Criselda in black & white

Fashion designer Criselda Lontok has once again proven that she is the doyenne of elegance. Lontok’s new collection, a seamless series of black and white ensembles, was inspired by her heroines. Shares Rustan’s top designer, “I was inspired by  the glamorous women of Hollywood of the ‘50s, like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Katherine Hepburn. Silhouettes are taken from Hubert de Givenchy and Cristóbal Balenciaga but interpreted in a more relaxed and softened look that would allow freedom of movement.”

This year, Lontok will be featuring her collection in a fashion show at the Hyatt Embarcadero in California. Entitled “Holiday Double Exposure XIII,” the presentation is sponsored by Philippine International Aid (PIA), an organization spearheaded by Lisa Yuchengco and Niña Romualdez Estella, both residents of San Francisco. PIA is on its 28th year of operation as a registered nonprofit entity in California and has provided health, nutrition, rehabilitation, shelter and psychological assistance to disadvantaged Filipino youth in the Philippines and the San Francisco Bay Area. The show will be part of the organization’s fundraising activity (an event that draws about 800 Fil-Ams every year).

(The Criselda Lontok collection is available at all major branches of Rustan’s Department Store.)

Photography by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada •

Model: Stefanie Chung • Accessories by Arnel Papa • Makeup and hairstyling by Raz Rimor (0906-3673269) • Shot at Azumi Boutique Hotel lobby area and Romulo Cafe (2205 Market St., Madrigal Business Park, Alabang) • Special thanks to Donna Narvadez of Azumi Boutique Hotel