To celebrate the homecoming of the iconic Cebuano fashion designer Reynaldo Santos, Zee Lifestyle, the glossy magazine on the latest in beauty breakthroughs, fashion trends, travel, and health and wellness developments partnered with Samsung for an exclusive by-invitation-only cocktail party. The event was held at 856 G Gallery owned by Annie Chen, a Singapore-based Chinese-Filipino jewelry designer.
Santos started out as an apprentice to one of Cebu’s leading couturiers, Lina Ventura, in 1966 before opening his own atelier three years later. In 1980, he went to Paris to present his designs to specialty boutiques and eventually did an apprenticeship with renowned designer Guy LaRoche.
Through hard work and determination, he received several international awards and recognitions. He also enjoyed positive reviews from publications like the Sunday Morning Post, The Fashion Press and from the dean of fashion design at Sydney’s Fashion Institute. In 1989, Santos ventured to New York City and founded Lapinig Santos Co. with his partner Fil Myron Lapinig, specializing in “after-five†apparel.
While enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres specially prepared by David’s catering services, guests viewed Santos’ various sketches and designs, which are a retrospective of the designer’s works throughout the years.
The highlight of the evening was a mini-fashion show that featured a 10-piece collection created by Santos for the occasion. The beautifully crafted pieces emphasized his flair for dramatic dressing and intricate details set against the New York-inspired video presentation.
Throughout the evening, a well-documented video of the designers’ enriching career unfolded on the Samsung HDTVs, which were strategically placed around the gallery. Of interest were his editorials in magazines that featured the evolution of Cebuano fashion.
The event also served to launch the Zee Lifestyle app on Google Play, allowing Android users to download the latest issues of the magazine on their mobile devices.
Guests took home special gifts from Samsung and tokens from renowned Filipino sculptor Impy Pilapil.