The Kultura Lifestyle, Agnes Roscigno’s Classic Elegance

MANILA, Philippines - As a diplomat’s wife, Agnes Ventura Roscigno has spent a good part of her years living in other countries where her husband, Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Roscigno, has been assigned.

A proud Filipina by birth, a happy Italian by marriage, and the proud mother of 14-year- old Ursula, she brings her classic elegance to the many official functions that she helps her husband oversee.

This is an elegance developed from her own sense of style, her Filipino roots, her love of things Italian through her marriage.  Traveling has also had a great influence in developing her impeccable taste.  When she was young, she worked in the family business and did a lot of traveling; later on as a “very, very busy non-working housewife,” her husband’s many diplomatic postings have brought the Roscignos to places like the United States, Lebanon and China.

“Formal dinners require more time to be arranged,” says Agnes. She has all the chinaware and accessories checked, the name cards prepared in advance; and of course, makes sure she has the right menu for the right occasion.

For the menu and especially the wines, “I consult with my husband — of course it goes without saying that these must all be rigorously Italian.  But if my guests are mostly Italian, I might add to the menu one Oriental or Filipino serving.  Shortly before the beginning of the dinner, I briefly instruct my staff with tips on bartending, the serving sequence and timing and matching wines.”

Protocol, of course, is essential. “I became familiar with the rules of diplomatic protocol over the years, and I learned how to entertain the authorities and place the proper seating.” Agnes also puts her personal touches in her dinners: Flowers are a must, as well as soft music in the background, table decorations “including items I find in Kultura like shells and mother of pearl accessories.”

The Roscignos also host informal events — cocktails or buffet dinners — quite often.  “They are mostly connected to promotional events,” she says.  “They are more relaxed, but still require utmost attention and proper preparation.”

With her statuesque height, classic beauty, and graceful bearing, Agnes stands out in these occasions.  She has developed her own sense of elegance — “definitely influenced by western and definitely Italian taste, but always remembering my Filipino Asiatic background.”

In dressing for a formal evening event — like the launching of an Italian jewelry line or a music gala concert where western influence is dominant, which requires a long gown, she would wear an Italian designer’s long dress. “But I always find a way to amuse myself by ‘seasoning’ a little the basic Italian style I love with influences from the countries we earlier lived in,” she says.  These include shawls from Lebanon; and pearls, jade items, and silk prints from China. “Sometimes results are amazingly good.”

But when she attends gala receptions in Malacañang hosted by the President, she “sticks proudly to my classic Filipiniana attire, perhaps with a touch of western jewelry.”  In this game of combinations, “Kultura is very inspiring because I find items I can blend with my own things.”

In attending luncheons, coffee mornings, afternoon tea, or meetings with the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM), Agnes likes wearing “a pretty frock.  But shoes, bags, and accessories must always be of some elegance.”

During ordinary days, Agnes also likes to “take advantage of the generally informal trend in Manila by being relaxed and comfortable.  Informal pants or mostly dark leggings with colorful shirts and blouses are always a good choice.”

In the “rare weekends out, when I am only with my family, I myself go quite casual,” she says.  “This means jeans (tight), shirts (always colorful), and my favorite moccasins.  In Kultura, I always find some bracelets or necklaces I enjoy matching.”

Kultura Filipino is one of Agnes’ wonderful discoveries during her family’s recent posting in the Philippines. “It reminds me of my heritage, culture, and handcrafting qualities of our people,” says Agnes. “It is important those traditions are maintained and that we do not lose them in the name of modernity and contemporary trends.”

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Kultura stores are located at SM Aura Premier, SM Makati, SM Megamall, the SM Mall of Asia, SM Lanang Premier, and SM City Cebu. Kultura boutiques in Pico de Loro, Taal Vista and the Molo Mansion, Iloilo. Also visit its website at www.kulturafilipino.com.