The Red Charity Gala—that one social event of the year marked in the calendars of Manila’s who’s who. Society figures, philanthropist, business leaders, and celebrities all step out in their most fashionable garbs for a night of fun and generosity. Headed by founders Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga, the charity gala is now on its 10th year, and tracing its roots with a centerpiece fashion presentation by highly esteemed designer Rajo Laurel.
Rewind 10 years ago, the gala, which was once known as the Red Cross Gala that started it all had Rajo Laurel as its centerpiece designer. Today, the annual event has grown in size and splendor, showcasing the talents of one Filipino designer per year, while committing to support the Philippine Red Cross and the Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation. Designer’s whose creations have walked the Red Charity Gala runway include such illustrious industry names like Dennis Lustico, Furne One, Michael Cinco, Cary Santiago, Ezra Santos, Jojie Lloren, Lesley Mobo, Chito Vijandre and Joey Samson. The gala has come full circle this year, with Rajo Laurel, who is also celebrating his 25th anniversary in the Philippine fashion industry.
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Rajo Laurel, who was trained at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology and the Central Saint Martin’s in London, is one of Manila’s most endeared fashion designers. His designs embody elegance, romance and luxury. He has been a top of mind couturier for society’s stylish figures, and have won numerous awards for fashion and entrepreneurship over the years. For The Red Charity Gala show, Rajo draws inspiration from his modern muse, “the intelligent and quietly powerful Filipino lady.” He is set to pay homage to Philippine history and culture through his upcoming presentation.
Happening at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriot Hotel this October 27, 2018, the gala is once again partnering with BENCH as a main presenter. Their fruitful partnership over the last years have always resulted to an evening of fun and goodwill. This year is expected to be the biggest event year. Also, the MINT School of Fashion comes in as the gala’s newest beneficiary. The Red Charity Gala is set to build a Fashion Fund for the school, providing education through scholarships for aspiring and creative students of fashion.
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Scroll down to see a special preview of Rajo Laurel’s upcoming fashion presentation for the 2018 Red Charity Gala. The fashion designer also shares what inspired him for these key pieces…
The Red Charity Gala 2018 is presented by Bench, in cooperation with co-presentors Balesin Island Club, Globe Platinum, Jewelmer, Marriott Hotel Manila, Megaworld, Sunlife, and Ulthera. Major sponsors are Bernhardt, Diagold, Ferrari, Fuentes Manila, Lucerne, Moss Manila, Philippine Airlines, Remy Martin, Robert Blancaflor Group, Royal Gem, and Tresemme.
Also supported by A2A Safari, Adworks Manila, Air Asia, Bellevue Manila, Bluewater Sumilon Beach Resort, Casa de Memoria, City of Dream, Cravings Restaurant, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc., Gorenje, Ideal Vision, JMA, Jul Dizon, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Stella Rosa, The Manila Hotel, The Peninsula Manila, Uratex, Usana, Viking Range, and World Traveller. Media partners are Lifestyle Asia, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Philippine Star. Special thanks to Auro Chocolates, CarloPacific.com, Gardenia, Goldilocks, MAC, Marquis Events Place, McDonald’s, Posh Nails, Prima, Toni & Guy, and Waveplay Interactive.
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