Me In Business Mirror (You Must Love Me)

My photos grace today's edition of Business Mirror. You can find it at the Life section of the newspaper and was entitled "You Must Love Me" by the fab C. Mendez Legaspi. It was taken on the 25th Anniversary of Sir Frederick Peralta and was part of the Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2009.

Below is the article (click a href=http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=32:life&id=984:you-must-love-me>here

for the online version):

You Must Love Me

by C. Mendez Legaspi

Frederick Peralta, who has been making unforgettable bridal wear since the 1980s, has devoted himself—possibly more than any other fashion designer working today—to the tender notion that love should be steadfast, unbending and unconditional. This belief was evident in all its splendor when he showed a 50-piece wedding collection at the ongoing Philippine Fashion Week, illustrating his love for his craft, dedication to his brides and grooms and fidelity to his family.

Peralta’s 25th anniversary gala, directed by Audie Espino, at the SMX Convention Center is the tour de force collection of the biggest Philippine Fashion Week, serving as the highlight of the biggest edition yet of Runway Productions and CalCarrie’s International’s weeklong celebration of the country’s deep fashion creative pool.

“I am so proud of this show,” the placid designer said a day after his fantastic showcase. Still misty eyed with the overwhelming reception he got from an adoring crowd, that included his brides for the coming months, Peralta related how even during the fittings his models couldn’t contain their excitement in wearing his creations. After all, to wear a Frederick Peralta is a badge of honor in itself.

A darling of the press as well of celebrities, a Peralta show wouldn’t be complete without the participation of some famous faces. Though both childless after years of marital bliss, a stunning Assunta de Rossi and a tense Agot Isidro still looked as radiant as new bride Joyce Jimenez. Young mom Valerie Concepcion and hopelessly in love Mariel Rodriguez also donned wedding ensembles.

“I asked them if they can be part of my 25th anniversary show and they readily said yes,” Peralta said of his name-droppable friends. Hayden Kho, with lady love Vicky Belo in the audience, led the dashing pack of grooms in cashmere, taffeta silk and brocade. Never one to keep his brides unadorned, Peralta accented each ensemble with gorgeous jewelry by Gery Sunga, bouquets by Ted Manuel, shoes by Ben Santos, and hair and makeup by Jingky Ilusorio, Koala and Rudy Adriatico.

To make his gala more memorable, Peralta created 50 looks worn by 50 models (no changes!), and for 23 kids as flower girls (with FJ, his seamstress’s daughter, stealing the show with her cute antics) and ring bearers. Like his flamboyant outfits, Peralta hardly pulled any punches for this production, and you can expect the multiawarded designer to mount another extraordinary show in the not-too-distant future.

Was it all worth it? “Yes,” the designer said without missing a beat. “Nowadays, a bridal show is the most practical thing to do because the return on investments is immediate.” In fact, the gown worn by Charo Ronquillo, an organza wonder embroidered with rosettes that took three weeks to finish, and Assunta de Rossi’s off-white and gold gown with caviar beadwork, are already spoken for.

In an embellished bouffant tulle, Gilmarie Pacamara gave the show a rousing start. Returning über model Manette Mercado glided in a texturized and pleated duchesse satin gown with glittered tulle cape. Binibining Pilipinas Jennifer Barrientos looked lovely in soft duchesse satin serpentine, Charisse Ocrisma was exquisite in a panel A-line slit gown with cenepa embroidery, Liezl Verses was divine in a gown of circular cutouts and embossed flowerettes.

With her beauty, stature and style, a Peralta bride is a woman who knows her mind and is unselfish and supportive of her partner’s pursuit of success and happiness. These are the same traits that have sustained the gifted and giving designer’s remarkable career. Here’s hoping that he will continue to weave his own brand of drama, imagination and enhancement.