The Runway Atelier Presents: REVERIE of VOWS, FATHERS and SCHOOL DAYS

 

Another fashion show happened at the Light and Love Events place in Quezon City. This was organized by TRA or The Runway Atelier, folks who have been doing events and runway training for promising kids, teens and talents. Since it's June, they entitled it REVERIE and had much of the models on the catwalk dressed in wedding attires. They also did a back to school themed runway walk together with bag brand Kittly Manila, and it was so cute to see them carrying backpacks in different shades amidst having very challenging weather that afternoon.

I've managed to take a few good portraits of the kids and the teens later on in the evening. They're really quite fired up and eager to showcase what they learned from The Runway Atelier Model Runway Training. A few of them performed too. They've got very talented singers and spirited dancers bar none. I heard a person comment beside me and said they weren't doing any of these when they were in their age. I see some of them learning a lot in terms of confidence, because performing in front of people including their families must have been scary. They also had a part of the show where they asked Dads to dance with their daughters, they were a little shy at most.

 

Here are scenes from the runway show: 

 

The Good News!

TRA Spokesperson Juls Natividad told us the good news that they'll be sending candidates of the Mr. and Ms. Tourism Junior 2025 to be held in Bangkok, Thailand. They opened casting for it and much of The Runway Atelier kids participated. Basically it's an international event that will also be participated by other countries. They'll be doing several categories, and he mentioned some special awards were already won in previous years.

They also hinted on a very big event on December and said they're already preparing for it. He warned that they'll be making an even bigger staging than last year so expect this to be extra fancy. They also had a part of the show where they donated school supplies and bags to deserving students, they also let them participate in the runway part of the program.

Congratulations to everyone who came to the show despite the challenges, it was really fun! Congratulations too to The Runway Atelier for mounting the show! 

The Grand Santacruzan at INTRAMUROS with The Runway Atelier

The Intramuros Administration, Department of Tourism, The Philippine Travel Agencies Association together with The Runway Atelier just held THE GRAND SANTACRUZAN at the Intramuros grounds today starting from Foro de Intramuros (in front of San Agustin Church) going to Puerto Real Gardens in Manila. 

The event was participated by Runway Atelier's models and artists, donning specially designed gowns to commemorate history and the Catholic faith. This is a yearly tradition for Filipinos to showcase its religious significance when Santa Elena tried to look for the holy cross. There will be models and escorts coming from The Runway Atelier participating in the procession, and it was so nice seeing them dressed in their gorgeous garbs and outfits, depicting iconic characters from scriptures. Last year (2024) THE GRAND SANTACRUZAN Reyna Elena was Karylle Tatlonghari and Rosa Mystica was her equally gorgeous Mom Zsazsa Padilla. 

Folks were at the venue as early as 3pm, and the crowd was a mix of foreign tourists, locals, people from the church, and relatives of those who were participating in the Santacruzan, They also walked around the Intramuros grounds and converged at the Puerta Real Gardens at the eastern part of the walled city. Faces did light up when they saw other participants, and it was so nice to see them wear their very detailed gowns, and suits for the consortes that evening. 

They gave special awards to Nazalea Vicera, Trixie Mariscotes. The Best Dressed Awards went to Marian Angeles, Anne Marie Tolentino, Criselle Ava Geronimo and Alynna Orfanel. Mr Photogenic Awards went to Ardie Matsada and Migs Casimiro. Ms Photogenic went to Zoe Shi and Lizzie Aguinaldo. The Crowd Favorite Award went to Rhianna Altos and Theodore Salgado. Mikael Collin also won Best Escort. Then they announced the Best in Arc Awards. 3rd Place went to Mikay Barruiz, 2nd Place was won by Alyanna Orphanel, and 1st Place went to Rhianna Alto and Theodore Salgado.

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Congratulations to all the winners and participants of this grand event. I heard there will be more things happening this month, make sure you follow The Runway Atelier social channels as they post events there regularly.

The Runway Atelier Stages MAGICAL ADVENTURE Fashion Show at Shangrila Makati

While the world is going back to normal, we've seen the fashion industry take a bullish stand despite the challenges of mounting runway shows in the country. The Runway Atelier recently mounted a fashion show at the well missed Shangri-la Makati. The agency supports not just models, but stylists and fashion designers as well. The theme this year is called "Magical Adventure", sort of a recital for the models they trained and a showcase for stylists and designers they tapped so they too would have experience in huge shows like these. This also means they'll be donning various designs based on mythical creatures, entities, much of which are fairies and gods/goddesses too. 

At the venue, we were greeted with tons of kids, teens, experienced ones, almost 300 of them who are raring to go on the catwalk, as part of The Runway Atelier's vision of nurturing every model's unique potential. We've seen several cute kids that would definitely fit commercials, some who would be best on runway shows too or for commercial campaigns.  

Check out some of the designers who are featured in the show in this video. While most of them have done this before, a few of them are just starting and were all so thankful about the opportunity to showcase their work through the Magical Adventure fashion show.

