Mounting such a large fête as the REDxGian fashion show last Monday—with hundreds of guests in attendance at the SM Aura Samsung Hall—was no small feat, as Hinge Inquirer Publications Group publisher Bea Ledesma professed in her opening remarks.

She congratulated the Inquirer Red team, comprised of editor in chief Ria Prieto, creative director Niña Muallam and associate editor Meg Manzano, on the successful turnout of the event, and acknowledged Hinge Inquirer Publications president Sandy Prieto-Romualdez and board chairperson Marixi Rufino-Prieto, who were also in the audience that night.

Many other esteemed guests were on hand to support Inquirer Red and Gian.

It was a family affair with Inquirer Interactive president Paolo Prieto arriving with his wife Ria, along with his sister Tessa Prieto-Valdes and cousin Raymond Rufino, who came with his wife Anna Palabyab.

Rare sightings

While the crowd picked off trays of amuse-bouches by Cibo and sipped Russian Standard Vodka, we also had a rare glimpse of Anna Angara, Ricky and Vicky Delgado, former actress Nanette Po and her husband Chris, along with Hindy and Gippy Tantoco, who made the long trip from their Laguna home to Taguig for the show.

MAC Cosmetics PR senior executive Cindy Go was also present with boyfriend Paco Bayot.

Several members of the fashion industry also came out to see the culmination of Gian’s 15 years in the business. We saw Rustan’s marketing manager Dina Tantoco, SM president Annie Garcia, retailers Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo, and Celestina president Ricco Ocampo.

Though Red Cross Charity Gala’s Kaye Tiñga wasn’t able to make it, her support was instrumental in the event’s success.

Fellow fashion designers Joey Samson, Ivar Aseron, Tonichi Nocom, Lulu Tan Gan (who came with her daughter Jessica) and Dennis Lustico were also there to express their support.

“There are many talented designers, but few are given a proper debut,” Ria said in her introductory speech in honor of Gian’s 15th anniversary in fashion.

As the crowd’s standing ovation at the show’s end proved, the enfant terrible Gian has finally had his due.