To mark the national day of Philippine independence, the Vin d’honneur melded the talents of Filipino fashion designers in a collaboration with the women of the diplomatic corps.
In recent times, the terno and other traditional Philippine styles of dress have seen a rise in popularity and sartorial innovation. This year’s Independence Day Vin d’honneur, held on the evening of June 12, 2023, marked a fashion-centric cultural celebration at the ceremonial hall of Malacañang Palace.
After opening cocktails introducing the members of the Diplomatic Corps and international organizations, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. entered alongside First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos to start the program, followed by a toast from H.E. Charles John Brown Ill, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. For the project, eminent Filipino fashion designers drew lots for which esteemed ambassadresses they would have the opportunity to dress, in styles that ranged from delicately embroidered full-piña ensembles to more modern silk “camisas”.
The female diplomats and designers who participated included Her Excellency Capaya Rodriguez Gonzales of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, dressed by Randy Ortiz; H.E. Anke Reiffenstuel Geb. Oettler of the Federal Republic of Germany dressed by Jun Escario; H.E. Dr. Titanilla Toth of Hungary dressed by Dennis Lustico; H.E. Michele Jeannine Andrée Boccoz of the French Republic dressed by Puey Quiñones; H.E. Marcela Ordoñez Fernandez of the Republic of Colombia dressed by Avel Bacudio; H.E. Folakemi Ibidunni Akinleye of the Federal Republic of Nigeria dressed by Joey Samson; H.E. Maria Alfonsa Magdalena Geraedts of the Netherlands dressed by Milka Quin; H.E. Annika Gunilla Thunborg of Sweden dressed by J.C. Buendia, H.E. Megawati Dato Paduka Haji Manan of Brunei dressed by Lulu Tan-Gan, and chargé d’affaires Moya Collett of Australia dressed by Ivarluski Aseron.
H.E. Michele Jeannine Andrée Boccoz of the French Republic and designer Puey Quiñones
The celebration of Philippine fashion was complemented by the lively big band sound played by the jazz AMP Band and with vocals by Arman Ferrer, while the Independence Day celebration was finished off with fireworks overlooking the Pasig River at the Malacañang.