Couture with a conscience: JC Buendia on fashion, philanthropy and making a real difference

Couture meets philanthropy on 3 October, as legendary Filipino designer JC Buendia headlines the 14th Red Charity Gala at The Peninsula Manila. Masterminded by cultural icons Tessa Prieto and Kaye Tinga, the annual high-society fundraiser will gather Manila’s finest to support the Philippine Red Cross, the Hope for Lupus Foundation and the Assumption HS 81 Foundation.

Approaching his 40th year in fashion, the master of clean lines is abandoning heavy, restrictive gowns to debut a deeply personal philosophy of “relaxed luxury” — showcasing fluid, movement-focused silhouettes inspired by East and Southeast Asian traditional attire. NewNowNext sat down with the master tailor to discuss creative triumph, and what true luxury looks like today.

NewNowNext: What does the Red Charity Gala mean to you?

JC Buendia: This Gala feels like a beautiful affirmation of the journey I’ve taken in fashion — the years of work, the experiences, the lessons and everything that has brought me to this moment. I’m grateful, humbled and truly happy.

How did you get to know about it? Who told you? When? Was there a process?

It was Henri Calayag who first told me — well, sort of! Henri actually messaged me to congratulate me, which was rather funny because he was, in a way, preempting the formal announcement. The chairpersons hadn’t officially told me yet, and here I was already receiving congratulations from Henri! After that, Kaye Tinga messaged me to confirm that I was, indeed, going to be the featured designer for Red Charity Gala 2026.

You’ve done so many unforgettable and meaningful shows. What makes this different?

It is what you would call the designer event of the year. But more than that, it is a genuine charity movement.

What makes it especially meaningful to me is that 100 percent of the proceeds really go to charity. So, beyond the glamor and the fashion, there is a very real and important purpose behind the Gala. It is also an event that is much anticipated by my peers and by so many of the movers and shakers of the industry. To be part of something that brings together fashion, philanthropy and the community in such a meaningful way makes this show truly different from all the others I’ve done.

Briefly, what’s the collection all about? What pieces are you making? How many pieces are in the collection? What’s the fabric? Color palettes?

The collection is all about relaxed luxury, and I’ve been greatly influenced by Asian silhouettes. So, expect a lot of slits, tunics and tunic-inspired styles, and fluid fabrics that allow the clothes to move beautifully.

For the color palette, I worked with black, blush and robin’s egg blue — colors that I felt would complement the ease and elegance of the collection.

As a household name in Philippines fashion and one of its staunch pillars, how relevant and important is the red charity gala in the industry?

It is very important because being chosen as a featured designer for the Red Charity Gala means that you have truly made your mark in Philippine fashion.

It’s not just about having arrived. It is, in a way, a recognition of the journey you’ve taken and the contribution you’ve made to the industry. I see it almost as a tribute — a beautiful acknowledgment of a designer’s body of work and place in Philippine fashion.

As one of our local designer icons, what is the ‘classic’ JC Buendia masterpiece?

A classic JC Buendia masterpiece would be something deceptively simple. Behind that simplicity is a very well-edited design, meticulous construction and a careful balance of proportion and detail.

For me, the perfect gown is not only beautiful — it has to be beautifully constructed and, most importantly, something a woman can actually move in and feel comfortable wearing.

Any last or parting words you’d like to say?