SOCIAL SET

A celebration of heritage through design

Luis Espiritu
Michael Leyva (fourth from left) and his muses. Social Secretary Bianca Zobel, Israeli Deputy Ambassador H.E. Ester Buzgan, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Swedish Ambassador Anna Pernilla Ferry and Social Secretary Dina Tantoco.

The 127th Anniversary celebration of Independence Day gathered the country’s esteemed diplomatic corps in a showcase of Filipino artistry and cultural pride.

Fashion force Francis Libiran, Michael Leyva, Lulu Tan Gan, Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez.

Top local fashion designers Avel Bacudio, Dennis Lustico, Francis Libiran, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan-Gan, Michael Leyva and Philip Rodriguez dressed diplomatic guests at the recent Vin d’Honneur hosted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos last 12 June at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang Palace.

Saudi Arabia Ambassador H.E. Faisal Ebraheem M. Alajrafi Alghamdi.
New Zealand Ambassador H.E. Catherine McIntosh wearing Dennis Lustico.
Slovenia Ambassador H.E. SMILJANA KNEZ in Avel Bacudio.
Romanian Ambassador H.E. Raduta Dana Matache, fashion designer Francis Libiran and Australian Ambassador H.E. Hae Kyong Yu.
Ireland Ambassador H.E. Emma Hickey in Michael Leyva and Singapore Ambassador H.E Constance See in Dennis Lustico.

Bespoke pieces for ambassadors showcased the outstanding creativity, captivating elegance and breathtaking craftsmanship of Philippine fashion. Each celebrated designer stood out through the uniqueness of their design, stunning style statement and iconic marks of distinction.

Fashion designer Lulu Tan-Gan and Hungarian Ambassador H.E. Titanilla Tóth.
Fashion designer Philip Rodriguez and Finnish Ambassador H.E. Saija Nurminen.

This year’s celebration was marked by a unique cultural highlight: Foreign Lady Ambassadors in bespoke gowns designed by the Philippines’ most celebrated fashion designers. The Filipiniana was a standout in its glorious incantations as women of honor paid homage to the most celebrated national wear.

The rich and diverse culture of the Philippines heritage, artistry and history that define Filipino identity was creatively honored and lauded as it was fashioned in contemporary creations. The most iconic traditional dress — a symbol of national pride and sophistication — embraces modernity as seen in breathtaking and elegant couture masterpieces.

This nationalistic showcase was a befitting and beautiful tribute to the ingenious craftsmanship and talent of the Filipino artist immortalized through the long-standing symbolic tradition of Vin d’Honneur.

Saudi Arabia Ambassador H.E. Faisal Ebraheem M. Alajrafi Alghamdi.
Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
Kevin Conopio, DAILY Tribune’s Luis Espiritu, Patrick Rosas and Lulu Tan Gan.
Navy FOIC Vice Admiral Jose Maria Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr. and PNP chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III.
Secretary Dina Tantoco and Secretary Bianca Zobel.
Brunei Darussalam Ambassador H.E. Megawati Manan and fashion designer Jun Escario.
Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.