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The exhibit showcased more than 100 items of clothing and artifacts that showcases what Philippine Haute Couture looked like from 1947 to 1990. The exhibit showcased more than 100 items of clothing and artifacts that showcases what Philippine Haute Couture looked like from 1947 to 1990.

The lady on the right is SLIM! She is Salvacion Lim- Higgins. I stayed up all night trying to read her book. She is a fascinating lady!

The entrance of her exhibition.

An early creation worn by Ms. Jojie Felix. I had the pleasure of meeting this lady. I could never forget her distinct voice as it was like sandpaper and foie gras combined. To quote a phrase from the book "Not many remember it, even fewer can imagine it, but in the late 1940s and the 1950s, the Philippines was at the center of the Asian Universe." WOW! This was the feeling of the show!

The first part of the exhibition was that of the LINE series, showing SLIM's technique in draping.

The show was really beautiful, the room was just breathtaking, I wanted to jump up and down with absolute JOY!

SLIM's designs are at once universal and Filipino. Here she shows us her sense of humor with a peek-a-boo detail.

This is one her most iconic gowns which starts the "SHAPE" series, this gown was worn by the late Mrs. Edith Nakpil Rabat. This for me is so thoroughly modern.

A selection of SLIM ternos lining up one wall. It was just mesmerizing, I felt I was sleepwalking.

A selection of the most exquisitely draped gowns.

This Terno was created for Mrs. Linda Garcia Campos in 1958. The gown showcases the genius of SLIM.

This is one of my absolute favorite piece in the show. It was also created for Mrs. Linda Garcia Campos in 1957. The gown is made from finely embroidered Jusi and it shows you how slims fused the dramatic but feminine duality that resides in her design philosophy.

This Terno courtesy of Dolores Panlilio was worn during the Pampanguena ball in 1952. I love the coloring of the chestnut brown with platinum, the surprise here is the cobalt blue lining which peeks out, I would imagine as the wearer would walk or dance the rigodon de honor.

A close up of the beadwork detail.

More draped evening gowns.

I love this dress created for one the muses of SLIM in 1968, her name is Ms. Carlyn Manning. I thought that this was dress was just beautiful the colors of the smoke and citron was just GENIUS! This dress can be worn now! That is just brilliant!

Draped detail and beadwork detail of the gown.

The photo is that of my Grand Aunt Mrs. Celia Diaz Laurel. I love the gown that she is wearing, I could see how this would move as she walked or danced. On display was the last collection that was designed by SLIM is 1990 before she died.

This was one of the last dresses that SLIM created.

This is from the shape series, they remind me of Tulips. In the book this dress is shown inside out and it is so well made that you can actually wear it inverted.

More tulip dresses from the late 1950's

This dress from the 1950's was created for Mrs. Nelly Lovina. Using Chinese gold brocade and features a fichu neckline.

I love how this Terno was cut.

This is from the INFLUENCE section showcasing how SLIM uses various items inspire her. This collection was inspired by Israeli costume and was entitle SHALOM. I love the movement of the pants. This was part of her Haute Couture show in 1970.

This section is from her BAL MASQUE collection from 1967. I love the patterns and beautiful treatments of the embellishments.

A selection of Muslim inspired gowns.

This gown had the most beautiful bead work, in the book this was worn by Ms. Chona Kasten.

Ahh....The wedding gowns! They were all so dreamy and gorgeous! For those seeking a vintage inspiration for their weddings look no further! Come to the National Museum.

SLIM's illustrations were blown up on the wall. This also featured her beautiful brides.

A collage of Terno sleeves.

A detail of one of the longest trains I have ever ever seen, it could not even fit in my camera! LOL!

I love this futuristic dress that was the rage in the '60s

This is dress is from the '80s. I am sure of it, my Mom had something like it.

A shot of how the room was laid out.

A couple of dresses from the SURFACE series which shows us how SLIM would create experiments with beads, ribbons, crystals and the like, creating dreams from needle and thread. Behind the mannequins are several films of the shows of SLIM. One of which was her very first show.

A gown from her last show on November 1990.

I saw a book of illustrations with the students of SLIM paying homage to her style. SLIM had the ONLY school of fashion during that time producing the most illustrious fashion designers of our generation. The great Joe Salazar was a student and so was the super talented Cesar Gaupo.

More illustrations from her students.

This fully beaded gown must have taken months to create! OMG!

I just wanted to stay in that room forever and dream!

Samples of her beadwork studies.

A collection of her early news clippings, tear sheets and articles. Note to self, I must keep all of mine safely.

More bead work samples and studies. I love the fact that all of this will help so many young fashion designers in the future.