Journey to I Do: A bridal show
Francis Libiran and Patricia Santos were the featured designers in “The Journey to I Do,” a recent bridal show organized and presented by Manila Bulletin’s Wedding Essentials (WE) Magazine and Conrad Manila.
The day-long bridal showcase at the hotel’s Forbes ballroom also featured wedding suppliers such as leading jewelry brands like Bulgari and Jewelmer, photographers, makeup artists, videographers, florists, wedding emcees, and cake makers.
In its bid to position itself as an “urban wedding destination,” newly opened Conrad Manila sought the assistance of WE, the country’s wedding bible, in staging the event.
“We worked around the theme
luxe seaside,” said Kitten Zapata, editor in chief of WE. “We came up with such a theme because we want to establish Conrad Manila as a bay hotel and ideal wedding and party venue, especially during sunset.”
The event culminated in the evening with a fashion show featuring professional as well as celebrity models such as Christian Bautista, Lovi Poe, and Venus Raj.
Libiran, who was out of the country, presented five sets of tuxedos and five bridal gowns made of such materials as soft tulle and mikado silk. The bridal collection was heavily inspired by Art Deco elements in the form of linear and geometric embroidery and beadwork made mostly of Swarovski crystals. Santos, who started designing only four years ago, debuted on stage with her first ever show. The La Salle College International graduate made 14 bridal gowns fashioned mostly from sheer and light fabrics as tulle and silk organza.
Every gown, said the 27-year- old designer, was embroidered and beaded “from scratch.” She wants to make such time-consuming details part of her clothes’ signature look. Apart from Poe, Santos takes pride in having dressed celebrities like Kim Chui, Maja Salvador, and Kathryn Bernardo.
“I hope that in due time, those who become familiar with my work would instantly distinguish my gown by merely looking at the details,” she said. “Apart from the detailing, I want to be known for my soft, very feminine, and sensual designs. And despite all that detailing, I want my gowns to remain classic.” (Read the full story in Lifestyle Section.) (Alex Y. Vergara )