Last weekend, the Philippine Red Cross, with organizations out to help “Yolanda” victims,  staged Aid Couture at  Alabang Town Center.

It was a unique and timely idea—clothes, many of them high-fashion, which had been donated but were  inappropriate for everyday wear, were washed and cleaned like new. They were sorted and styled by top stylists.

That weekend, they were sold to raise more than P500,000 for the Typhoon Yolanda relief operations of the Philippine Red Cross.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Gwen Pang, secretary-general of The Philippine Red Cross, explained how the devastation strengthened the organizers’ resolve to make Aid Couture happen.

Dedicating the event to the victims, Raffy Fajardo, on behalf of Procter & Gamble Philippines, made a commitment to continue helping Red Cross in its efforts.

Also present were Caloy and Charmaine Ang of Suds Laundry and Dry Clean, Joey Ermita of LG Commercial Washer & Dryer, Cai Subijano of The Philippine Star YStyle, and Nikki Santiago of Preview Magazine and its online home, Style Bible PH.

Thousands of people flocked to Aid Couture in  the Activity Center to shop and, in the process, help rehabilitate lives.

Highlights of the event included live styling by  celebrity stylists Paulo Castro and Jujiin Samonte, and fashion gurus from Preview Magazine, who helped walk-in buyers select pieces and create fashionable looks.

There was also simultaneous auction of select items of celebrities Ely Buendia and Ramon Bautista, plus an original Hermès Twist & Silk scarf that fetched a good sum for charity.

Among the personalities spotted going through the racks were popular race-car driver Gaby de la Merced, fashion designer Happy Andrada, and model/writer/Change Clothes advocate Vicky Herrera, who also hosted the program.

The amount raised went to hot meals, bottled water, food and medicine supplies and hygiene kits.

A shopper, a 40-something mother, put it best. Walking away with bags of purchased clothes, she was told: “Thank you po for shopping.” She replied, smiling, “Thank you for having this event. Kahit paano (somehow) I was able to help.”