‘Diplomats for a Cause’ fundraiser was a mix of fun and fashion
Host RJ Ledesma hit the mark when he said, “If there’s anything that resembles world peace, this fashion show comes very, very close to that.”
Kisses were blown, hands were shaken and amusing poses were done during the night that was filled with cheer, laughter and great fun as members of the diplomatic corps and their families let loose and strutted down the elevated ramp at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on Tuesday.
Organized by the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) Manila, “Diplomats for a Cause” was a fashion show featuring elegant formal wear as well as distinguished and breathtaking Filipiniana from SM Fashion, SM Fashion Forum and Kultura, held alongside a silent auction of artworks by other members of the SHOM Manila community who passed up on playing runway model for the day.
The gala will benefit vulnerable women, children and people with disabilities from all over the Philippines.
“For many years, the SHOM has been dedicated to making significant impact across the Philippines, particularly in the areas of child welfare, women’s rights and assistance for people with disabilities,” said Consul General of Monaco Fortune Ledesma, who cochairs SHOM, adding that the event was also a “robust expression of what SHOM stands for: unity and compassion across borders.”
Ledesma said she had fun bringing together everyone, as did Indri P. Akyol, SHOM chair and wife of Turkiye Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol, who enjoyed organizing the affair. Akyol thanked the members of the diplomatic community who participated in the cause.
“Not everybody wanted to be a model, especially ambassadors, but they willingly helped because the cause is for the betterment of the poor Filipinos, vulnerable women, children, people with disabilities,” she said.
Giving back
It was their way of thanking the host country. “The Filipino people are very generous, very warm, very lovely. We enjoy all our time here, so this is our way to give back,” Akyol added.
As a psychologist who has worked with women survivors of rape, Roswitha Brieger, wife of Austria Ambassador Johann Brieger, said it’s important to work toward such causes to help those who are in need.
“I’m excited. I never did this before, but it was really fun,” she said, adding that although they took some getting used to, the butterfly sleeves on her black bolero with white floral detail over a long black A-line dress were her favorite elements of her ensemble.
It was also a first for Singapore Ambassador Constance See, who always looks lovely in Filipiniana. “I’ve never done this before! This is the first time and only in the Philippines.”
See wore a delicate kimona with inabel tapis over a flowy long skirt. “I am a great admirer of Filipino design, creativity and fashion,” added See. “I love Filipiniana and, in fact, I try to wear it on as many occasions as possible. I think it’s very feminine but there is also a strong side to it, and the designs are unique, very creative, and really brings out the best in women.”
See said she was happy the community was able to contribute to a charitable cause while having fun.
Well-organized event
Gila Fluss, wife of Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss, appreciated how well-organized and fun the event was, joking that the only thing they missed was some gin and tonic backstage. “Aside from that, everything was great,” she said, laughing.
Wearing a patterned bolero with butterfly sleeves over a black top and red asymmetrical skirt, she also professed her love for Filipiniana, noting how the native dress has been getting nicer and nicer every year. “I was here in the ’90s. Our first posting was here and we had a baby born here. I really love the Philippines. You should be very proud of your artists and your designers. It’s amazing.”
For Susan Fries, wife of Sweden Ambassador Harald Fries, it was an honor and pleasure to be part of the event. The Filipina, who adored her red handwoven inabel terno top and light-colored cocoon silk skirt draped with beaded shawl, said the event was “a lot of work, but we had great fun.
“Knowing that what we’re doing is helping primarily women and children is so rewarding, and it’s really an honor to be able to do that,” she added.
Other heart-stopping outfits were Ledesma’s matching purple terno top and skirt with intricate cutwork embroidery; Akyol’s seafoam skirt topped with a reimagined kimona and a matching overskirt in bold floral prints; Belgium’s Chiyemi Miyahisa’s cream-colored gauzy top and cutwork embroidery skirt; Japan’s Akiko Endo’s multi-layered and multi-patterned terno, slightly reminiscent of a kimono; and Hungary Ambassador Titanilla Toth’s regal patadyong coat with chartreuse lining and matching dress.
Men’s wear
The black details dripping down the shoulders of Switzerland Ambassador Nicolas Bruhl’s barong gave the classic look a bit of an elegant edge, while Argentina Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro’s barong jacket was a cool touch.
Indonesia Ambassador Agus Widjojo and wife Ranny cut striking figures walking down the runway wearing gold and black cut-out lace barong, and a floral embroidered coat over a lilac dress and matching head scarf, respectively.
“I was lucky to get this model of barong because I think I was the last one to choose. I thought I would like to look for something that is unique,” said Widjojo, who appreciated being part of the event. “I think it’s very interesting. It brings in many values. For instance, we were able to get closer among the diplomatic corps, among the ambassadors and their families. And we got to know also the Filipino culture, with the dresses and the barong, especially. That’s a lot of added value to our knowledge while we are here in the Philippines.
“Any effort for charity is a good thing, from a social perspective, religious perspective, economic perspective,” he added. “It’s good that you could blend entertainment with a cause and contribute something to those less fortunate than us in the Philippines. I think that is the most important part, which makes us the happiest that we took part in this event.”