 

5 models from The Runway Atelier also showcased one of our favorite brands "Bela by Bela", they used the Bela Color Changing Lip Balm, the Bela Dot Perfection Cheek Tint Cream, the Bela Bloom Soap Collection and Dani by Bela Scents quite extensively and need not much make up because the colors and lip care they have is already enough. Models Thalya, Sapphire, Archelle, Bea and Lizzie talked how much Bela products have given them the confidence they need to walk on the runway and make them feel extra pretty. They mentioned how much it has emphasized natural beauty, and how fun it was because it changes color as they use it. The Runway Atelier also teaches the models how to become empowered individuals, they use Bela to enhance their looks, even on regular days when they're just going around town with friends and family.

I could see how excited the parents of the kids were, surely, all of them were supporting their kids dreams and passion... and the show. They're not just their number 1 fan, they also made sure the kids would present themselves well on the runway, carried them where they need to go, but let go when they had to muster up courage to walk on the runway. It was sweet seeing that happen!

The Runway Atelier partnered up with various brands, designers and agencies to stage these runway shows twice a year to also create opportunities for their models, new and up and coming designers, and want to make sure they have a platform to showcase their skills. This is also a place where they could build confidence and do even bigger shows, and also be a venue to be discovered by brands, agencies, industry greats, and network so they too have opportunities and make their dreams come true. Some of them have pronounced wanting to do modeling in the international stage, which we hope would come into fruition because we've seen them work hard in the workshops and shows they participate in.

Congratulations to the hard working men, women, teens and kids who made this event possible! Can't wait to see you in future shows. It's been a while since I've covered Philippine Fashion Week and they're making a comeback in 2025, maybe you can have some of your talents be there too.

PS. Thank you to Ms. Lizze Aguinaldo also for taking care of us, sending us treats after the show.

Luxe CEO Anna Magkawas dons Renee Salud Runway in Mindanaoan Couture

The who's who of the fashion industry took to the grounds of Okada Manila on May 9th for a runway show by esteemed fashion designer and legend Renee Salud. The show was a hodge podge of glitz, glamour, culture and a heavy concentration on Mindanaoan influences. It was a sight to behold!

One of the highlights of the show was when the CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group Ms. Anna Magkawas went on stage wearing Mama Renee's Mindanao Tapestry II. After the show, she shared what it felt like being on stage adorned with one of the best creations that evening and said "It just felt so surreal , I was so nervous, but at the same time quite proud seeing all that happen. This is the first time for me to wear a gown designed by him, and walk for the show at the same time. I had no idea it would be that grand, but I guess you can expect that in a Renee Salud show. I had a very tight schedule, and only did fit late because of work. I was the last one to do so a day before the show, I was just thankful we were able to rehearse on the day itself, I managed to pickup a few things about the flow of the show."

For those who don't know, Ms. Anna Magkawas is the woman behind Luxe Slim which is a famous brand of health products in the country. Her thrust fashion wise is to stay with the classics, those that exude elegance. She doesn't wear pieces that may be too revealing, and stayed with very neutral colors. 

The show also had pieces that mix the traditional and modern while utilizing our home grown materials and native textile. They also got to showcase unique pieces, which Renee Salud could only execute. It's why Ms. Anna is always at awe of Filipino fashion designers and find how each region is quite different, something she's eager to wear in future shows and events too.

If you want to know more about Ms. Anna Magkawas and her empire, follow her social channels @anna_magkawas on IG, @annamagkawasofficial on FB and LuxeSlimPH for her products. 

Congratulations on this show Ms. Anna! 

KULTURA MANILA To Hold Fashion Show at Jones Bridge

It's been a while since a major fashion event has happened in Manila. That's about to change this coming September 8 as Manila sets the stage for Manila International Dance Festival aka MIDFest 2023. A fashion event called KULTURA MANILA will happen around October, utilizing an unfamiliar runway at the Jones Bridge. Yes, you've read that right. If you're not aware, much of these happen in Paris, Milan and New York, but the plan is to do it at one of the busiest thoroughfares of the city of Manila which I feel is pretty awesome.

This project is spearheaded by Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo. When the MIDFest 2023 event was announced, he also bared news about Kultura Manila, Mister Manila and a Sports event for Manila policemen and government personnel. The city is a historical and cultural hub and it's important to not forget that while we get back on track after the pandemic. Several of Manila's top Fashion Designers will dish out their best pieces showcasing inspiration from the pre-colonial and also those from the Spanish era. Think of it as a travel through time, which makes this even more exciting!

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 Fashion Designer Norman Penaflorida had us see a couple of pieces he's done worn by some of Mister Manila's contestants. Sure enough, we've seen nicely formed jackets and clothing, all of which look very current and wearable despite it being couture. He actually had a show prior which showcased non conventional textile drawn from flour bags of local bread makers. He's the house stylist for mostly all the shows at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, a little iffy about the designer title but if you think about it, he's been doing this for years. Aside from that, he's done work with the National Center for Culture and the Arts and done Production Design, Stage Management, Hosting, beside being an accomplished Actor and Singer. He held off on constructing his new atelier in Sampaloc, Manila as Kultura Manila preparations went underway. I mean, look at those fabrics he used as accents to these uni jackets! (He says he'll be using them extensively on the show).

