From its beginnings in 2009, the annual event has consistently served to raise funds and awareness for two worthwhile beneficiaries: the Philippine Red Cross and the Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation—a real convergence of fashion and generosity.
Each year since then, leading figures in society, fashion, business and philanthropy congregate for a remarkable evening that celebrates glamor and noblesse oblige. The highlight of the Red Charity Gala is the fresh capsule collection from the honoree designer.
For this momentous occasion, Chito presented a 40-piece Filipinana Haute Couture collection, reimagined and reconfigured, through the prism of Philippine History and Art.
From a young age, Chito has already shown signs of an artistic and talented bent, where he would always stand out in the crowd. This led him to gain recognition in school, as well as awards in art competitions here and abroad, including participation in the Mexico Olympics where he represented the Philippines in its prestigious art forum.
He then turned his sights to the highly creative world of fashion, enrolling in the 70s at the Slim’s Fashion and Art School. His unique and refined designs easily gained him recognition and patronage from Manila’s elite and fashionable set, women of true elegance and style, among them the likes of Chona Recto Casten and Tingting Cojuangco. In his young age of 20, at a period when lunchtime fashion shows were in vogue, he mounted his first one-man show at the famed La Concha at the Hyatt.
To this day, his beaded flapper gowns—which took the local fashion scene by storm when he first introduced them—remain etched in people’s minds, due no doubt to the Masai necklace beads from which they were meticulously made from, a showcase of exquisite design and ultra fine craftsmanship that “evoked the sunsets of the savannahs with just a glint of geometric silver embroidery to add polish for a special night out in the metropolis.”
As a natural progression, Chito would then lend his creativity and vision to interior design, executing homes, boutiques and restaurants. Together with his partner Ricky Toledo, he founded the landmark concept store Firma, purveyor of home accents, jewelry and objet d’art, and later, AC+632 which can be found at Greenbelt 5.
The eighth edition of Red Charity Gala was a stunning spectacle as Chito Vijandre presented his collection that transformed high fashion into an avant-garde theater performance.
Chito’s fabulous creations featured six suites that reflected his singular creative direction: An “ethnic suite” that took inspiration from the Galleon trade; a “revolt suite” that drew from the spirit of Gabriela Silang; segments dedicated to Hollywood Glam and the studio era in the Philippine movies, OPM, as well as flapper girls and carnival queens. The bridal gown was one of a medieval theme.
The distinctly maximalist collection was Chito’s irreverent interpretation of Filipinana, redolent of lush colors, rich textures, and fine, hand-sewn embellishments—all of which are hallmarks of his artistry and his attention to detail.
Ariel Lozada directed Red Charity Gala with fashion styling by Noel Manapat, and hair and make-up by Henri Calayag.