On angel wings
Sofia Elizalde and New York-based fashion jewelry designer Harry Berry team up to launch his newest collection in Manila for the benefit of the STEPS Scholarship Foundation.
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Sofia Elizalde and New York-based fashion jewelry designer Harry Berry team up to launch his newest collection in Manila for the benefit of the STEPS Scholarship Foundation.
Sofía Elizalde and Harry Berry.
Arm candy: Angel wings for a great cause.
Dawn Zulueta Lagdameo
Tina and Bea Elizalde
Ayisha Lagdameo
Kit and Sylvia Zobel de Ayala.
Lizette Cojuangco and Ina Ayala.
PAUIG
Steffi Chiongbian
Angel-wing fans Alice Eduardo, Sofia Elizalde, Maritoni Fernandez-Dayrit and Kit Zobel with the author
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Marilu Batchelor and Ella Pangilinan Miranda choose their favorite bracelets
On a visit to New York a few years back, ballet lover and benefactor Sofia Elizalde was gifted with a bracelet by her dear friend, Elizabeth Roxas Dobrish (a former principal dancer and the first Filipina member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater). From the minute Elizabeth slipped that bracelet onto Sofia’s wrist, telling her to make a wish, she fell in love with Harry Berry’s angel wings.
This love affair with the Colombian designer’s celestial-inspired creations sparked a steadfast friendship with Harry that has grown through the years. “He is a fellow creative who loves to give back through his art and jewelry,” Sofia said. She first teamed up with him two years ago for a pop-up to benefit the STEPS Scholarship Foundation which supports talented young dancers from humble backgrounds to give them equal opportunities in dance training.
Their first project together was such a hit that they decided to collaborate again this year. The fundraiser, held at Manila House last week, began with a fireside chat moderated by Bambina Olivares at the Dining club’s cozy Rizal Room. Harry shared interesting insights on his passion for Angels which began in early childhood. He fondly recounted how his Mom would tell him that she prayed often to the angel Michael from the time she carried him in her womb to the day he was born. Known as the Warrior of God, the Archangel Michael is highly regarded in Christianity and across various faiths as the principal heavenly protector.
The Colombian-born designer started his creative journey in Bogota where he had his first showroom. Back then, he derived inspiration from the paradisiacal nature of his motherland’s vibrant forests and mystical flora and fauna.
Fifteen years ago, Harry made the life-changing decision to move to New York City (the milestone 11-11-11 is a badge that he proudly wears etched on his arm). His foray into the fashion industry there began with a stint at Diane von Furstenberg.
In 2021, he chose to focus fully on his own fashion jewelry line, founding the eponymous brand, Harry Berry New York, centered on angelic symbols, protection and positive energy. Harry threw himself wholeheartedly into his calling: designing and crafting jewelry by hand using crystals, semi-precious stones, gold-filled elements and charms with angel wings as his signature. “Each of my pieces is carefully created to attract and store the good energy that lies within each and every one of us,” affirmed Harry with a sparkle in his eye.
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After the casual interview, guests were then invited into Manila House’s richly tented Luna Lounge. Sofia opened the doors to reveal an enchanting installation of miniature “trees” composed of branches and twigs draped in moss, fern leaves and colorful flowers showcasing Harry Berry’s latest collection. Countless angel wing bracelets, earrings, necklaces and charms hung like sparkling golden fruit ripe for the picking. An excited buzz filled the air as all the ladies eagerly made their way towards the enticing display to get first dibs on the charming creations.
“I had visualized this moment back in New York and it was even better in real life,” said an emotional Harry. “Seeing my Manila clients getting excited and loving every single piece I crafted made me so happy and grateful. I think they can feel the love that every angelic piece is giving them,” he said.
Harry took such delight in placing the bracelets and necklaces on each of the ladies as they took their pick. Designed to be symbols of hope, protection and good fortune, Harry’s greatest wish is that his fashion jewelry gives every wearer the joy of “making wishes and feeling the golden light from the Creator and the inspiration from our angels.”
It’s easy to understand how this feel good philosophy has gained an enthusiastic following. “I feel my clients from Manila are my number one supporters,” he said reiterating how overwhelmed he was with the amazing turnout.
Speaking to him as we caught up over lunch a day after the trunk show, I could feel how Harry had indeed found his passion. “Every single piece is made with all my heart and soul... My clients in Manila give me the strength to keep dreaming and creating.”
The event’s astounding success spilled over to the following days with a popular clamor for more of Harry Berry’s angel-inspired creations, exceeding the initial goal for STEPS Scholarship Foundation. Overwhelmed by the outcome, Sofia was effusive in expressing her profound gratitude to Harry and all the generous hearts who supported the cause saying, “It takes angel wings to give opportunities to talented young dancers to fly and to achieve their dreams.”
