Fashion

This Filipino-Designed Anthurium Polo Was Spotted on Will Ashley, Leni Robredo, and Mimiyuuuh

Nicolo Perez shares how a flower commonly used in funerals inspired his design.
Em Enriquez

by Em Enriquez

Published on Jul 21, 2025

"Pinoy Big Brother" housemate Will Ashley in Nicolo
The floral motif is one of the most recognizable patterns in the world of fashion. Drawing inspiration from nature has long been a practice for brands seeking to come up with something uniquely their own. For Filipino designer Nicolo Perez, however, it's a flower often linked to death that anchors his recent collections—a bold, subversive choice that's already earned nods from Mimiyuuuh, Will Ashley, and even Atty. Leni Robredo.
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Nicolo Perez on His Viral Anthurium Applique Shirt
In contemporary Philippine culture, the anthurium—a flower distinguished by its glossy spathe and protruding column—is often associated with funeral arrangements. For Nicolo, however, the species breathes new life into a simple button-down. “I’m really drawn to how it looks, and I’m amazed by how nature could create something so sleek,” he tells Preview. 

As early as 2023, he had already envisioned creating pieces centered on the anthurium. At the Preview Ball that year, he wore a sheer shirt embellished with real flowers—a prototype, in many ways, of the designs he continues to explore today.
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Nicolo Perez's look at the Preview Ball 2023. PHOTO: Instagram/nicoleaux.
The pattern made its official debut at Nicolo’s Bench Fashion Week presentation in early 2024. Prints of the flower were stitched onto both cotton shirting and organdy fabric. In his view, the piece represents his brand’s distinct take on florals. “It’s also the flower that perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the brand. I designed it for people who want to dress with ease but still have a touch of interest in their outfits,” he explains.
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Nicolo for Bench Fashion Week 2024. PHOTOS: Instagram/nicoloperez
Since its runway debut, the polo has taken on a virality of its own, thanks to Nicolo’s growing roster of patrons. Among them is Pinoy Big Brother fan favorite Will Ashley, who wore the piece just days after wrapping up the reality show. 

Another standout is Atty. Leni Robredo, who discovered the shirt during one of Nicolo’s physical pop-ups. Style connoisseur Mimiyuuuh also gave it her stamp of approval, featuring the anthurium-print piece in one of her Instagram Story fit checks.
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Will Ashley. PHOTO: Instagram/mesmyrrhized.
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Atty. Leni Robredo. PHOTO: Facebook/CinemaBravo.
Where to Shop the Nicolo Anthurium Shirt
If you want to add the anthurium shirt to your own closet, you can message Nicolo through their Instagram account for pre-orders. The striped cotton iteration is worth P12,000, while the sheer organdy one is priced at P14,000. Nicolo also teases that a jacket version, originally debuted at fashion week, is in line for release. With its distinct design and myriad of colorways to choose from, we implore you to take your pick!

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Em Enriquez

Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.

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