Chocolate couture: Filipino designers turn chocolates into accessories

Instead of the usual evening gown or bridal wear, three Filipino designers sent models wearing real chocolates as accessories on the runway as the finale of a fashion show held last week in Ayala Museum, Makati City.

Taking inspiration from the new Truffles flavor of Toblerone and the brand’s new “Never Square” philosophy, the international chocolate label and Philippine Fashion Week (PhFW) enlisted three of today’s esteemed fashion designers to create exclusive five-piece collections that brought the campaign’s mission to the runway.

 Jaggy Glarino broke the rules of tailoring and drapery by merging them. His collection explored architectural elements blended with earthy and copper tones, resulting in sculptural yet dynamic pieces. His signature look was a spiral pattern dress with a deconstructed vest.

 Ram Silva’s collection celebrated the silent power and mystery of femininity. Through intricate embellishments, restrained elegance and a palette of deep plum and maroon, he explored the balance of strength and softness. His standout piece mirrored the surprise and drama inside every diamond-shaped Truffle chocolate.

For Jerome Salaya Ang, “Never Square” meant embracing a state of transformation, which his collection captured through designs that flowed along the natural curves of the body, sculpted organza and leather ensembles. His hero piece was a diamond-cut patterned cocoon top and pants.

Crafted with a smooth milk chocolate shell and a velvety center featuring the brand’s signature honey and almond nougat, the truffles made their debut on the runway through an exclusive collaboration with PhFW.

“This milestone marks (the chocolate brand’s) first innovation to launch in a domestic market in Asia,” Adrian Manlapig, marketing head of Mondelēz International Philippines, says in a statement.

“The partnership with Philippine Fashion Week is rooted in our shared passion for originality and fearless self-expression,” adds Balili-Lanot. “Fashion and chocolate, at their core, are forms of artistry and indulgence. This collaboration allowed us to powerfully showcase how ‘Never Square’ can be beautifully and creatively expressed through exceptional Filipino talent with global ambition.”