Cover Set up at Rustan’s “Criselda: A Journey Through Flower Fields” launch event.
Set up at Rustan’s “Criselda: A Journey Through Flower Fields” launch event.
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Let us take you on a journey through this colourful retrospective celebrating the life and career of the late legendary fashion designer Criselda Lontok
For years, Criselda Lontok captivated the Philippine fashion world with her timeless, vibrant designs inspired by a lifelong love for flowers and springtime. A retrospective honouring the life and career of the late style icon opened its doors to the public last September 14, showcasing several never-before-seen personal items and haute couture pieces.
The exhibit is located at the Gallerie, on the 2nd floor of Rustan's Makati and is expected to run through September 20.
In case you missed it: Criselda Lontok: Designer, Style Icon and Gracious Lady Bids Adieu
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The retrospective commenced with an opening event well-attended by those who loved and admired Lontok the most. Family, friends and fellow fashion moguls were among those who perused around a glamorous set-up influenced by the flower gardens that inspired much of her work.
Tessa Prieto served as master of ceremonies, expressing her admiration of Lontok’s elegance, grace, and influence on Filipino-style society.
Other attendees included members of the Tantoco family, Lontok’s three children, and United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L Carlson.
Above Tessa Prieto reminisces on Lontok's enduring legacy.
Tessa Prieto reminisces on Lontok's enduring legacy.
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The collection showcases Filipino-inspired evening gowns, beaded cocktail attire, and day-to-night ensembles, all showcasing Lontok’s trademark flair for both opulence and sophistication.
Reflecting on Lontok’s legacy, her daughter Maria Clara remarks:
‘‘Catering to women was never a challenge for Mum. She was in every inch an elegant lady and served as the best model of her clothing line. Her clothes exuded confidence, style, ease, comfort, and versatility. Being a woman, [mum] knew how to take her clothes to the next level by pairing them with the right accessories.’’
Above An A-line bodice gown in cream silk gazar.
Above A Filipiniana with a beaded, flower-printed bodice and multi-layered fuchsia tulle skirt.
An A-line bodice gown in cream silk gazar.
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Above A one-of-a-kind Byzantine neckpiece in different tones of chalcedony and antique hardware.
Above A one-of-a-kind, Victorian-inspired necklace in jade, turquoise, white peridot, chalcedony, and antique hardware.
A one-of-a-kind Byzantine neckpiece in different tones of chalcedony and antique hardware.
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Several curated pieces from this exhibition will be featured in an exclusive, invite-only auction hosted by Léon Gallery on September 21 on the 3rd floor of Rustan’s Makati. Proceeds from this auction will be pledged to Lontok’s favoured charity, Bantay Bata 163.
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Credits
Images: Visions & Expressions Publicity and Special Events
About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
