By Analou De Vera
The Red Charity Gala, one of the most awaited charity fashion events in the country, will once again showcase another creative talent of a Filipino designer, while at the same time raising funds for worthwhile causes.
Now on its ninth year, The Red Charity Gala 2017 will bring to the runway the creations of designer Joey Samson.
FASHION SHOW FOR A CAUSE – Kaye Tinga (third from left), designer Joey Samson (fourth from left) and Tessa Prieto-Valdez pose beside models during the press conference Wednesday for the Red Charity Gala at the Manila Hotel. The event will be held on October 14. (Jay Ganzon | Manila Bulletin)
The event will be held on October 14 at The Shangri-La at the Fort, Taguig City, with the support of Bench, as part of the clothing brand’s 30th anniversary.
During the event’s press conference at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday, Samson gave a glimpse of some of his creations.
With the theme ‘PilgrimAge,’ this year’s gala “pertains to a journey, a religious devotion, and a voyage to a sacred place.”
“This collection will be a balancing act. It will run the gamut from tradition to something a bit outre, remixing looks and reshuffling garment elements,” said Samson.
“I want the clothes to be a revival of old wardrobe favorites, as if relics of a long passage, at the same time, something with a sense of familiarity, with a contemporary feel transitioning from conventional, street, to ceremonial,” he added.
Samson, being the Red Charity Gala honoree for this year, joins the league of world renowned Filipino designers who previously graced the event such as Dennis Lustico, Furne One, Michael Cinco, Cary Santiago, Ezra Santos, Jojie Lloren, Lesley Mobo, and Chito Vijandre.
“Joey is coming from a different design philosophy which I think is a good breather and a different change. It’s about time that his creation comes on stage,” said society figure Tessa Prieto- Valdes, one of the key persons behind The Red Charity Gala along with Ms. Kaye Tinga.
Also present during the press conference were The Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina, and The Manila Bulletin Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III.
Talents for a cause
Valdes said that for nine-long years, they have been supporting the Philippine fashion industry for a good cause.
“We are so proud that we have already built so many homes, like 300 homes already in Mercedes, Samar, and also helped with so many daycare centers. We’ve also built their library and a multi-purpose center,” Valdes told The Manila Bulletin.
“We’ve done multiple daycare centers in Taguig as well and also helping with the Makati and Taguig Red Cross,” she added.
Aside from supporting the Philippine Red Cross and the Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation, “we are also adding this year the foundation of Jewelmer which help farmers and their families,” she said.
According to Valdes, their main target is to help the underprivileged children.
“We really aim to primarily make our charities for children because we feel that those underprivileged children have really no chance of bettering their life. And even if we feel that we can’t really help as much, somehow, slowly we can create a dent in helping them,” Valdes explained.
This year’s Red Charity Gala event is presented by Bench in cooperation with the following sponsors: Globe Platinum, Megaworld, SunLife Financial, Fuentes Manila, Jewelmer, Omega, Philippine Airlines, Remy Martin, Robert Blancaflor, Abitare Internazionale, The Manila Hotel, Adworks, Bluewaters Sumilon Resort Beach, Emperor Watch and Jewelry, Royal Gem, Viking Range, W/17, World Travellers, Auro Chocolates, Gardenia, Goldilocks, and The Botanist.
