann helped shape his design language, it’s his own life — the challenges, triumphs, and quiet growth in between — that fuel his collections. “Each piece I create is like a diary entry,” he explains. “Every collection reflects a part of my journey.”
Like many artists, Montealto’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. Financial limitations, moments of self-doubt, and criticism from others were all part of his early experience. But instead of letting those hardships deter him, he turned inward — grounding himself in faith and perseverance. “I always say God is my boss,” he laughs. “So if something doesn’t work out, I trust that He’s redirecting me to something better.” That spiritual mindset helped him remain focused and resilient through the ups and downs.
Today, Montealto is no longer just a promising young talent — he’s a designer with a growing national footprint. One of his proudest achievements came when he was tapped to dress Marian Rivera for a campaign shoot, despite never having a fitting. “We pulled it off perfectly,” he recalls. “Seeing her in my design, looking stunning and confident — it was surreal. It reminded me of how far I’ve come.” He now dreams of one day dressing Heart Evangelista, another icon he sees as a perfect muse for his brand.
This October, Montealto returns to his roots with his most personal project yet — a solo runway show titled ᴀʟᴀꜱ ꜱɪɴɢᴋᴏ: ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀʀɴᴇʟʟᴇ ꜰᴀꜱʜɪᴏɴ ꜱʜᴏᴡ, featuring his Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The show is set to take place on October 25, 2025 (Saturday), at 5:00 PM at the historic Negros Museum. This marks his first major solo showcase in his hometown — a meaningful full-circle moment for the designer who first fell in love with fashion under the Negrense sun.
As anticipation builds, Montealto promises a collection that is both deeply personal and strikingly modern — an ode to memory, womanhood, and quiet strength. “It’s not just a fashion show,” he says. “It’s a homecoming, a love letter to Negros, and a celebration of where I began.”
