Red Cross Charity Ball 2011

The Philippine National Red Cross Ball is an annual fund-raising event supported by generous individuals and corporations who believe in their cause to fight for humanity, independence, neutrality and unity. Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga co-hosted this year’s Red Cross Ball which happened last October 16 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

The menu, invite and chocolate giveaway

Tim Yap and Tessa Prieto-Valdes during the auction

Guests were treated to a sumptuous three-course dinner and heavenly desserts before the benefit auction of items donated to Red Cross by Celestina, Subic Leisure and Ethihad Airways. A special raffle from Blackberry was done in a different way -- the hosts drew out the table number and the youngest person at that lucky table was chosen to win.

And the piece de resistance of the evening was the unveiling of the latest collection of notable Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco in his first gala show. The first part of the collection was inspired by Greece and goddesses -- column dresses reminiscent of Greek architecture were adorned with brocade pattern of bead work while bold mini dresses embellished with laser-cut ceramic details showed various ancient Greece symbols. Next came the goddess gowns in bright colors of yellow, orange, red and brown reflecting the sunset in Santorini. The gowns bear Michael Cinco's trademark design -- exquisite bead work, meticulous pleats, dainty laces and flirty feathers. Signaling the show's finale, Georgina Wilson, Claire Unabia and Marina Benipayo sashayed down the runway in fabulous white bridal gowns.

Sighted in the event were some of the most prominent faces in the country showing their support to the Red Cross cause -- celebrities Ruffa Gutierrez, Cherie Gil, Tim Yap, Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez; designers and personalities Rajo Laurel, JC Buendia, Inno Sotto, Ivarluski Aseron, Ingrid Chua-Go, Crystalle Henares, Miriam Quiambao; and the jeweler Dizon siblings Janina, Candy and Lucille, among others.

Michael Cinco with muse Georgina Wilson

Guests at the Red Cross Charity Ball

Support the Philippines National Red Cross and help save lives. To donate, click here.

Thanks to STUDIyo for the photos.

Filed under EVENTS

PFW S/S 2012: L'Oreal Paris presents Michael Cinco

Michael Cinco is a Filipino fashion designer who is based in Dubai and known for his fabulous couture gowns and his attention to details. Fresh from the success of his first solo show in the Philippines at the annual Red Cross Charity Ball, he joined Philippine Fashion Week's Spring-Summer 2012 through another solo show last October 24 at the SMX Convention Center, this time presented by L'Oreal Paris.

The invite

The collection was inspired by beautiful goddesses, bringing to life fabulous couture gowns of white, orange, brown, gold and red left the audience gasping in awe -- classic silhouettes done with a modern twist with delicate fringes, lace, and intricate beadings.

Also noteworthy are the "Greek gods" who paraded in nothing but underwear with metallic crotch accents.

Just when I thought that the usual runway walks were done, a group of muscled male models and one female model clad in skimpy but classy beaded body suit posed in the middle of the catwalk and bam! a simulated rain-shower drizzled and drenched their perfect bodies. My first time to actual see such a theatrical fashion show.

It's raining men!

As if this stunt was not enough as a show finale, out came Anne Curtis in a fire red body hugging gown said to cost P500,000.

Anne Curtis

Over-all, Michael Cinco's Spring/Summer masterpiece collection strongly underscores his fierce fashion prowess and extensive working knowledge of the female wearer.

Filed under SHOWS and FASHION