Diplomats for a cause

In the name of charity, international ambassadors and their spouses grace the runway wearing pieces from SM Retail’s beloved brands

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Oct 26, 2024 02:04 PM 

Maintaining peace, fostering good diplomatic relations, and representing their home country’s values are some of the responsibilities of foreign ambassadors and diplomats. Apart from their work at the embassies, they are also known for immersing themselves in their host country’s heritage through various events, whether cultural or philanthropic. A testament to this is the “Diplomats For A Cause” charity gala.

Led by SHOM (Spouses of Heads of Mission) and SM Retail, the charity gala took place at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel on Oct. 8, 2024, shining a spotlight on Filipino fashion and its potential to uplift marginalized communities. The diplomatic community, Filipino cultural identity, and MSME-driven retail ingenuity all came together to show their support as ambassadors, diplomats, and their spouses gamely took to the runway, modeling pieces from SM Retail’s Kultura, SM Fashion, AXCS, and Fashion Forum. 

Consul General Fortune Ledesma of Monaco wore a terno top and matching skirt, featuring intricate cutwork embroidery from Kultura; H.E. Constance See - Ambassador of Singapore, Silk cocoon embroidered top with inabel and piñasilk weaves overlaid on matching skirt from Kultura; and MME Indri P. Akyol - Spouse of Ambassador of Turkiye, wore the Kimona reinterpreted with matching overskirt in a graphic floral print from Kultura

Kicking off the style fest were foreign dignitaries in Kultura pieces. The ladies were visions of class and sophistication, wearing dresses with uniquely Filipino design elements. Spotted on the runway were terno pieces adorned with floral embroidery, while Filipiniana ensembles were made more striking with intricate lace skirts. The blazer-terno hybrid pieces merged the traditional with the contemporary through their sleek silhouettes and use of local textiles. 

H.E. Michel Monique M. Parys - Ambassador of Belgium, Barong with handwoven kalinga weave in Belgian flag colors from Kultura; H.E. Christian Halas Lyster - Ambassador of Norway, Barong with geometric-patterned embroidery from Kultura; Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown of Holy See, Vatican, Black and white contrasting embroidery on Barong from Kultura; and H.E. Kazuya Endo - Ambassador of Japan, Modern embroidered barong with mandarin collar from Kultura

The gentlemen looked dashing in barong attire. In addition to classic barong styles, the male foreign dignitaries showcased modern interpretations of this traditional piece, featuring vibrant local tapestries and bold designs with bright colors and various geometric and callado motifs.

Glamor reigned supreme on the runway as female guests modeled elegant gowns from SM Fashion Forum. Adding sparkle to their gowns were exquisite accessories from AXCS’s “Karutora” collection. 

MME. Maria Elena Urriste - Spouse of Ambassador of Argentina, Handpainted and beaded satin cape over matching terno gown from Kultura; Mme. Prof Dr. Denise Brühl Moser - Spouse of Ambassador of Switzerland, Elegant Gown by SM Fashion and Accessories from Karutora at AXCS; H.E. Dr. Titanilla Tóth - Ambassador of Hungary, Stunning blue gown from SM Fashion. Accessories by Karutora available at AXCS

It was captivating to see Philippine fashion apparel and accessories worn by foreign dignitaries. The event amply demonstrated the global reach of Philippine retail design. The foreign dignitaries enjoyed this brief departure from their “regular programming,” transforming into “United Nations of models.”

 Tessa Prieto and Gracie Go; Mme Roswitha Brieger Amb Johann Brieger of Austria

In addition to the fashion show, there was also a silent auction of Filipino artwork to support marginalized communities in the country. SHOM and the SM Group have done much to promote grassroots welfare, and this collaboration is just the latest effort. What was unique about the event was how it brought together foreign ambassadors and their spouses, heads of international institutions accredited in the Philippines, and ranking diplomats with their families—all ready to walk the catwalk in support of various advocacies. 

Ambassador of Japan Kazuya Endo, Kasue Salud, and Mme Akiko Endo of Japan

Over the years, SHOM has dedicated its efforts to vulnerable women, children, and persons with disabilities across the country. It was a natural fit for them to partner with the SM Group. With SM Retail and Kultura, not only was national cultural identity and homegrown fashion on display but there was also strong support for local artisan communities and MSMEs, which form an integral part of Kultura’s regular supply chain.