There's going to be more designers to be featured in October, which makes me feel all the more excited about what's about to happen. This is part of the projects of Vice Mayor Yul Servo and heavily supported by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna together with the council, Verde Creatives and the men and women behind the Manila International Dance Festival. They also plan to do this yearly, so imagine the scale of these events unfold in the city including Rizal Park, several Manila based universities and different locations around the metro. If you want to partner up, they're very open to that. Get in touch with them via midf2023(at)gmail.com.

See you on the runway!

FASHION and MUSIC at the MACBETH MUSIC FESTIVAL

This is huge, and will be epic as popular clothing/footwear brand Macbeth celebrates their 20th Anniversary. Fans in the Philippines will be treated with a full MACBETH Music Festival that will involve a concert with some of the country's biggest bands and musicians, plus a fashion show of gargantuan proportions. 

This will happen at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City on October 8 at 11AM (when gates will open) but pretty much, you will be having fun there the whole day. Over 30 foreign and local models will be walking on the runway overlapped in 2 concert stages (confirmed by the event director) as different bands from different parts of the country will converge at the event. Artists such as Chelsea Alley, Rico Blanco, Divina, Lilith will perform in the concert including well known bands Mayonnaise, Urbandub, Chocolate Factory, Sandwich, Hilera, Even, Snakefight, Sucketseven, Fragments, Chndtr, Fastpitch, Soapdish, Written By The Stars, Shotgun Combo, Imbue No Kudos and Rouge. You will also get to see them work together via Macbeth All-Stars and Superband which I'm sure a lot of people would wonder how it could be executed.

The band Snakefight got us a taste of what's to happen on October 8th!

For the Fashion part of the show, MACBETH will also be launching several brand lines that will be part of what they will have in the Philippine market. They're pretty much going to have Lady Macbeth and an underwear showcase for Macbeth Underwear; which will be a bit different from what we've been seeing from MACBETH these past few years. But rest assured, it'll be still sticking to their guns that it will be made by artists, for artists. and you in mind. 

For those who don't know, MACBETH is a brand from Southern California founded by Tom DeLonge of Blink182. This represents him, his lifestyle and his music made for the like-minded ones. They make clothing, footwear and accessories. Can't wait for what's about to happen on October 8th, and I'm excited about the fashion show equally since I've been hungry for runway since the pandemic occurred. 

See you there!

FRANCIS LIBIRAN Outs Perfume Line "Dusk and Dawn"

 

I've been covering Francis Libiran shows as a fashion photographer and seeing his work on the runway has always been a treat. Recently, he also dressed up PPOP sensation BINI, and needless to say, he's already put Philippine fashion on the world map because of his countless work in fashion and design. This time, he's releasing a perfume line which he designed with artisan Oscar Mejia III. They call it "Dusk and Dawn" and is making it available this February.

This is a collection of aromatic products for home and a perfume line. They have Dusk to denote grace and romance while Dawn brings in the feeling of hope. They used scents like Bamboo, White Tea, Chamomile and Rose for the former while the other carries a more invigorating Pomelo, Olive, Sampaguita and Patchouli. These then will be used on perfume candles, reed diffusers and anti bacterial linen sprays. It's designed to change your mood, relax so you can improve what you feel while resting or staying at home. This will be available online at their official site francislibiran.com/shop/ or their physical stores and ateliers.

 

BINI The Launch: BINI On The Runway

I think I have seen BINI perform before but this was a little glimpse of who they are on a more personal level. Blooms (as they call their fans) must be so happy to see their idols tell their personal stories and how they ended up in the girl group.  They're singers, dancers, but during this series, they delved into runway which I adore. Oh and if that's not enough, the one and only Francis Libiran is going to dress them up. He's quite known internationally, dressed Hollywood stars, even did America's Next Top Model for cryin out loud.

They're very pretty, some of them live outside Manila and you could see how dedicated they are judging from the BTS shown in the launch. Clad in PPE's, they got to the studios and were made up, met the designer and started to get to know them. The goal was to combine their talents, to have BINI wear athleisure, different materials, things that could further make them shine and stay comfortable while performing. Sure enough, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena looked so nice in metallic, modern, futuristic clothes. Aside from that, they had a different set in modern Filipiniana. With butterfly sleeves in tow, it envibed a more powerful look, something that young Filipinas could wear and enjoy. 

This was still a runway show, but it felt a little different because they had their little dance numbers in between. BINI showcased their confidence, they indeed combined talent and Francis Libiran's work of art. Now what's up on June 11th? I think there's something more up their sleeves, a music video? New music? Perhaps... perhaps. 

I think they deserve it.