The British Embassy, with SM, launched the British Fashion Month at the SM Aura Premier. It was part of the “This is Great Britain,” a five-month-long must-see celebration of the best of British business and culture, with seven British fashion brands—Marks & Spencer, Lee Cooper, River Island, Warehouse, Clarks, Speedo and T.M. Lewin.
“The UK has long been a playground for designers to unleash their imagination, inspiring others with their creations and defining iconic periods,” said British Ambassador Asif Ahmad. “From mod to punk, from High Street to high fashion, from office to everyday casual wear, British fashion has been adopted and adapted throughout the world.
“Shopping is a national passion in the Philippines, and I am happy to see British brands doing well here. Wherever I go in the Philippines, I see people wearing clothes that are inspired by British fashion. Union Jack flags on T-shirts, jeans, fascinators for a special event or miniskirts that recall the influence of Carnaby Street in London. During British Fashion Month, you will see British creativity and design trends that have a global following on display in the SM Malls.”
Along with Ahmad, welcoming the guests were Australian Ambassador William Tweddell and his wife Chris, dahlings.
After Aura, the British fashion brands will tour other SM Premier Malls.
“This is Great Britain” is copresented by SM and Fox International Channels, natch. Sponsors include Surface Technology International, Lee Cooper, GSK, Jaguar/Land Rover, Pru Life
UK, Marks & Spencer and Fil-Anglo. Event sponsor is The Body Shop.
New Red Turnip production
Red Turnip is back with its second theater offering, “Cock” by Mike Bartlett. The production is made possible by Fila president Cris Albert.
Naturellement, supporting the performing arts has been Albert’s advocacy. It’s the inspiration behind Fila’s “l’artenello sport” or “art of sport.”
Fila Gala Premiere was attended by a powerhouse of namedroppables, including Fila endorser Wesley Pereira, with stunning girlfriend Luana Ayumi, Sarsa master chef JP Anglo and gorgeous actress Mylene Dizon.
communications group Millie Dizon, British Embassy’s First Secretary Steph Lysaght
Fresh off the success of its critically acclaimed production of “Closer” last October at Whitespace, Red Turnip promises another unique, in-your-face theatrical experience with “Cock.” Red Turnip aims to engage theater-goers with the sort of material that seems to be in short supply in the country—the straight play, which kept us rolling out of our seats with laughter, dahlings.
Drinks at the “Cock” premiere were sponsored by Ralph Wine and Speakeasy. Music wafted out of sleek and sexy speakers provided by Bose.
So, what happens when a young gay man falls in love with a woman?
That is the central conceit behind Red Turnip’s sold-out hit. The play first premiered in London in 2009 and had an off-Broadway run a year later. “Cock” revolves around a gay couple whose rocky relationship derails when one of them sleeps (and falls in love) with a woman. Debates over one’s sexual identity explode when all three decide to sit down and “duke it out” over dinner. Hilarity ensues when unexpected guests turn up and loyalties are put to the test.
Rem Zamora makes his fantastic directorial debut with the play. Cast includes Topper Fabregas, Niccolo Manahan, Jenny Jamora and Audie Gemora.
“Cock” is staged at Whitespace (2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension, formerly Pasong Tamo, Makati City) on March 14, 21, 28 and April 4 (9 p.m.); March 15, 29 and April 5, 8 p.m.; April 5, 4 p.m.; March 16, 23 and April 6, 4 p.m. Special closing gala is on April 6, 8 p.m.
Please don’t miss this show. You’ll forget your problems and leave the theater with a smile on your face.
Tickets available through Ticketworld, call tel. no. 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. E-mail redturniptheater@gmail.com or visit Red Turnip Theater on Facebook.
Art auction by Now
Dear friend Patrick Reyno’s auction of Philippine modern and contemporary art, his second auction for his Now Gallery and Auctions, will take place March 15, 2 p.m.
Included in the auction are works by some of the more in-demand artists in the Philippines today. But most interesting are vintage works of the old masters, both classical and modern, such as Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Vicente Manansala, José Joya, Napoleon Abueva, Nena Saguil, Guillermo Tolentino and Oscar Zalameda.
Moi especially liked Aguilar Alcuaz’s tapestry, which was made in Europe in late ’70s mind you. Another is the charming work “Dapitan Girl,” by Guillermo Tolentino. It is a small work inspired by José Rizal’s “Oyang Dapitana,” a true and gentle reminder of the selfless and hardworking Filipino woman. The piece is truly worthy to belong to any dream art collection.
Now Gallery and Auctions is at Ecoplaza Bldg., 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Ext. in Makati City. Auction starts at 2 p.m. Make sure that you register before that.
For complete listing of the pieces up for grabs, visit www.nowauctions.net.