The Runway Atelier Stages MAGICAL ADVENTURE Fashion Show at Shangrila Makati

While the world is going back to normal, we've seen the fashion industry take a bullish stand despite the challenges of mounting runway shows in the country. The Runway Atelier recently mounted a fashion show at the well missed Shangri-la Makati. The agency supports not just models, but stylists and fashion designers as well. The theme this year is called "Magical Adventure", sort of a recital for the models they trained and a showcase for stylists and designers they tapped so they too would have experience in huge shows like these. This also means they'll be donning various designs based on mythical creatures, entities, much of which are fairies and gods/goddesses too. 

At the venue, we were greeted with tons of kids, teens, experienced ones, almost 300 of them who are raring to go on the catwalk, as part of The Runway Atelier's vision of nurturing every model's unique potential. We've seen several cute kids that would definitely fit commercials, some who would be best on runway shows too or for commercial campaigns.  

Check out some of the designers who are featured in the show in this video. While most of them have done this before, a few of them are just starting and were all so thankful about the opportunity to showcase their work through the Magical Adventure fashion show.

 

5 models from The Runway Atelier also showcased one of our favorite brands "Bela by Bela", they used the Bela Color Changing Lip Balm, the Bela Dot Perfection Cheek Tint Cream, the Bela Bloom Soap Collection and Dani by Bela Scents quite extensively and need not much make up because the colors and lip care they have is already enough. Models Thalya, Sapphire, Archelle, Bea and Lizzie talked how much Bela products have given them the confidence they need to walk on the runway and make them feel extra pretty. They mentioned how much it has emphasized natural beauty, and how fun it was because it changes color as they use it. The Runway Atelier also teaches the models how to become empowered individuals, they use Bela to enhance their looks, even on regular days when they're just going around town with friends and family.

I could see how excited the parents of the kids were, surely, all of them were supporting their kids dreams and passion... and the show. They're not just their number 1 fan, they also made sure the kids would present themselves well on the runway, carried them where they need to go, but let go when they had to muster up courage to walk on the runway. It was sweet seeing that happen!

The Runway Atelier partnered up with various brands, designers and agencies to stage these runway shows twice a year to also create opportunities for their models, new and up and coming designers, and want to make sure they have a platform to showcase their skills. This is also a place where they could build confidence and do even bigger shows, and also be a venue to be discovered by brands, agencies, industry greats, and network so they too have opportunities and make their dreams come true. Some of them have pronounced wanting to do modeling in the international stage, which we hope would come into fruition because we've seen them work hard in the workshops and shows they participate in.

Congratulations to the hard working men, women, teens and kids who made this event possible! Can't wait to see you in future shows. It's been a while since I've covered Philippine Fashion Week and they're making a comeback in 2025, maybe you can have some of your talents be there too.

PS. Thank you to Ms. Lizze Aguinaldo also for taking care of us, sending us treats after the show.

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!