Hindy Weber-Tantoco's Culte Femme is about fashion liberation

MANILA, Philippines - For her holiday 2009 collection at Rustan’s, designer Hindy Weber-Tantoco took inspiration from the inner ferociousness of every woman. Covetous peek-a-boo bondage dresses, frocks adorned with leatherette, lace tights and studded jersey pieces are inarguably sexy and forthcoming, but Hindy managed to transform them into chic and elegant pieces. The sartorial creations perfectly compliment the ethereal form of a woman, hugging every curve, and sensually showcasing parts that utter come-hither.

What better way to launch a tantalizing collection than to throw a “Culte Crazy 09.09.09” party at Members Only. The sultry appeal of the space as well as the exclusivity that Members Only offers, jived perfectly with the feel of Culte Femme’s holiday 09 collection.

The scene was set for a stellar night as the A-list crowd filled with fashionistas and insiders drank their Grey Goose martinis and mingled around. Light boxes spread about Members Only showcased Hindy’s favorite styles of the cult favorite Melissa shoes, featuring styles by iconic designers Vivienne Westwood, Alexandre Herchovitch and famed architect Zaha Hadid. The label has established itself as a brand that breaks fashion grounds with comfort and style in mind, perfect for every fierce femme. As the mood of the night settled in, pole dancers decked out in gold mesh leotards with full head masks left guests speechless and in awe. As they spun around and did their tricks, they oozed with eroticism straight out of the beginning of a James Bond film. Adding drama to the night was a female impersonator, Jasmine Pringles, who lit up the stage as she portrayed Lady Gaga. Models Raya Mananquil, Ornusa Cadness, Lou Munoz and Jessica Yang moved about the space wearing Hindy’s studded jersey dresses that screamed punk rock elegance. Host Sanya Smith led the evening’s ceremonies with her oozing rock goddess appeal and cat purrs, while being escorted by Eric and Pablo, two “bad-boy” models in bondage get-ups. 

The event also showcased muses wearing the latest from Culte Femme’s holiday collection. Beautiful Crickette Tantoco with her new modern hairdo, stylish and sultry Kat Lobregat, sexy and sweet Dina Tantoco, gorgeous Bea Tantoco, elegant and statuesque Catherine Huang, luminous Kathy Huang, hip and pretty Krie Lopez, and radiant and blooming Margs Lopez were in full support as they represented the Rustan family muses.

Also sashaying around Members Only were the Culte Femme muses all gorgeous and dazzling: Anne Curtis, Anne Arcenas Gonzales, Bea Constantino, Bianca Zobel, Celine Lopez, Daphne Osena Paez, Ines Lobregat, Loralee Baron Soong, Michelle Francisco, Pam Quinones and Rachelle Wenger.

Ace fashion lens man Mark Nicdao captured the spark of these alluring women whose portraits were the backdrop for the Culte Crazy 09.09.09 night. A film by up and coming filmmaker, Christian Acuna, also gave guests an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous shoot that took place days earlier. It mirrored the tone of the night — sultry and mysteriously provocative.

The event solidified the status of Culte Femme as the go-to of every fashion-liberated woman in the metro. Femme fatales out there are sure to be rejoicing and lacing up their knee-high leather boots.

Xeng Zulueta did the innovative ’80s inspired style makeup with royal blue eye shadow and succulent cherry red lips on the models. Ricky Diokno designed the slick back, wet-look hair. Young accessories designer Tara Soriano collaborated with Hindy for the hand-hammered, brushed brass pieces in lace, corset patterns. Dennis Celestial, a veteran accessories designer, graciously lent some S&M bondage pieces for the host and the male models.

The fantastic hair and make-up team for the photo shoot was led by Cats del Rosario and Juvy Abueg, assisted by Kay Peralta, Kristine Lucas and Blue Hernandez who transformed the models into sultry sirens. The gorgeous muses were made into femme fatales by the make-up team of Ines Lobregat and Claire Diokno, with their hair styled by Ricky Diokno and Kusie Ho.

Culte Femme is available exclusively at Rustan’s Makati, Edsa Shangri-La, Alabang Town Center, and Cebu.