The SLIM Gala!

November 25th, 2009

A few months ago, I did an entry on an extraordinary woman called SLIMS. Her real name in Salvacion Lim-Higgins. I stumbled upon her work while I was asked to sit on the panel for the National Artist awards. I saw just a glimpse of her work and I was fixated. Little did I know that there was a grand retrospective in the works to show everyone the SLIM legacy.

I was invited to come to the gala held at the National Museum. The minute I drove up, I was left speechless! There was a red carpet leading up to the majestic columns! I felt I was like this was the closest thing to the Metropolitan Gala in New York! When I entered the museum, the entire room’s energy was on high gear! There were so many beautiful people. This was natural, of course, as the evening was being hosted by two of the most glamourous publications in the land: Preview and Town & Country! Everyone who loved fashion was there!

I decided to create this entry in 2 parts, one focusing on the party and the other on the exhibit. The retrospective will last till March! I encourage everyone to come and visit the SLIM show at the National Museum. Trust me when I say that your heart will SOAR!

MABUHAY SI SLIM!!!!

I excitedly whipped out my camera as I drove up the entrance!

The red carpet leading to the entrance wished that I had a super long train! Gentlemen in suits would escort the guests to the lobby!

OMG! This was going to be a really special evening.

First thing I saw was the beautiful mother and daughter tandem of Chris Villongco (L), who is a brilliant singer and her mother Monique Villongco (R), who is the Editor in Chief of Town & Country Philippines. I am very fond of these two ladies as they were my very first clients when I was a starting to be a fashion designer.

The evening spread was created by none other than The Peninsula Hotel Manila! The bubbly was flowing the whole evening! Who does not love that?

I spotted the niece of SLIMS, Florence. She was wearing a SLIM original! I love the volume!

I spotted the niece of SLIMS, Frances. She was wearing a SLIM original! I love the volume!

Then I saw my friend Pauline Suaco-Juan who was GORGEOUS! Her gown was created by Carry Santiago! The man knows what DRAMA means! Pauline is the editor in chief of PREVIEW magazine!

Pauline is with Vince Uy who is the creative director for Preview and a whole lot of other magazines! I am a HUGE fan of Vince's work, for me he revolutionized the way everyone looks at magazines in the Philippines!

I had to get my hands on one of the limited edition books. They only printed 400 copies of this edition. I love the fact that this edition will be funding the other more affordable editions that will serve as inspiration to generations of Philippine Fashion Designers!

I spotted this enchanting woman in the corner, I wanted to capture her serenity! When I moved closer I realized that it was friend and classmate Sandra Fabie. She is not only stunning but she is a well respected visual artist! I love seeing women like this, relaxed and just serenely beautiful.

The main hall called the Washington Sycip room was abuzz with delight, so much so that the aircon could not sustain the energy of the people.

I was introduced to the best friend of SLIMS, Mrs. Joan Taylor. She was wearing a SLIM original that evening. She was kind enough to share some lovely stories on her friendship with SLIMS. In the acknowledgment in the book, it says that without Mrs. Taylor, the book would not have been possible

As I said there were so many beautiful people, one of which was the glowing Wendy Puyat!

I saw my friend Teresa Herrera with Anna Angara.

I saw my friends Teresa Herrera with Anna Angara.

Teresa was wearing my gown that evening and I was like so happy as she looked AMAZING!

It is always a joy to see Tita Gilda! She has this ever ready smile and just an overall positivity around her! I just adore her!

Bumped into Chito Vijandre who was a student of SLIMS fashion school with the ever glamourous Ms. Josephine del Gallego.

Cool couple, Mai and David Kaufman! Where is your daughter? Their daughter is a STAR!

Tessa Valdes was there too with my school chum Sabrina Artadi. Lovely ladies!

I had to congratulate Mark Higgins who is the son of SLIMS as it was a really inspired evening! Every little detail was just so well thought out. Here is Mark with Let-Let Veloso.