Yes, Monique Lhuillier, the one who dressed up Natalie Imbruglia, Britney Spears, Kevin Costner’s wife, and even Bride Barbie; the Cebuana who designs very feminine clothes with rich fabrics and is making a name for her stylish and traditionally romantic bridal wear.

Her mother, Amparito Llamas, was a former model who still exudes a glamorous sense of style. She and Monique’s father, diplomat and jeweler Michel (of the M. Lhuillier empire), introduced her to dreamy parties thrown in their luxurious home, with guests “dressed to kill.”

Is it any wonder really that Monique would end up as a fashion designer?

In Cebu, with its big wedding expos and bridal fairs, there are a lot of fashion designers.

In last year’s “Sposabella” showcase of both Manila and Cebu fashion collections at the Waterfront Hotel in the City, Cebu wowed the crowd with Arcy Gayatin’s elegant designs, with Jun Escario’s dramatic zing (as clearly shown in his adept fusion of an Indian sari and a Japanese kimono fabric).

On the other hand, OJ Hofer’s definite sense of style could be seen in his clever use of jersey, tulle and velvet.

Albert Arriba and Minnie Yuvienco showed evening wear in impressive colors like aqua, fabrics like yellow taffeta, balloon skirts and layered pink bodices.

Sure, all these have been influenced by each other’s background, inspirations, and personal sense of style.

But it is also worthy to note how Cebu has influenced their styles, with the island being the second top tourist destination in the country (second only to Boracay), numerous international hotel chains, big thrust towards tourism, celebrities and concerts, vibrant culture and nightlife, high-profile local personalities, ad infinitum.

Rightfully called “The Queen City of the South”, the City’s vibrancy and richness spells couture.