A night of art, couture & nostalgia
September 14, 2003 | 12:00am
In the fashion world, we have names like Givenchy, Balenciaga and Balestra – names that evoke an aura of excellence and innovation. Here in the Philippines, we have a name that elicits the same reaction: Valera.
The event was "Valera: A Retrospective for the Red Cross," held at the National Museum. It was a night to recognize the body of work of the late great Ramon Valera, also known as the dean of Philippine Haute Couture, and, of course, people arrived in their fashionable best. Around 20 members of the diplomatic corps and their ladies were present at the event, as well as a retinue of business taipans, bankers, politicians, and socialites.
After cocktails, opening remarks were led by yours truly, followed by welcome remarks from the very talented executive director of the National Museum, Cora Alvina. The courtly Jamby Madrigal-Valade gave an enlightening speech on the artistry and accomplishments of the honoree. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies were led by the six sponsors: Cesar Gabaldon, HSBC CEO Warner Manning, Ramon Valera’s sole living sister Lulu Valera, and three lovely former muses of Ramon Valera’s dresses, Imelda Marcos, Imelda Cojuangco and Susan Roces.
The guests then went up to view the breathtaking exhibit. There were 68 original Valera gowns on display, a microcosm of Manila’s best dressed during the roaring Forties, the glamorous Fifties, and the swinging Sixties. Among the gowns featured were those Valera made for timeless beauties Gloria Romero, Gretchen Cojuangco, Maria Araneta-Fores, Luz Puyat, Tessie Arrastia Brias, Prissy Sison, Fe Dolor Serrano, Remy Arguelles, Tina Zulueta, Nelly Lovina, Chito Madrigal, Chona Recto Kasten, Conchita Sunico, Elvira Manahan, Glecy Tantoco and Mary Prieto. Everyone appreciated the artistry and genius that were so obvious in Ramon Valera’s creations.
Guests were then directed to the East Wing Gallery where a luscious dinner was served. A keynote speech was delivered by Bambi Harper, and the winners of an auction of five artworks by Philippine masters Anita Magsaysay Ho, Manuel Baldemor, Romulo Olazo, Edwin Wilwayco and Ramon Diaz were announced. Proceeds of the auction were donated to the Philippine National Red Cross.
I applaud the members of the 2003 PNRC Fund Raising Committee for their successful efforts in raising financial support for the charity: Nedy Tantoco, Antonio Cojuangco, Irene Francisco, Danny Dolor, Criselda Lontok, Jamby Madrigal-Valade, Mario Katigbak, Gina Lopez, Vicky Zubiri and Ernest Escaler.
A night of recognition for a well-deserving Filipino fashion pioneer, and a much-needed contribution to charity in the name of art.
The event was "Valera: A Retrospective for the Red Cross," held at the National Museum. It was a night to recognize the body of work of the late great Ramon Valera, also known as the dean of Philippine Haute Couture, and, of course, people arrived in their fashionable best. Around 20 members of the diplomatic corps and their ladies were present at the event, as well as a retinue of business taipans, bankers, politicians, and socialites.
After cocktails, opening remarks were led by yours truly, followed by welcome remarks from the very talented executive director of the National Museum, Cora Alvina. The courtly Jamby Madrigal-Valade gave an enlightening speech on the artistry and accomplishments of the honoree. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies were led by the six sponsors: Cesar Gabaldon, HSBC CEO Warner Manning, Ramon Valera’s sole living sister Lulu Valera, and three lovely former muses of Ramon Valera’s dresses, Imelda Marcos, Imelda Cojuangco and Susan Roces.
The guests then went up to view the breathtaking exhibit. There were 68 original Valera gowns on display, a microcosm of Manila’s best dressed during the roaring Forties, the glamorous Fifties, and the swinging Sixties. Among the gowns featured were those Valera made for timeless beauties Gloria Romero, Gretchen Cojuangco, Maria Araneta-Fores, Luz Puyat, Tessie Arrastia Brias, Prissy Sison, Fe Dolor Serrano, Remy Arguelles, Tina Zulueta, Nelly Lovina, Chito Madrigal, Chona Recto Kasten, Conchita Sunico, Elvira Manahan, Glecy Tantoco and Mary Prieto. Everyone appreciated the artistry and genius that were so obvious in Ramon Valera’s creations.
Guests were then directed to the East Wing Gallery where a luscious dinner was served. A keynote speech was delivered by Bambi Harper, and the winners of an auction of five artworks by Philippine masters Anita Magsaysay Ho, Manuel Baldemor, Romulo Olazo, Edwin Wilwayco and Ramon Diaz were announced. Proceeds of the auction were donated to the Philippine National Red Cross.
I applaud the members of the 2003 PNRC Fund Raising Committee for their successful efforts in raising financial support for the charity: Nedy Tantoco, Antonio Cojuangco, Irene Francisco, Danny Dolor, Criselda Lontok, Jamby Madrigal-Valade, Mario Katigbak, Gina Lopez, Vicky Zubiri and Ernest Escaler.
A night of recognition for a well-deserving Filipino fashion pioneer, and a much-needed contribution to charity in the name of art.
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