IT is daunting to gather the biggest names in Philippine fashion but this didn’t deter socialite-philanthropists Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga.
For the 11th staging of their high-profile Red Charity Gala, they asked the featured designers from the last 10 years to showcase capsule collections. Entitled “The First Ten,” the fund-raising fashion show is for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross and the Assumption High School 81 Foundation, and will be held on October 12, 6 pm, at the Shangri-La the Fort.
Since its inception in 2009 up to 2016, Ariel Lozada was the director of the glittering gala. From 2017 to the present, Robby Carmona took over the helm.
I have witnessed each spectacular presentation. But what impact has this ultra-exclusive event on the featured designers? The designers speak out:
• Dennis Lustico, 2009. For one, the Red Charity Gala is a dream come true for every Filipino designer. From the time it started, it has become the biggest charity event in the country, and is the best venue to showcase a designer’s collection. In most cases, to be the featured designer in the gala means your time has come, or this particular designer is “ripe” and is deserving to have a solo show.
And it is in this essence people will regard the designer in a more mature way. That he’s entering a new level of professionalism as he is entrusted with the responsibility to be the highlight of one of the most anticipated nights of the year. But as we are not exempt from the adage “You are only good as your last show,” the immediate effect can be measured on how good or bad your collection (is received).
The bottom line is that a designer makes an impression every day but he is given a chance to move by leaps and bounds, and it only happens on the night of the Red Charity Gala.
• Furne One, 2010. The gala has introduced me to a lot of new friendships and potential clients, and has forged partnerships that has lasted till this day. But it has made more of an impact on me as an individual. To be in a position where you are able to help others and share your blessings to those in need is much more fulfilling.
• Michael Cinco, 2011. My Red Charity Gala feature was both an honor and a blessing. It was an honor to have joined its roster of distinguished designers who have each showcased their collection at the gala. And, indeed, it is a blessing, as it has opened doors for me in the local market, and I was able to contribute in my own small way to a charitable cause
• Cary Santiago, 2012. To be asked to do this gala means that you have “arrived” as a designer.
• Ezra Santos, 2013. What influenced me most to be part of this great prestigious event is the art of giving. Giving back to our country through this charity event is of great significance, where we are able to raise money for this charitable institution to help those who are in need. And that is a blessings, for my business and my career.
• Jesus Lloren, 2014. My Red Charity Gala show led to an exhibition of the same collection at the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines). This, I consider a great impact and a milestone in my career.
• Lesley Mobo, 2015. Doing the gala is a great thing because we get to support such a great cause. Designers like me can get creative with a collection specifically designed for the event. It got even more exciting now with the Red Charity Fashion Fund. It is such a unique platform not just to showcase creativity but also to support young and upcoming fashion innovators of the future.
• Chito Vijandre, 2016. It was quite extraordinary doing fashion again, reconnecting with peers as well as collaborating with young creative talents for a most worthy cause. It is a high point in my career that I certainly will never forget.
• Joey Samson, 2017. Being a featured designer of the Red Charity Gala was a great honor. It has provided me the opportunity to showcase my artistry on a different stage and scale. I will forever be grateful to the organizers of this cause for the chance they have given me.
• Rajo Laurel, 2018. It’s sort of like nakakataba ng puso at the same time it’s very gratifying and fulfilling. I’m just filled with gratitude that I’m able to celebrate 25 years of my career with the 10 years of the Red Charity Gala.