Valera’s Golden Seven (Best-Dressed Women)
This columnist came across the March 25, 1962 issue of The Sunday Times Magazine, where the Ramon Valera named seven best women, his golden seven.
In an interview with Leticia Jimenez (much later
the Letty Jimenez Magsanoc, editorin-chief of The Philippine Daily Inquirer) at Valera’s Quezon City home and shop, the then dean of Filipino couturiers spoke on his choice.
Ms. Jimenez wrote, quoting Valera: ‘The women I consider to be best-dressed in Manila? Here is an off-hand enumeration, not necessarily in this order:
‘Chito Madrigal-Vasquez, Elvira Manahan, Chona Recto-Kasten, Nelly Montilla-Lovina, Christine Carroll, Priscilla Moran-Sison, Mercy Arrastia-Tuason.
‘I wish I could name more. But there are not enough Manilans who would qualify.’
When he spoke, Ms. Jimenez continued, his eyes mirrored eloquently his convictions. He gesticulated with manicured hands. A diamond-studded gold ring crisscrossed on his index finger.
Valera explained that his choice was based primarily on the way these women wore the right clothes for the right time.
The top seven were also named based on their general grooming, which includes hairstyle, shoes, bag and jewelry.
He was at the point of naming three other prominent matrons, but he checked himself. They were knockouts in terno, but they look lost in a dress.
Another quote from Valera in praise of… ‘Chona knows how to choose the things that go with her dress. Everything is just right in anything she wears. She does not have to be coached or advised by any couturier about what to wear and with what. She instinctively knows what to pick out.’
(Years back, Valera was named National Artist and modesty aside, this columnist worked with friends and Valera’s relatives for his elevation to the pantheon of the greats.)