The Red Charity Gala made a bold comeback this year, continuing its mission of using fashion for a cause and greater purpose. Together with founders, philanthropists and society mavens Kaye Tinga and Tessa Prieto, was fashion designer Ivarluski Aseron as he presented his couture collection at the event last Oct. 8 at the Peninsula Manila.
Dubbed “A Memoir In Motion,” the collection mirrored Ivarluski’s life in the fashion industry for 23 years. To do that, the fashion designer took a retrospective journey, reimagining his signature techniques and exploring new design elements. After eight months of hard work, his collection was finally unveiled under the “Sunburst” piece by Philippine National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva at the hotel’s lobby.
While every look was truly show-stopping, one of the highlights of the collection was the designer’s finale piece worn by top model-turned-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol. According to Ivarluski, the piece was created without any fabric, just threads and beads. The ornate piece, which had a mod vibe, featured power shoulders and geometric patterns. The look was completed with a modern bob hairstyle, thanks to the styling of noted stylist Noel Manapat.
Over 50 couture pieces graced the runway, presenting a multitude of textures and techniques, from Venetian blinds, book leaf fabric manipulation, precise pleats, and jigsaw puzzle design elements. Adding charm to his creations were the ornate and elaborate hairstyles, featuring silver decor, gilded leaves, and sculptural braids.
Overall, “A Memoir In Motion” was all about Ivarluski’s personal approach to storytelling and self-expression, experiences and moments of joy as he reflected on his journey as a designer. “I’m very thankful that I got chosen. I like it because it is for a good cause,” The designer told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “My collection is about revisiting my past works and linking them with the present—whatever I have explored and developed. I think it is important to look at the past, it is essential to move forward in the present and the future.”
Prior to the runway show, a live auction was done, with pieces such as the Rhapsody floor lamps of Paris-based designer Patrick Coard, an eight-carat diamond necklace courtesy of Diagold, and Jewelmer’s South Sea semi-baroque gold pearl necklace up for bidding, as well as luxury stays at The Peninsula London and Istanbul, among others. One of the lots that garnered the biggest bid of the night was Filipino artist Jigger Cruz’s “Waltz Beneath Broken Paradigm” masterpiece. This year’s beneficiaries were the Philippine Red Cross, Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation, and Hope for Lupus Foundation.
Check out some of Ivarluski’s pieces that graced the Red Charity Gala 2023 runway below:
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