The 11th year of Red Charity Gala, a show that highlights Filipino designers’ creative excellence, is a special celebration as it will gather past 10 honorees in a fashion event aptly entitled “The First Ten.”
Happening on Oct. 12 at Shangri-La at The Fort in Taguig City, the Tessa Prieto-Valdes- and Kaye Tinga-organized affair will be staged for the benefit of Philippine Red Cross, Assumption HS ‘81 Foundation, and various charities throughout the country.
The stars of the show
Among the roster of talented designers is Dennis Lustico who was Red Charity Gala’s first featured designer in 2009. Known for his neo-romantic style, Lustico will return to the runway with a collection entitled The Story of Mei, which will show his hyper-glam interpretation of the Chinese form-fitting dress, cheongsam.
Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One will feature a collection displaying his distinct way of incorporating lace, tulles, feathers, and other intricate details to his masterpieces.
Joining Furne is fellow Dubai-based Filipino couturier Michael Cinco. Famous for his dramatic and intricate ballgowns loved by a number of high profile clients, Cinco took inspiration from his recent trip to India to come up with a collection inspired by the culture and aesthetics of the country.
Seven years after his breathtaking 35-piece origami-inspired collection, Cebuano designer Cary Santiago’s collection will be a spectacle with the perfect combination of edge, femininity, sophistication, and modernity.
Ezra Santos, the third UAE-based designer in the lineup, will exhibit a collection reflecting his modern classic interpretation of the Arab culture and its women.
Jojie Lloren, on the other hand, will modernize barong tagalog, terno, and traje de mestiza with his architectural and minimal style while utilizing re-engineered versions of Filipino garments.
London-based Lesley Mobo, who is also the youngest of the group, was inspired by the classic period in film history. Thus his collection will embody the charm and femme fatale characterization captured in the ‘40s and ‘50s.
A self-proclaimed maximalist, Chito Vijandre’s collection will be composed of fantasy couture pieces inspired by 18th- and 19th-century artists. Vijandre explained that his creations will mirror how he experienced the world in his lifetime.
Year 2017 honoree Joey Samson will be presenting a line of menswear that he described as androgynous and will show a balance between contemporary and classic elements. His collection will be filled with details and structures that are both unexpected and traditional.
After successfully headlining last year’s event, Rajo Laurel will once again show his outstanding creations that will pay homage to energy, colors, and joy of the Ati-Atihan festival. Titled Hala-Bira, his collection will reflect his penchant for romanticism and luxury while featuring woven materials by marginalized women from Davao and Bicol.
