OLD DESIGNERS NEVER die. They are simply “resurrected” by Ben Farrales for his “Fashion for a Cause” every time there is a national calamity. This year, it’s the flood victims of Ondoy, Pepeng, Santi and Tino who were the beneficiaries. This legendary fundraising event was last staged when Mt. Pinatubo erupted more than a decade ago.

Some 174 fashion designers eagerly closed ranks last Wednesday night at the PICC Plenary Hall and put their best gown forward without egos or arched eyebrows. It was an evening of camaraderie, bubbling over with real conversation on how the floods wreaked havoc on their shops and homes.

It was also a marvellous reunion of some of the best fashion minds in varying age groups, from eager upstarts like Louis Claparols to senior style iconoclast Christian Espiritu, who promptly bought the white gown of Issa Gonzales for his wife Glee.

There was Renee Salud chatting with Efren Africa and Gerry Katigbak. Barge Ramos and Fanny Serrano brought dramatic gowns, while members of the Young Designers of the Philippines showed white cocktail dresses. Choreographers Joey Espino, Robbi Carmona and Jackie Aquino sat together, laughing out loud, while makeup artists Patrick Rosas and Eric Maningat lent their fabulous services gratis et amore.

Young designers’ mettle

I was seated with National Artist for Fashion Pitoy Moreno, who marvelled at the young, up-and-coming designers’ ability to come up with audacious, over-the-top formals.

These works showed the mettle of our couturiers to employ every trick of the trade, such as beadwork, appliqués, draping, braiding, materials crinolined and feathered, etc. This making do with limited fabrics and resources is how our young designers win top prizes in Paris or become heads of couture houses in the Middle East.

This industry with zero government support is alive and bursting at the seams with dynamic, innovative talent. In this spread are what the designers’ peers and admirers applauded as the Ten Best Long Formals and Ten Could-be-Costumes for New Year’s Eve.

Enjoy these stunning creations. I enjoyed all of them, by the way, because fashion should be alive and kicking and screaming.