Wynn Wynn Ong takes jewelry lovers on an ancient journey at Firma
MANILA, Philippines - It was a most anticipated event. Not having had a show for the past two years at Firma in Greenbelt 3 where her jewelry is exclusively sold in Manila and where she has been having an annual exhibit for the past eight years, Wynn Wynn Ong was so excited for the unveiling of “Ages,” her 2010 jewelry collection which took practically all of the past year to plan, design and produce in her new atelier. Her dear friends, Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre, proprietors of Firma, were just as thrilled with her chosen inspiration of ancient civilizations and easily convinced HSBC Premier and Ayala Malls to co-present the show.
Come opening night, the energy was palpable with Wynn Wynn’s loyal clients and art and jewelry aficionados all looking forward in anticipation. Many, in fact had requested an advanced preview but had no choice but to just come early for a first glimpse of the pieces. And what a collection it was. From bold gold cuffs with winged bulls and mythological scenes to delicate earrings with leaping Arabian impalas. The one-off pieces were each individually sculpted and had names like “Asenath,” “Haqikah” and “Meskhenet.” Top-quality gemstones used had provenances that were just as exotic: tourmalines from Brazil, garnets from Sri Lanka, turquoise from the Sleeping Beauty Mines in Arizona. Just looking at them brought you to faraway lands and civilizations: Greece, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon. But the look was definitely of today. Using ancient techniques together with the advances in modern technology, Wynn Wynn was able to successfully merge opulence with restraint, the familiar with a cutting-edge feel.
All this to the delight of Manila’s stylephiles which included, among others, the Zobel ladies — Bea Zobel Jr., Kit Zobel, Lizzie Zobel and Sofia Zobel Elizalde who came with husband Patxi; Felicia Atienza; Barbara Aboitiz; Sevrine Miahle, Tats Manahan and her lovely daughters Magee Manahan and Juana Manahan Yupangco.
Guests were treated to a special evening with hors d’oeuvres specially created by Restaurante Pia y Damaso’s Bambi Sy Gobio and select wines from Barcino. Philharmonika filled the air with classical Yuletide music to complete the joyous celebration.
The event was also a chance to help those affected by Typhoon Ondoy, with a portion of the proceeds earmarked for the benefit of Hands On Manila’s flagship education program — the Hands On Schools-Galing Mo Kid. This program places volunteers in partner public schools to assist students with leadership potential in their studies, through a mentorship program. Two of the partner schools were partially submerged during the typhoon, destroying much of their textbooks.
The donation will help replace these essential textbooks, aid in efforts to refurbish the waterlogged schools, as well as buy much-needed supplies for the students.
For more information, please contact Firma, G/F Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center, Makati City. Call 757-4009 or visit firma2@vasia.com.
