Four days of flooding in Metro Manila could not deter the 100 matrons who trooped to Rustan’s Makati, dressed to the hilt for Criselda Lontok’s Holiday Collection last Friday.

Perhaps it was cabin fever, a closing of ranks and a show of support, but every member of the Ladies Who Lunch was accounted for and attired in dazzling silks and blinding bling.

It was a merry mix of the Old Guard, New Money, Blue Ladies, the Yellow Brigade, Loi Ejercito and Monjierra Disini.

They were all loyal clients of the Criselda Lontok brand of modern chic, which they have been wearing for 30 years.

Why is there such a diehard following for Lontok’s always classic elegant, age-appropriate and wrinkle-free garments? Perhaps it’s because, like the New York high society designer Carolina Herrera, Lontok has known all her clients for the last 50 years. She is one of them.

So Lontok knows their needs, from daytime separates for lunch at the Polo Club to elegant fetes in Old and South Forbes Park. For instance, every true-blue member knows that a pair of Lontok’s slim leggings or stretch pants is the best travel wear. At their golden age, they know that comfort first, style later is what works best.

The new collection has plenty of tasteful style, from the black trousers topped with tunics, the new sexy LBD, the palette of shocking pink, and Japanese flag red and merlot maroon as new neutrals. Big gold obi flowers bloomed in the evening numbers, and there were a few dramatic ball gowns which can be ordered within 10 working days.

It is good to know that Lontok also does plus sizes for the horizontally challenged matron.

See, in this spread, how different body types are covered by the Lontok fashion dictum, which is easy-to-wear chic with a dash of panache.