The luxurious fashion show was certainly the highlight at The Friends of the Philippines Society USA Inc. Unity Gala, held at the elegant Cipriani’s in mid-Manhattan, NYC. But the runway was not the only fashion stage for the evening. The well-heeled audience rose to the occasion wearing some really elaborate fashion selections. Starting with the evening’s guest of honor, Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia & Serbia, who wore a stunning, colorful creation by Philippines leading designer Rene Salud. Both male and female guests glided into the ornate ballroom of the venue dressed in fabulous formal wear. As the evening progressed and the fashion show took center stage, the two featured designers delivered the first-rate showing with verve and aplomb.
ON STAGE
The evening was laced with highlights including the greeting from Her Royal Highness, Princess Katarina; the presentation of the Public Service Award to New York Governor Andrew M.Como; the presentation of the Award for Achievement to journalist Ruben V.Nepalis and his wife Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Executive Secretary Janet Nepalis; selections by baritone John Andrew Fernandez and soprano Brittany Palmer; the Parangal Dance Company and Broadway actor Jon Jon Briones. ABC Television personalities, Sandra Bookman and Nina Pineda served as the evening Mistresses of Ceremonies.
FASHION TREATS
The beauty and elegance of the evening were fueled by two stunning fashion presentations from the Philippines premier fashion designers Rocky Gathercole and Rene Salud. First up was designer Rocky Gathercole, who’s edgy avant-garde fashion has been worn by Paris Hilton, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Brittney Spears impressed the audience with a collection that embraced the multi-dimensional culture of the Philippines, and, it’s massive 7000 islands. Rocky showcased beautiful, flowing pieces in ombre chiffon and cool tropical inspired prints. In a cavalcade of vivid colors, Rocky flooded the stage with exquisite fabrication in unique silhouettes. His collection reflected modern day style with an artistic twist. Rene has stores in Los Angeles, California, and Quezon City, Philippines.
RENE’S REFLECTIONS
The second fashion show featured the creations of Rene Salud who is known as the Philippines Fashion Ambassador. Rene is also a very well respected pageant mentor, who has dressed all of the major Filipino Beauty Queens, as well as International pageant winners of note. For this special night, Rene lit up the stage with lavish gowns that brought “oooh’s” and “aaah’s” from the appreciative audience. His bridal gowns with voluminous skirts featured exquisite beading, embroidery, layers of chiffon and flowing trains. They were truly the evening’s showstoppers. This designer use of raw materials from the Philippines and cultural nuances in his creations were quite evident. Rene’s creations were brought to life by a cabine’ of top models from the Philippines that included: “Miss Universe” runner-up Venus Ray, as well as International pageant winners, “Miss Philippines” winners, “Miss Tourism Queen” and Bini Bini Philippines winners and runners-up. Rene fashion showrooms are based in Manila, Philippines.
