THE RETURN OF OPULENCE
CHITO VIJANDRE upholds an aesthetic that spills over with vibrant prints and lustrous details
The first time Chito Vijandre was invited to do the Red Charity Gala show in 2016, the seasoned designer had been in the midst of a 30-year hiatus from the fashion industry. “I was excited and challenged since I had not done fashion for a long time,” he says. “It was an honor to be asked to do it for a prestigious event that promotes excellence in fashion design while at the same time helping in the community-based projects of the Philippine National Red Cross and the Assumption HS 1981 Foundation.”
Being able to do work on his passion for design and doing it for service and charity is something that is important for Chito. “Service is giving your best with utmost consideration and thoughtfulness for others and the community at large,” he says, mentioning that it should exceed the expectations of those to whom it is rendered. “Charity is a selfless sharing of your gifts and blessings for the happiness and well-being of those in need.”
Three years later, Chito is doubly thrilled to be able to do the show again, this time with nine of his cohorts. “It is a once in a lifetime event working with nine of my illustrious peers in the Philippine fashion industry to come up with a presentation that will surely be one for the books,” he says. Chito, who joked about his status as the “elder statesman” of the group with his fellow designers at the shoot says that when he was younger, he might not have been able to appreciate the opportunity to do a show of this magnitude and meaning. “When you’re younger you think more about exclusivity, having your own show and making a name for yourself,” he reflects. “But as you mature, you find more joy in inclusivity and the fulfillment of working with and for others which is what this special edition of Red Charity Gala is all about.”
When planning for this collection, Chito thought of what he wanted to highlight at the last show but had no time to do, and present them for everyone watching. “There were also new materials needed as well as materials we came across in our travels that gave rise to new designs,” he says. “New designs in the clothes, of course, called for new accessories as well which I had to create and source materials for.” Due to lack of enough supply, some visions in his head remained visions, like a set of antique bird-ofparadise feathers that had been snapped up by the costume designers of Netflix’s The Crown, so he had to find other substitutes. He wanted a look that involved S&M tights and gloves sourced from Ukraine, but it lacked the luster and sheen he wanted, so he found himself turning to an unconventional resource: “Thanks to Fifty Shades bloggers on the web,” he says. The experience, while difficult, has always been exciting to Chito, especially as someone who is entrenched in the world of fashion design.
“As always, designs keep evolving with each step— whether a success or a failure—and the final look is never completely what you initially thought it would be,” he says. “So yes, you can plan all you want but always be open to the discoveries and surprises during the journey.”
Long-time friends with Red Charity Gala organizers Tessa Prieto Valdes and Kaye Tinga, Chito says he has always respected and admired the pair for their work in promoting creativity and excellence in local fashion and the arts, as well as their generosity in helping those in need. “What they have done with the Red Charity Gala is simply amazing, impacting the lives of so many people and communities.” This ties in with what Chito believes makes a meaningful life: “When you have given your all and made others happy.”-SSR
“As always, designs keep evolving with each step—whether a success or a failure— and the final look is never completely what you initially thought it would be."