Philippine fashion gets the royal treatment in Monaco

MANILA, Philippines - Prince Albert II and his new wife Princess Charlene were treated to a taste of local fashion as the guests of honor at the first Philippine fashion show held at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club. Organized by Consul Patsy Zobel, with the help of Mia Borromeo, the event had close to 1,000 attendees and was supported by many Filipinos. “Princess Charlene came up to congratulate us. She’s very attuned to fashion, and said that this is a highlight in Monaco,” Zobel says. The princess also inquired about where she can buy the clothes.

Borromeo brought in designs from our biggest names, like Rajo Laurel, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan Gan, Randy Ortiz, JC Buendia, Rhett Eala and Patrice Ramos Diaz. Top models like Ornusa Cadness and Ria Bolivar were flown in to walk the runway. “We were able to show the artistry and creativity of Philippine fashion, with indigenous handwoven fabrics and artisanal works,” she says. “We can truly be proud we’ve shown something unique.”