RCG cochairs Tessa Valdes and Kaye Tiñga

For 10 years, the annual Red Charity Gala (RCG) has been staged to raise funds for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross, Assumption HS ’81 Foundation and various charities throughout the country.

“How do we top 10 years of RCG?” asked cochair Tessa Prieto Valdes at the press con for the 11th anniversary gala, which is scheduled Oct. 12. Her answer is to “hold a really big show.”

She and cochair Kaye Tiñga invited all 10 previously featured designers to present pocket collections—eight looks per designer—for the show titled “The First Ten.”

Dennis Lustico was the first designer to present in 2009. Known for his Neo-Romantic style, he will return with a pastels with neon collection titled “The Story of Mei,” inspired by the movie “The House of Flying Daggers.”

“Before I was approached and invited by Tessa in 2009, I was desperate to have my own solo show,” Lustico said, adding that he was excited and nostalgic because he “didn’t expect it would go this far.”

Jojie Lloren —PHOTOS BY LEO M. SABANGAN II

No mini-mishaps

Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One will make sure that his dream-like creations will be the focus during his portion—not the mini mishaps (slipping models) that marked his earlier collection. Fellow Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco was inspired by his trip to India, which will be evident in his set.

Other designers to present their visions include Cary Santiago, Ezra Santos, Jojie Lloren (modern Filipiniana), Chito Vijandre (fantasy couture inspired by 18th- and 19th-century artists), Lesley Mobo (1940s film noir), Joey Samson (menswear), and Rajo Laurel (Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan festival).

The Red Charity Gala 2019 is presented by Bench and IAM Worldwide in cooperation with A2A Safaris, Bernhardt, Diagold, Globe Platinum, Jewelmer, Megaworld and Ulthera.