Cover New York-based Colombian brand Harry Berry, alongside Steps Dance Foundation founder Sofia Zobel Elizalde, whose partnership at Manila House brought together angelic jewellery designs and life-changing support for young Filipino dancers
New York-based Colombian brand Harry Berry, alongside Steps Dance Foundation founder Sofia Zobel Elizalde, whose partnership at Manila House brought together angelic jewellery designs and life-changing support for young Filipino dancers
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Colombian and New York-based accessories brand Harry Berry partners with Manila House and Steps Dance Foundation to support underprivileged young Filipino dancers through a two-day charity trunk show
Fashion, spirituality and philanthropy converged at Manila House when Colombian jewellery designer Harrison Berrío—founder of New York’s Harry Berry—joined forces with the Steps Dance Foundation for a two-day fundraising trunk show.
Held from August 25 to 26, the event’s second Philippine edition pledged 25 per cent of all sales to support equal-opportunity training, international travel and career development for underprivileged Filipino dancers.
Renowned for his iconic angel wing motif, Berrío’s creative process is profoundly personal. His signature aesthetic traces back to his Colombian roots, where his mother first nurtured his fascination with angelic iconography.
Berrío explained that angels were rooted in a spiritual level when, as a newborn, his mother would pray to Archangel Michael to watch over him.
Above Harrison Berrío for Tatler Philippines
Harrison Berrío for Tatler Philippines
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This divine connection inspired Harry Berry’s signature Michael bracelet, featuring handcrafted angel wings. The Manila House collection echoed the brand’s DNA, blending chunky chainwork, feathers, crystals and semi-precious gemstones with statement pieces like the Icarus bracelet.
Each Harry Berry signature wing charm is finished with 24k Italian gold plating in Colombia, then assembled by hand in New York. Berrío selects gemstones for their energetic and visual qualities—using rose quartz for love, aquamarine for the throat chakra and seasonal colour palettes to evoke protection and elevation.
“I want my clients to feel protected, elevated and sexy,” Berrío said. “When people wear the bracelets for the first time, I ask them to make a wish. I always wish them good health first—then they can focus on their dreams.”
Above Silver charm bracelet by Harry Berry
Silver charm bracelet by Harry Berry
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The partnership between Berrío and the Philippine dance community began seven years ago, when the Filipino philanthropist Sofia Zobel Elizalde became an admirer of his work.
“Sofia fell in love with these bracelets and began gifting them to her family, friends and teachers,” Berrío recalled. “The community kept growing. I guess everyone in the Philippines loves angels—I was in the perfect place. It was meant to be.”
Filipino culture shares deep spiritual and Catholic ties with Latin America, creating a natural affinity for Berrío’s protective, symbolic jewellery. Beyond aesthetics, however, is a shared commitment to transforming young lives.
For Elizalde, proceeds from the event held at Manila House provide vital funding for Steps Dance Foundation, which helps bridge the gap for talented young dancers from humble backgrounds—including students scouted from public schools in places like Tondo—by granting them access to world-class instruction.
See also: The master’s cut: appreciating Philippine bespoke tailoring
Above Sofia Zobel Elizalde, founder of Steps Dance Foundation, with Harrison Berrío
Sofia Zobel Elizalde, founder of Steps Dance Foundation, with Harrison Berrío
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“My foundation is about giving students from less fortunate backgrounds equal access to dance training,” Elizalde shared.
Funds raised directly support scholars by covering exam fees for international recognition and providing essential gear, like uniforms and pointe shoes. The foundation also assists dancers who qualify for the Youth America Grand Prix, covering airfare, accommodation and food allowances when they win tuition-free summer intensives from top global directors.
This holistic support system has delivered life-changing results: Steps alumni have joined prestigious global institutions, including American Ballet Theatre in New York, Alberta Ballet Company in Canada and Hamburg Ballet School in Germany.
“When you give these kids equal opportunities and place them in a room with other talented children, their level rises,” Elizalde noted. “That’s the magic of what we do with these funds.”
While growing his fashion jewellery line, Berrío dreams of opening a boutique in New York and expanding into fine jewellery with raw Colombian emeralds and precious metals. Yet, no matter how far his brand goes, the mission remains purposeful. “It makes me so happy to see these young dancers dreaming,” Berrío reflected. “All my creativity, my hands and my work are supporting this beautiful foundation.”
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Karis Tsang serves as a Junior Associate Editor at Tatler Philippines. She tells stories at the intersection of high society, local arts and pop culture. A UST journalism alum, she has a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. When she’s not typing furiously against a deadline, she’s likely getting lost in a theatre, overanalysing style or planning her next creative rabbit hole.
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