Fashion designer and entrepreneur Chynna Mamawal held her LGBTIQ+ Pride Month gala event, “Pride in Bloom,” infusing nightlife with fashion and drag performances on 18 June at Nokal Basement in Makati City.

“Last year I did, pero (but) in my atelier. It was so fun, I said, let’s do it again. So parang (like) it’s every year,” she shared.

For Mamawal, the gathering recognizes the profound influence of the LGBTIQ+ community on fashion and contemporary culture.

“The LGBTIQ+ community is the ultimate vanguard of style and self-expression,” she said. “‘Pride in Bloom’ is an annual space where high fashion and authentic identity meet without compromise. It is a celebration of the artists, muses, and creators who continuously push the boundaries of global culture.”

Amid the festive atmosphere, with colored lights shimmering across a disco ball, Mamawal presented several pieces offering a preview of the latest collections from her department-store labels, Wear Casa and Muave.

Wear Casa offers elevated street-chic essentials designed for people constantly on the move, while Muave presents a dressier, more refined collection that brings high-end glamor within reach. Together, the two labels propose a modern wardrobe that is accessible, polished and versatile.

The models were selected from among Mamawal’s customers and clients, reflecting a diverse range of genders, body types and personal styles.

Mamawal also announced the expansion of her retail presence. Wear Casa is now available on the second floor of Robinsons Galleria in Mandaluyong City. Muave, meanwhile, has opened stores on the second floor of Robinsons Galleria and the first floor of The Landmark in Makati City.

“My background really is retail. Before being a fashion designer, I was the head of the whole SM Retail. So my boss was Tessie Coson,” Mamawal recalled, referring to the present vice chairperson of SM Investments Corporation.

“So, I’ve always wanted my own line inside the department store, making fashion accessible because not everyone naman, of course, can afford couture. And we’ve been getting a lot of requests,” Mamawal added.

The designer stressed that accessibility must extend beyond price and encompass people of different identities and backgrounds.

“We are celebrating Pride because, of course, fashion should be inclusive and it should be for everyone,” she beamed.

The fashion presentation was complemented by drag performances — among the most exuberant and visible expressions of queer artistry.

Headlining the evening was Marina Summers, runner-up in the first season of Drag Race Philippines and the first Filipino drag performer to compete in RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World. Mamawal has also designed for Summers and became a friend even before she rose to drag stardom.

Drag queen Matilduh further energized the venue with a performance and DJ set, while Salmo Nella commanded the room as both host and performer.

Guests also took part in curated raffle experiences supported by lifestyle partners Lovely Cosmetics and Admiral Hotel Manila.

The celebration continued into the afterparty, with music by Xtina Superstar, Nixdamp!, Butta B and other performers, bringing “Pride in Bloom” to a spirited close.