Proudly Brit
MANILA, Philippines - The London Olympics may be over but there’s a new wave of Brit mania sweeping the country.
Manila’s fashion set eagerly anticipated the launch of Lee Cooper, the iconic British denim brand, as it proudly unveiled recently its premiere collection at the Grand Ballroom of Resorts World’s posh Marriott Hotel.
Inspired by the colors of the Union Jack, the venue was awash with red, white and blue. No less than the British Ambassador Stephen Lillie welcomed the 400-strong audience comprised of the lifestyle press, entertainment media, designers, stylists, bloggers, showbiz denizens and a veritable who’s who of Manila’s fashion circuit.
As an interesting sidelight, the Lee Cooper launch became a homage of sorts to its equally-iconic British namesake: the Mini Cooper. Parked regally at the ballroom’s foyer area were two souped-up Mini Coopers decked out in – what else? – denim! Guests and passersby couldn’t resist taking their turns at the wheel for a quick photo op. But where was Mr. Bean?
Prior to the fashion show, host/eventologist Tim Yap introduced Lee Cooper’s brand ambassadors, eight prominent local personalities who have exceled in their respective fields and who exemplify the brand’s commitment to passion and excellence.
Chosen as the brand’s “Makers” were artist/restaurateur Nadine Howell, car restorer Alex Isip, brand curator Vince Aldanese, fashion designer Tippi Ocampo, photographer Jay Tablante, makeup artist/fashion model Bianca Valerio, club owner and eventologist GP Reyes and chef Roland Laudico.
In keeping with the Brit-inspired motif, the fashion show opened with the models all dolled up as British Royal Guards, complete with emblematic faux bearskin hats and denim tunic jackets. Amid a video backdrop showcasing London’s majestic skyline and well-known architectural landmarks, the fashion showcase segued from chic to sporty, with that unmistakable touch of rock ‘n roll panache written all over its catalog, which included denim jeans, colored pants, denim shorts, capri, cargo pants and shorts, knits, blouses, wovens and jackets.
The crowd roared in approval as well-known celebrities and showbiz denizens took their turn at the catwalk. Leading the pack were TV host Divine Lee, Victor Basa, Danielle Lee, Cesca Litton, Denise Laurel, Geneva Cruz, Baron Geisler, Patrick Garcia, Mark Manicad, Vincent Bueno, Kiko Estrada and Jerico Redrico.
Adding even more eye candy were the hunky members of the Philippine Volcanoes Rugby Team such as Chris Everingham, Eric Tai and Andrew Wolff.
All in all, it was a well-earned victory for the Lee Cooper Philippines family, headed by president Andrew So and VP Henry Ng, whose auspicious launch was graced by no less than Lee Cooper Global CEO Andy Dunkley, as well as dignitaries from the British consulate.
