A fine thread weaves style with stories of community and identity. SM Retail and SHOM honor this connection through the Diplomats for a Cause charity gala
Human existence is truly profound—a complex tapestry of stories and experiences interwoven together. And as fickle as humans can be, it is these same connections that allow us to bond together and rise above adversity. Embodying this spirit of community, the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) hosted the Diplomats for a Cause charity gala. Featuring a fashion show of items from Kultura and SM Fashion as well as a silent auction of artworks, the event reiterates the beauty in serving the community.
RELATED: SM and Zarah Juan Transform Old Tarps Into Unique Totes
Interwoven Cultures
“We not only share each other’s culture among ourselves, but also with the Filipino people aiming to foster strong bonds of friendship,” SHOM Chairperson Indri P. Akyol stated in her opening remarks. For the past 50 years, SHOM, a group consisting of the spouses of diplomats based in Manila, has engaged in multiple charitable activities benefitting local sectors.
Over the years, retail trailblazer SM has supported the endeavors of SHOM. For this year’s Diplomats for a Cause, the brand provided all pieces featured at the fashion show, modeled by esteemed ambassadors, diplomats, and their family members themselves.
For the first set of clothes, the diplomats embodied modern sophistication, donning on glamorous pieces from SM Fashion. The styles shown varied greatly from each other. This includes heavily beaded numbers, monochromatic column gowns with beaded or feathered sleeves, structured gowns made of jacquard fabric, and minimalist taffeta gowns in solid colors.
Adding sparkle to the looks, the dazzling women also wore select pieces from SM Accessories. Some of the pieces featured include bedazzled serpentine necklaces, pearl jewelry sets, graduated necklaces, and drop earrings. Each item highlighted the wearer’s beauty allowing them to shine even brighter on stage.
Dignitaries in their gowns and accessories from SM Fashion
Proudly Filipino Designs: Spotlight on Unique Kultura Pieces
From contemporary pieces to Filipino classics, SM Retail continues to emphasize the beauty of cultures coming together. One of the highlights of the show were these contemporary Filipinianas and Barongs from Kultura.
MME Indri P. Akyol, SHOM Chairperson, looked ethereal as she walked down the runway in a flowy and billowy modern Kimona with a graphic floral print. Its big puffed sleeves are the focal point of the look, adding a bold and dramatic edge to the soft and feminine skirt.
Meanwhile, Mme. Prof Dr. Denise Brühl Moser embodied sleek perfection as she took a different approach on the cutwork design, donning a black and beige Filipiniana with rose patterns.
The male diplomats were not to overlooked either. H.E Michel Monique M. Parys, ambassador of Belgium, embodies the spirit of cultural fusion with his barong featuring a Kalinga weave detail in the colors of the Belgian flag.
Threading the Future
“For many decades, SHOM has been dedicated to making a significant impact across the Philippines–particularly, in the areas of child welfare, women’s rights, and assistance for people with disabilities,” Consul General Fortune Aleta Ledesma and SHOM Co-Chairperson said.
The Diplomats for a Cause is so much more than a spectacle of the best of local fashion trends. It is also a stunning tribute to the beauty of human connections and identity. It serves as proof that no matter the hardships we face in the future, the strength of a community is something that cannot be unraveled.
Photos: TIMOTHY DUENAS, SM, and SHOM
