Our town’s veteran and new breed of art connoisseurs and collectors arrived in full force in “The Trunk Show,” a collaboration of ace photographer Alex Van Hagen and brilliant jewelry designer Wynn Wynn Ong at the renowned Firma in Greenbelt 3.
Although they have different mediums—one through the lens and on paper, and the other in gold, silver and precious stones—the two artists are united by their advocacy of and love for the environment. They have captured their passion in an amazing exhibit presented by Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre of Firma, no less, palanggas. (Sponsors included Ayala Center, Fila, Ralph’s Wines and Restaurante Pia y Damaso.)
Although Alex is famous for photographing high society, he has also established himself as a photographer of beautiful landscapes, still lifes and cityscapes.
“Well-traveled, with a keen eye for detail, Van Hagen produces stunning modernistic works that reflect his fascination for geometric shapes and an interesting play of light and shadow,” Ricky said as we toured the exhibit.
Alex has a “third eye,” as his friends have said, for unusual landscapes. He takes and edits photographs of sights noted for their unusual growth and graphic composition and upon closer inspection, for their unusual colors and textures.
Wynn Wynn meanwhile has always distinguished herself as a designer by “following the beat of her own creative drum, declining to compromise on her vision of what jewelry should be,” said Chito. “Her output is limited to only two small collections each year, and only a small number of pieces for each. She originally planned a small tight collection of objets d’art—candlesticks, minaudieres, lamps from a bark-filled world populated by jeweled creatures, delicate wrist corsages, necklaces as light as air, and floral crowns for brides as ethereal as feathers.
“But the collection,” he added, “has expanded to include tableaux of glass domes filled with ostrich eggs and sculptures rich in detail down to the most minute level.”
“Each work exhibits layers of visible and invisible craft— sculpting, wood-carving, painting, and jewelry setting—the tangible result of studious research and her coalesced love of taxidermy, history and archaeological references.”
Her new collection was characterized by tasteful opulence.
No wonder, loads of the invitees went home completely satisfied with their purchases of the singular, rare and exquisite designs from two totally talented personalities—Wynn Wynn Ong and Alex Van Hagen, dahlings.
Firma is at G/F, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City. Call 8964960, 0915-7859544; fax 7574010; e-mail firma2@vasia.com.
Privé turns 3
Before moi could even bat an eyelash, Privé Luxury Club, the first ever boutique luxury night club, celebrated its third anniversary with an awesome unforgettable bash.
Its combination of luxurious interiors, top-shelf liquor, finest DJs and excellent service has made Privé the favorite hangout of our town’s hot namedroppables.
The happening was a toast to luxury, kicked off by Privé resident DJ’s John Monreal and Arnel Genterone playing and Privé’s hotshot board of directors welcoming the invitees. The directors included Erik Cua, no less; my true palangga GP Reyes; club icon Louie Ysmael; Tim Yap; Fernando Aracama; Kim Yao; KC Santi and JM Rodriguez.
JM took center stage and thanked “all the loyal patrons who still show their unwavering love for the club in the last three years.”
Suddenly, a massive champagne parade full of dozens of sparklers snaked through the crowd to pour the bubbly around the club. With the champagne-filled flutes raised, JM declared to the crowd, “Privé is not Privé without you, our wonderful and loyal patrons!”
“But what makes Privé even more special, it truly differentiates us from the rest is impeccable service,” JM added. “So let us take this opportunity to salute our tireless staff, from the managers, the bouncers, the servers, these bottles of champagne are not just for the guests, it is also for you our dedicated Privé team! So drink with us because you are the reason for our success!” And I would say Amen! to that, palanggas.
Imagine Privé’s waiting staff drinking champagne? Now that was true luxury clubbing, wow!
Suddenly gold confetti showered the room, signaling the set of resident DJ Funk Avy. Later, the music of DJ’s Ace Ramos and Mars Miranda rocked the dance floor till, yes, sunrise, dahlings.
Privé distributed black silk robes and gold key USBs to show their appreciation for all those who had remained loyal since Privé opened its doors.
Cheers, Privé! Cheers, dahlings.