Escalator fashion show

CEBU, Philippines - There's a saying: "Fashion has always been a reception of ideas; what makes it new is the way you put it together." This exactly describes the fashion presentation that took place on Friday last week, August 7, at Ayala Center Cebu.

It was a fashion show that set itself away from the predictable - the escalator fashion show  that was one of the highlights of the formal launch of the expanded Rustan's at the Ayala Center Cebu. The unique event showcased the latest casual and eveningwear collections by the brands that the luxury retailer carries.

Held at the second level of the three-level Rustan's store, runway models donned an eclectic selection of fineries in combinations that exuded refreshingly chic fashion. From the pastel casual and resort get-ups to business fittings, the ensembles all gave the kind of looks that are perfect for work, play and everything in between.

In attendance during the fashion was Rustan's chairman emeritus Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco - who led the store's formal launch prior to the fashion show.

Also present were Rustan's president Donnie Tantoco, Rustan's VP for store planning and expansions Michael Huang, Ayala Corp. president and COO Fernando Zobel, Rustan's chairman and CEO Nedy Tantoco, Rustan's board member Maritess Tantoco-Enriquez and SSI Group president Anton Huang.

Established in Manila in 1951 by Ambsassador Bienvenido Tantoco and wife Glecy Rusita-Tantoco (in whose memory the store is dedicated), Rustan's presence in Cebu began in 1981 - with a store along Mango Avenue, then to the Ayala Center Cebu when the mall opened by the early 1990s.

Since then, Rustan's has played a significant role as a leading high-end retail store in Cebu. (FREEMAN)