A common viewer’s eyes will be all on the perfectly taut Victoria’s Secret angels, with silent, painful thoughts of “I shouldn’t have finished that truffle pasta at lunch.” But initiated fashion lookouts will have noticed that one of the country’s most renowned luxury accessories designers, Bea Valdes, shone brightly on the catwalk at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Valdes created an exquisite crystal vest for Swarovski, with long, golden tassels that swayed while Devon Windsor strutted down the runway. The vest had handcrafted appliqués with an indigenous feel, in earthy colors and elements reminiscent of indigenous components, yet remaining absolutely extravagant—in true Bea Valdes style.
In a previous interview with Inquirer RED, Valdes said, “We make things that are crafted by hand, but we also apply these on shapes that seem to be quite modern. It is always about bringing the past forward.” Truly, this crystal vest at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will not only put our colorful history in the international spotlight, but pave the way for Filipino design in luxury goods to achieve a wider and more mainstream audience globally.