It was interesting to watch how detailed and focused they were. From the moment they arrived, Tom Bugbee and Monique Lhuillier were on top of every detail of the show – from the shade of the runway, the music that would be played, the color of nail polish worn by the models, the colors and flowers, even down to how the fold of each napkin would be for the table arrangements. Seeing how the couple worked, it’s not surprising that they have reached the top. But, more important than their professionalism, I’m sure everyone who has worked with them can attest to their sincerity, dedication and kind hearts.
First thing in the morning the day after the show, Tom and Monique had scheduled a visit to the Bantay Bata’s Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Instead of being content with their monetary contribution to Asia Society and Bantay Bata, they wanted to be with the children and know more about them. Together with Gina Lopez, they visited each room in the village and took the time to talk to the children and caregivers.
This past week was a learning experience for me: much more than the monetary contribution Tom and Monique have shared with us, it is also important to go out of our way to visit our favorite charity and physically show them we care. Hearing Monique call out to the kids, "I want to hug you," or seeing her bend down just to look into their faces, immediately made me forget how tired I was from the long hours and months spent preparing for this show. It was one great experience working with this dynamic couple and I wouldn’t mind doing it all over again.
ROBBIE CARMONA, event director: Being part of the Monique Lhuillier show is an experience I will never forget in my life. Brainstorming sessions and countless meetings were done just to ensure a no-less-than-world-class event. Meeting Monique and Tom for the first time was exciting. That whole week was definitely oozing with energy and creative juices – not to mention the countless Starbucks lattes my Saga team and I consumed to keep us up during all those late nights. They gave me a new perspective on how I see details in my work – details that are sometimes taken for granted but are equally important in making the whole event a success.
My favorite moment with Monique and Tom was when we were choosing the music for the show. I just loved it! Some of the tracks reminded me of my younger days when I used to dress up in long back shirts and penny loafers. How could I ever forget Purple Rain? That is still my last-song syndrome up to this day. Up to now, people are still raving about it.
One thing I will never forget in this experience is the value of teamwork. Monique’s team – Adrienne, Brieanne, Kathie and Judy – hardly came out of the work room as they were busy making sure everything was precise and correct.
Certainly, the lessons my team and I gathered from this experience are definitely worth applying to our local productions.
BAMBI HERNANDEZ, production manager: I find myself very fortunate to be part of an industry where I get to work with very talented and well respected individuals from the fashion industry. Working on the Monique Lhuillier Gala project is definitely a career highlight!
Monique Lhuillier and Tom Bugbee are a powerhouse couple. Their combined insights and skills have enabled them to build the fashion house into what it is today. To quote from Bienvenido Tantoco’s welcome remarks during the evening, "To get married in a Monique Lhuillier gown is an aspiration for many." And while it will still be a couple of years down the road before I do get married, at least one personal aspiration has been met – meeting Monique Lhuillier in the flesh and learning about the person behind the superstar image.
During the first meeting, I recall being taken aback by how pretty (and petite) Monique is. Her daily outfits were elegant yet simple – nothing over the top or too complicated to keep her from kneeling and hemming the clothes herself during the fittings. And from a technical perspective, seeing her collection up-close was a treat. The structure and the quality of the garments was divine, and the pairs of Manolos they flew in from the US were more than enough to make a shoe addict die of a heart attack!
From a professional standpoint, Monique and Tom’s attention to every detail was evident in all aspects of the project – from model selection and the type of music played during the show, down to the treatment of the plank runway and the hand-painted chinoiserie designs on the wall, and the "Ballerina" shade of Chanel nail polish for the models – no detail was undiscussed. I remember our team sourcing for the particular Chanel nail polish that Monique wanted and buying the last two bottles that were left in the whole of Manila (and consequently having two more bottles bought in from Hong Kong!) We were so glad, though, that the local team met and exceeded their every expectation, proving that the Filipino work ethic and standards are competitive globally. I was really so thankful for this entire learning experience!
JOHN BATALLA, lighting director: Having done several gala fashion events (including galas for Rajo, Cesar Gaupo, Inno Sotto, Rene Salud) I wasn’t really expecting this Lhuillier gala to be any different – boy, was I mistaken! In the past, galas always meant dealing directly with the show’s director as well as the designer – with Monique, it meant dealing with so much more, including the organizers, the local director, Monique’s director, virtually an entourage of people all focused on making "the event" something special!
For a moment, it felt really impersonal, like Monique Lhuillier was a corporation, some great big entity which you just had to deal with by going department to department, never really grasping the full scope.... But show day rolled around and the frantic transformation of the Rizal Ballroom of Shang Makati was underway. The models were rehearsing in their shoes, the hotel was putting together place settings, set construction and the lighting people were climbing up and down scaffolds. To say the least it was chaos! I looked around and found Monique and Tom, seated at the table at the end of the runway, intently watching, scrutinizing details and fine-tuning the show along with Robbie and Judy. Strangely, they seemed calm while everyone else, me included, was frantic.
As we stepped up the pace after the rehearsal, Monique approached me on the catwalk – she just wanted to feel what it was like to walk on it. That moment, I said to myself, "Ah, so she’s Monique." She is young, pretty and not what I expected! She walked the runway’s length and I thought that this woman was the reason we were all here today; that the model’s dresses were all just part of her imagination in the past and that her brand name has transcended her simple persona.
The evening was exquisite! Manila’s crème de la crème packed the ballroom for the fundraising event. In the end, Monique took to the stage and humbly took a bow. This woman, who has made so much of herself in the international scene, whose dresses famous actresses wear – this simple, stylish woman who is Monique Lhuillier.
LOUIE OCAMPO, composer/musical director: In the early stage of the project it was a bit difficult because everything was done through e-mail. But the moment they got to Manila it was a breeze because they knew exactly what they wanted and they were so focused. It’s so nice to work with people who have accomplished so much and yet have their feet on the ground. Thanks, Tom and Monique, for having me onboard. It was an honor.
MALS LEDESMA, international events coordinator: Monique is a worker, she doesn’t act like a star designer. Quite a surprising and fresh approach to the celebrity status she has rightfully earned. Working with her for more than a week during her stay in Manila has been a light, positive learning experience. She knows exactly what she wants but she also listens to suggestions. She is very focused on getting everything right, but also never misses a chance to laugh at a situation. She is a very detailed designer, master of her trade, but she is also a dedicated mother to her baby (who tagged along during this trip!) and has remained a loving daughter to her parents. I’m proud of her!
RHODA CAMPOS-ALDANESE, VP cosmetics division, Rustan’s Essenses: Working with Monique was both a joy and learning experience. She is the epitome of humility. Her energy level is contagious. In spite of her fame she remains candid and well grounded. Her show is a result of her personal genius plus the collective talent, philanthropy and vision of our very own Filipino team members.
PATRICK ROSAS, makeup/stylist: At a very young age she showed composure and professionalism in the creative department and design. Tom and Monique are grounded and adorable.
BING-BING LINGAO, director of events, Makati Shangri-La: Working with Tom and Monique was a delightful experience. For personalities of their stature, they were very humble. Both were very gracious in their requests and needs, not pushy at all. Very passionate about their work to the last detail, which makes you want to see it through. Both were calm and composed from the day they arrived, all the way till the end of the show.
ROLANDO LOTHO, head dresser: Being the most achieved Pinay, ML was very "haute couture" about details from head to hem, her production team from New York headed by Ms. Judy Rice made sure things were done in a "Monique" fashion, peculiar and particular down to a Chanel Ballerina nail polish for each model She was first at go-see and final touch at the show. Overall, amazing. Even best of runway ’06. In excess, a spectacular red carpet. I love it!