Luxe CEO Anna Magkawas dons Renee Salud Runway in Mindanaoan Couture

The who's who of the fashion industry took to the grounds of Okada Manila on May 9th for a runway show by esteemed fashion designer and legend Renee Salud. The show was a hodge podge of glitz, glamour, culture and a heavy concentration on Mindanaoan influences. It was a sight to behold!

One of the highlights of the show was when the CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group Ms. Anna Magkawas went on stage wearing Mama Renee's Mindanao Tapestry II. After the show, she shared what it felt like being on stage adorned with one of the best creations that evening and said "It just felt so surreal , I was so nervous, but at the same time quite proud seeing all that happen. This is the first time for me to wear a gown designed by him, and walk for the show at the same time. I had no idea it would be that grand, but I guess you can expect that in a Renee Salud show. I had a very tight schedule, and only did fit late because of work. I was the last one to do so a day before the show, I was just thankful we were able to rehearse on the day itself, I managed to pickup a few things about the flow of the show."

For those who don't know, Ms. Anna Magkawas is the woman behind Luxe Slim which is a famous brand of health products in the country. Her thrust fashion wise is to stay with the classics, those that exude elegance. She doesn't wear pieces that may be too revealing, and stayed with very neutral colors. 

The show also had pieces that mix the traditional and modern while utilizing our home grown materials and native textile. They also got to showcase unique pieces, which Renee Salud could only execute. It's why Ms. Anna is always at awe of Filipino fashion designers and find how each region is quite different, something she's eager to wear in future shows and events too.

If you want to know more about Ms. Anna Magkawas and her empire, follow her social channels @anna_magkawas on IG, @annamagkawasofficial on FB and LuxeSlimPH for her products. 

Congratulations on this show Ms. Anna! 

KULTURA MANILA To Hold Fashion Show at Jones Bridge

It's been a while since a major fashion event has happened in Manila. That's about to change this coming September 8 as Manila sets the stage for Manila International Dance Festival aka MIDFest 2023. A fashion event called KULTURA MANILA will happen around October, utilizing an unfamiliar runway at the Jones Bridge. Yes, you've read that right. If you're not aware, much of these happen in Paris, Milan and New York, but the plan is to do it at one of the busiest thoroughfares of the city of Manila which I feel is pretty awesome.

This project is spearheaded by Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo. When the MIDFest 2023 event was announced, he also bared news about Kultura Manila, Mister Manila and a Sports event for Manila policemen and government personnel. The city is a historical and cultural hub and it's important to not forget that while we get back on track after the pandemic. Several of Manila's top Fashion Designers will dish out their best pieces showcasing inspiration from the pre-colonial and also those from the Spanish era. Think of it as a travel through time, which makes this even more exciting!

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 Fashion Designer Norman Penaflorida had us see a couple of pieces he's done worn by some of Mister Manila's contestants. Sure enough, we've seen nicely formed jackets and clothing, all of which look very current and wearable despite it being couture. He actually had a show prior which showcased non conventional textile drawn from flour bags of local bread makers. He's the house stylist for mostly all the shows at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, a little iffy about the designer title but if you think about it, he's been doing this for years. Aside from that, he's done work with the National Center for Culture and the Arts and done Production Design, Stage Management, Hosting, beside being an accomplished Actor and Singer. He held off on constructing his new atelier in Sampaloc, Manila as Kultura Manila preparations went underway. I mean, look at those fabrics he used as accents to these uni jackets! (He says he'll be using them extensively on the show).

There's going to be more designers to be featured in October, which makes me feel all the more excited about what's about to happen. This is part of the projects of Vice Mayor Yul Servo and heavily supported by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna together with the council, Verde Creatives and the men and women behind the Manila International Dance Festival. They also plan to do this yearly, so imagine the scale of these events unfold in the city including Rizal Park, several Manila based universities and different locations around the metro. If you want to partner up, they're very open to that. Get in touch with them via midf2023(at)gmail.com.

See you on the runway!

TOP SHELF Features Inspiring Story of Chrizmarie Builders CEO Lyn Macanas

 

Had a grand time over at SEDA Hotel in Vertis North about a week ago for the grand launch of TOP SHELF, a new business and lifestyle magazine that features TOP entrepreneurs, leaders of different industries and their inspiring stories. They already had their maiden issue last June 2022 featuring the world class artist and singer Gigi De Lana. This year, they're featuring the very inspiring story of the President and CEO of Chrizmarie Builders and Construction Supply Madam Lyn Macanas. Their theme for this issue is Women Empowerment, a fitting subject matter that begs discourse especially these very trying times.

Her story was a showcase of strength, courage, and sheer determination of leading her company into one of the leading construction firms in the region. This would certainly inspire a lot of women, much of who have gone through hardships and had to raise kids all on their own. 

Other women like Miss Supermodel Worldwide Alexandra Rosales, DOT Undersecretary Atty. Elaine Bathan, Dr. Dhyrla Santos Nunez will also be featured on the profile sections. There will also be travel stories that will feature Camotes Island and the country of passion, food and love Italy. The events section on the other hand will contain a piece about Miss Supermodel Philippines under Velvet Media. The company is led by Mae Evelyn Maghirang, their National Director. 

 

Entertainment courtesy of Alab Poi Dancers

 

TOP SHELF Marketing Director Bianca Lapus welcomed us to the occasion, it was awesome seeing her during the event! She told us how she also wanted to feature Vhong Navarro in future issues. That's something you should definitely watch out for on TOP SHELF.

Some of her gowns were showcased during the event

 

Her precious daughters also participated on the runway. They were so happy doing this.

 

She wore a red number for the second instance she rocked the stage

Then a couple more looks to end the show

TOP SHELF Magazine is under Velvet Media Incorporated. You may visit their site topshelf.asia or their social channels by searching TOP SHELF Mag PH. You may get issues via Magzter.com if you prefer subscription. They are also set to release quarterly, so stay tuned on Q2-Q4 for more.

Congratulations Ms. Macanas, to the men and women of Chrizmarie Builders, to Velvet Media Inc. and the whole TOP SHELF editorial team!