CEBU, Philippines - The effervescent and definitely larger than life Salvador Malto celebrates his 25 years in the fashion industry this season. He, of the infectious smile, casual countenance and singular talent will be forever etched in the hearts of those who knew him, personally and professionally. For the late Salvador Malto was the same person, at work and after. With the passing of the torch to the younger Alejandro Godinez, it is no doubt that the latter is getting advice from all sides now on how to run the label into an even more thriving and bigger business for the next 25 years. In a preview of their anniversary show collection, Malto's last creation of pieces with more-accessible-than-usual price tags, like a collage of lace patterns and hues on a bias cut dress, jersey silk slipdresses made in collaboration with his protégé Godinez, a red hot multi tiered and layered gown (which, admittedly, was paired with a skirt made of laboriously laser cut paillets) and a few bridal gowns. All these on celebrity models the likes of Karla Bautista Siao, Anna Maris Igpit, Stephanie Señires, Charmyn Fookson, Marti Ybañez, Hernani Tapulado Ruelan, Lisa Tandugon, Architect Tessie Javier and Bee Urgello. Before that was an all-jersey collection of Godinez and it was clear that they aren't compromising an inch on their unique, offbeat vision.
Some tears for the "In Memoriam" videos of the late Malto that was kind of otherworldly (perhaps due to the chill emanating from a blast of full force air conditioning inside the cavernous Sta. Maria Ballroom of Radisson Blu). About the clothes, per se, there was certainly something dreamy about their construction. Cases in point: the jersey and Lurex-shot archi-textural sheaths with a heat transfer of Swarovski crystals on brooches were in motion against gravity. Or a lace collage skirt dipped in silver. The overall feeling was folksy, but with an haute couture touch. And the audience of family and friends were simply mesmerized and looking forward to the next 25 years. Bravissimo!