The former Miss Universe graced Diagold’s exclusive runway show featuring the latest creations of Cary Santiago, Jun Escario, Michael Leyva, Joey Samson, and Francis Libiran
When we talk about Filipino grace and beauty, many local celebrities come to mind. But, definitely, Pia Wurtzbach will be one of the names that will top our list. She is a woman on a mission who uses her influence to do good. Plus, she is the perfect muse that any designer wouldn’t find it hard to dress her. Her personal style always plays with elegance, sophistication, and with subtle sensuality. And during a VIP runway show led by Cebu-based jewelry brand Diagold, the former Miss Universe is looking like a modern Holly Golightly wearing a stunning LBD and dripping in diamonds—more about this later.
Last Oct. 19, Diagold held an exclusive jewelry and fashion event for Manila’s most stylish crowd at Shangri-La The Fort. The family-owned brand, with a legacy that started in 1967, presented the best of its fine jewelry creations, from earrings, necklaces, and pendants to bracelets, rings, and wedding rings. With a brand name derived from distinct treasures of the world, nothing but exquisite pieces can be expected from the local jeweler.
“There is a story behind every design and every piece,” muses CEO Jennifer Ty. “We see jewelry as a chronicler of every woman’s life. While it’s true that jewelry is a great investment, we regard it more as an investment in moments and memories, so we ensure each item is special and exceptional.”
To mark the event, Diagold brought together five world-class Filipino designers—Cary Santiago, Jun Escario, Michael Leyva, Joey Samson, and Francis Libiran—to present their latest designs complemented by the brand’s jewelry pieces. It has been one of the missions of the brand to help put Filipino fashion at the forefront of everything it does, which is why collaborating with Filipino creatives is just a natural step for them to take.
Opening the show was the capsule collection of Cary Santiago. The runway became like an arena with muses dressed in black Grecian-inspired garbs walking the runway. Ending the Cebu-based fashion designer’s show were two muses in immaculate white creation, a perfect canvas to showcase the jeweler’s diamond and emerald pieces.
The fashion fest continued with Jun Escario’s dainty pieces. In his collection, opulent dressing became more romantic. Some of our favorite looks were his one-shoulder draped dress in blue toile print adorned with jaw-dropping diamond pieces, and his luxe blouse and skirt ensemble in cream perfectly styled with sapphire jewelry pieces.
Joey Samson is a true master designer when it comes to silhouette and structure. He presented just that with his play on volumes with ruffles and bookleaf design elements, some of which were raw and unpolished, giving a perfect setting for Diagold’s jewelry creations with South Sea pearls, rubies, and diamonds to shine.
Michael Leyva brought colors to the runway with his "Hiraya" collection. Structured pieces were made more feminine with the brand’s fine jewelry. While a lesson on restrained styling was showcased with dramatic garbs in jewel tone paired with minimally designed yet striking bijouterie.
Francis Libiran presented designs from his spring-summer 2023 collection. Pieces in lush neutral and pastel with his signature art deco design walked the runway. Putting the entire runway show to an end was Pia in full Holly Golightly vibe–a contemporary one–complete with a modern beehive updo. She was wearing a sheath column gown with an enormous train and huge ruffles on the sleeves. For a dose of sparkle, the look was styled with Diagold’s dramatic set of rainfall statement jewelry made of natural diamonds resting on fine 18-karat white gold.
“We want to celebrate Filipino creativity. We work with an international network of suppliers and manufacturers, but our heart is very Filipino,” Jennifer muses. “These designers, just like DiaGold, are visionaries of Philippine design. Together, we are proud to showcase our own distinct look and highlight our commitment to craftsmanship, which Cebu is very known for.”
To see more of Diagold’s fine jewelry pieces, visit www.diagold.com.ph or @diagoldjewelry on Instagram.
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