US Ambassador Harry Thomas does the twist in a red barong

MANILA, Philippines - Business icon and Consul General of Austria Washington SyCip walking down the ramp in a pink barong. Three lady ambassadors showing their stylish side. Eighteen gentlemen ambassadors in exquisite colored barongs. US Ambassador Harry Thomas doing the twist in a red barong. Ambassadors’ wives modeling elegant cocktail clothes and Filipiniana outfits.

These were some of the reasons why Global Fashion Flair, a fashion show for a cause by the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF) and the Spouses of Heads of Mission held recently at the ballroom of the Marriott Hotel Manila was a fashion show like no other.

Hosted by STAR columnist RJ Ledesma, this special fashion presentation featured the latest cocktail dresses and long gowns from Fashion Forum, a multi-brand boutique featuring contemporary labels from the US inside premier branches of The SM Store. Beautiful Filipiniana pieces from the Kultura Filipino’s Nuevo Ystilo and Rafaella collections, as well as accessories from the store’s Tricata by Marivic Gancayco and Sparkling Creations by Pinky Jaurique provided the accent.

Other sponsors included SM exclusive labels Parisian Shoes and Bags for women and Salvatore Mann shoes for men, and SM Accessories, as well as Shiseido available at the SM Beauty Store.

“The generosity of the SM Group in supporting social causes of the International Bazaar Foundation is a good model for top corporations to emulate,” shared Gretchen del Rosario, wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and head of the IBF.
According to del Rosario, proceeds of Global Fashion Flair will go to the philanthropic programs of the IBF and SHOM, which include scholarships for deserving indigent children, financial support for the elderly, and an assistance fund for abused and abandoned children.

“The ambassadors and their spouses look forward to this rare opportunity to step into the catwalk wearing the latest fashion clothes and accessories all for a worthy cause — to support IBF and SHOM’s program of kindness and openheartedness,” added Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma, event chairperson.