Beauty queens, celebs promote new Pinoy designers
Miss Universe 2013 Ariella Arida, award-winning actress Ina Raymundo, and yours truly Giselle Sanchez, Noble Queen International
2020, graced the fashion show and charity auction entitled "Kaugmaon."
We were able to witness the best of Filipino fashion as the Fashion Designer Alliance (FaDAL) presented its lineup of talented designers at the fashion show event. The designers, including Thian Rodriguez, Ehran Montoya, Tipay Caintic, Julienne Paran, Xioti Chiu and Vilrique, showcased their modern and edgy designs on the runway in collaboration with the newest KMC offices.
Thian Rodriguez, a well-known featured designer, has gained recognition in the fashion industry for his unique blend of art and fashion. Rodriguez just wrapped up a successful fashion show event in Tokyo, Japan last March 2023 featuring his latest collection of leather and Filipino fabric, binakol.
I asked Ariella why she graced the event. The actress-beauty queen said: “I wanted to support the creative endeavors of up-andcoming Filipino designers while enjoying a one-of-a-kind fashion experience.”
The event kicked off with designer pieces. Then this was followed by cocktails and a fashion show proper. It ended with a public auction of a diamond ring from LVNA by Drake Dustin for KMC Cares Charity. It was the highlight of the program. Fifty percent of the proceeds went to A Child's Dream Foundation, a non-profit that supports children on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities in the Philippines through various programs such as special education, medical assessments, and therapy headed by A Child’s Dream Foundation medical chief, Dr. Francis Xavier Dimalanta.
KMC’s Therese Hilario's opening remarks were quite notable. “We have prepared this event, especially for you, our valued partners - to showcase our modern and functional serviced office spaces through the creative eyes of our young Filipino designers, in partnership with the Fashion Designer Alliance featuring Thian Rodriguez and Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines. At KMC, we are more than just a provider of flexible workspaces. We are a hub for talent, bringing together the brightest minds in various industries to collaborate, innovate, and create. We recognize the importance of our partners in our growth and success, and it is our pleasure to provide a unique engagement experience for all of you through this fashion show event. Before I finish, I am sure many of you are wondering - what does Kaugmaon mean? Kaugmaon, which means 'future' in Visayan, perfectly represents KMC's vision to be the future of flexible workspace solutions in the Philippines and beyond. We hope that through this event, you will be able to see and experience the innovation, creativity, and great talent that we bring to the industry.”
I asked celebrity mom Ina Raymundo what was her favorite part of the event. “As a mom, it is so nice to see fellow mother Iza Giron McCullough strut the ramp together with her husband Mike McCoullough, CEO of KMC Solutions. She’s always taking care of her three children, and seeing her so beautiful and dolled up like a professional fashion model that evening is a sight for the eyes.”