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The ultra modern Treff Bar of the Cebu Waterfront Hotel and Casino became  the venue  for the exclusive preview of fashion designer Cary Santiago’s Fall-Winter 2008 collection.

Aptly called, “In Praise of the Divine,” the salon show which featured eight elegant evening gowns and swimwears aims to give life to ancient Buddhist art through modernist couture.

The  much applauded creations where inspired by Buddhist artworks such as intricate and detailed images, sculptures, true to life paintings and etchings that Santiago saw during his travels to Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India.The sculptures are finely wrought images of animals, guards and deities while the paintings tell ancient tales of courtly life and depict hundreds of Buddhist legends. There are scenes carved from the life of Buddha as well as a number of decorative motifs.

Using the versatile stretch jersey fabric in a beautiful mahogany, his designs meticulously recreate the intricacies of the awe inspiring  images in the Ajanta caves through stretch gold lame cutouts.

Complementing the high fashion event  was  the  equally eye-catching well-thought out menu that matched the Buddhist inspired gowns in visual appeal.  Executive Chef Anders Hallden, Sous Chef Linda Hou and baker of all things sweet Executive Pastry Chef Gabriel Garcia prepared the hot and cold canapes that had a clear balance of tangy Indian spices with refreshing tropical flavors. Among the favorites were the grilled scallop  in shell with pineapple lassi, coconut-crusted prawn with curry salsa, spicy vegetable samosa with coriander  and Chef Gabriel’s collection of chocolate treats.

With the combination of dazzling designs and culinary creations, it truly was an event for the senses.