Julie Boschi, Gabriele Boschi, Simone Barbazza, Alessandro Ciuti, Andrea Albani at Rudy Project’s 40th anniversary with Tatler Philippines
Cover Julie Boschi, Gabriele Boschi, Simone Barbazza, Alessandro Ciuti, Andrea Albani at Rudy Project’s 40th anniversary with Tatler Philippines
Julie Boschi, Gabriele Boschi, Simone Barbazza, Alessandro Ciuti, Andrea Albani at Rudy Project’s 40th anniversary with Tatler Philippines

This latest milestone was attended by those who have run, competed and lived through the lens of Rudy Project

The iconic Italian brand Rudy Project, founded in the storied city of Treviso, has always been equal parts rugged and refined. It has long supporting top athletes, adventurous spirits and changemakers; its eyewear and protective gear carrying this very ideal since its establishment. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary together with Tatler Philippines, it looks back on the many lives it has moved in extraordinary ways.

Shangri-La The Fort’s Grand Ballroom was a fitting setting to celebrate this incredible milestone, with guests coming together in shared jubilation. They enjoyed exquisite glasses of gin and tonic, Argento Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon and M Reserva de la Familia. Several of the esteemed names who graced the hall with their presence were Sofia and Patxi Elizalde, Tatler Philippines managing director Irene Martel Francisco, style maven Julie Jalandoni Boschi, the Pangilinan family, Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand and His Excellency Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, with Maria Elena Urriste.

A showcase of gear—including eyewear, helmets and sportswear, offered guests a glimpse into its commitment to quality and performance. A wall with illustrations of over a dozen of the brand’s sunglasses highlighted its sheer versatility to take on any and all conditions.

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Above Rudy Project Philippines president and CEO Gabriele Boschi
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Above Rudy Project marketing director Simone Barbazza
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Above Gabriele and wife Julie Jalandoni-Boschi, Irene Martel Francisco and Simone Barbazza
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Above Shauna Popple Williams, Natalia Peña and Tatler Dining editor Isabel Martel Francisco
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Above His Excellency Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic and wife Maria Elena Urriste

The host for the evening, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, called onstage Rudy Project Philippines president and CEO Gabriele Boschi, who fondly reminisced how the founder, Rudy Barbazza, called him to join his company. “I enjoyed the 29 years I've been here,” he remarked. “I’m very grateful I was introduced to this work, and I’m grateful the Philippines has accepted Rudy Project.”

Rudy Project marketing director Simone Barbazza, also reminisced on the long road that the fitness brand has travelled. “I was very little when my father, Rudy, started the company,” he shared. “I was six, and I was immediately involved. We have been enjoying [working here] since our first day. This is not just a business; it is our passion.”

Though 40 years have passed, Rudy Project is far from slowing down. During the event, it also unveiled the Sinergy Helmet, made with sustainable materials whose individual parts can be disassembled for easier recycling. “Sinergy is the result of years of not just research but ideas becoming reality,” Barbazza explained. “Thinking of not only how to make products but also of what happens at the end of its life cycle.”

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It also announced the Performance Eyewear 40, based on the original model introduced in 1986. “We’re bringing back to life the model that really launched us,” Barbazza enthused. “Moreno Argentin won the cycling world championship wearing [this,] and it was really one of those initial sparks.”

Rudy Project’s longevity speaks volumes; few can claim to be a leader in the industry—fewer still can back up such a claim. Worn by top-level athletes and enthusiasts alike, it has striven to create accessories and equipment that elevate their performance to the very limit. If 40 years is any indication to go by, the brand is more than in it for the long run.


Visit rudyprojectph.com and reach the very height of performance.

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Credits

Photography: Ian Santos and Medal Elepano
Tobias Jared Tomas
Associate Editor for Branded Content and Tatler GMT, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia
Tobias Jared Tomas

About

Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles. 

He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.

Work

Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.