The grand ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel became the convergence of the visual arts and fashion design one enchanted evening in “When Art Meets Fashion,” organized by Society for Cultural Enrichment, Inc. (SCEI) and Ayala Museum.

In the fashion show, designers sought inspiration from Ayala Museum’s “Art Inspires Everyday” exhibit,  which showcased the museum’s collection of Philippine masters such as Luna, Hidalgo, Amorsolo, Asuncion and Zobel.

Helen Ong, SCEI chair, said the society “was organized to develop greater public awareness of our artists’ achievements.” It also seeks to encourage the average Filipino to see beyond the practical arts, “to rise beyond the utilitarian (and appreciate the fine arts), enriching his quality of life.”

Aside from Ong, the SCEI officialdom came in full force: vice chair Jaime Laya, naturellement; Mimi Valerio, Tess Castro, Nonie Basilio, Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Consul Betty Chua, Roy Gonzales, Chacha Camacho and Marian Ong.

The Ayala Museum team was headed by Mariles Gustilo and Kenneth Esguerra.

The fashion show was directed by Raymond Villanueva. Mari Hilario was technical director.

Proceeds of the event will go to fund art-appreciation clinics among public school teachers and students. They will also go to cultural heritage conservation programs of SCEI.

Video footage of the valuable art pieces from the museum was flashed on stage before models came out with the fashion designers. The models wore fashion creations  inspired by the artworks.

Standouts were  Elaine Villar by Eddie Baddeo, Mags Cue by Renee Salud, Salome Uy by Rhett Eala, Carol Mercado by Ito Curata and Agile Zamora by Albert Andrada.

Party for HIV-Aids

Apex by Clubbing TV at New World Makati Hotel mounted “Snow: The White Party Year VI,” featuring Boyet Sison, Steven Love and Badkiss (Christina Bartges) along with the resident White Party drag queens, natch!

Guests all got boozed up with Belvedere Vodka drink specials. Raffled off were several prizes: lamps by Firma Manila; a one-bedroom suite overnight stay at Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu (www.facebook.com/moevenpickhotelmactanislandcebu);  Levi’s gift certificates; and Calvin Klein fragrances.

Winners were Isaac Puno, James Ko, Jussi Hoikka  and Yves Posey; Dawn Gust, Emel Rowe and Juan Ceballos; and Mariko Jacinto.

For those not in the know, the very first White Party began 29 years ago as Aids began decimating the gay population. Frank Wager and Jorge Suarez of South Florida began planning an event they hoped would raise awareness on HIV-Aids, as well as raise money to fight the disease.

Aranaz bags

International designer Amina Aranaz-Alunan recently unveiled Boqueria, the 2015 Aranaz Resort collection, at Privato Hotel, natch! The hotel venue was made to look like a bazaar or a mini-market.

Naturellement, Amina was there. “It was a fantastic sight of colors and craftsmanship that made me do the creations of this collection,” she said. “Basket-weave textures, rope work, intricate beading atop ikat fabric, and patterns of fish and fruit distinguished my Aranaz Boqueria totes and clutches as lovely works of art.”

Après, special Aranaz basket bags were distributed to visitors shopping in the bazaar.

Using “Aranaz pesos” as currency, guests bought items from a selection of gourmet goods, home décor, and other items in the bazaar.

Aranaz Boqueria is available at Aranaz boutiques in Power Plant Rockwell and Greenbelt 5. Soon the collection can be viewed at www.aranaz.ph.

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