“The Philippines: Perla del Mar de Oriente (Pearl of the Orient Seas),” is the theme of this year’s cultural program under the non-stock, non-profit organization, Partnership for Sustainable Development , Inc. (PSDI), and will present a fashion spectacular called ‘The Philippine Cultural Heritage Show: An Evening of Cultural Exchange and Fashion Elegance,’ which will be held on October 15, 2020, at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel, featuring the LuzViMinda collection of our country’s three talented fashion designers: Albert Andrada, Sophia Therese Manimbo, and Amir Sali.
Indeed, in attaining PSDI’s mission and vision of bringing global awareness, deep understanding and great appreciation of the Seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, the organization has tied-up in the Philippines with the Queen of Hearts Foundation, Inc. (QHFI), headed by Mdme. Ma. Mitzie Gil. Part of the proceeds of the event will go to the “Meals on Wheels,” (a charity program of the City of Government of Jersey City), “Kisame Para Sa Bahay ni San Jose” (a donation appeal of Fr. Elmer Villamaor for the roofing of St. Joseph the Husband of Mary Church in Bangad, Cabanatuan City, Philippines), and the tree-nurturing and waste management projects of Fr. Benigo P. Beltran, SVD.
The one-day cultural affair will feature the following activities – a Creative Industry Exhibit and Sale of Filipino indigenous products, Cultural Exchange and Camaraderie at the Cocktail Reception, The Global Search for Ambassadors of the UN SDGs, and, the LuzViMinda Cultural Fashion Show. In addition to the featured designs, the Queen of Hearts Foundation, Inc., will also launch the sleepwear collection of Mdme. Mitzie Gil, the Queen of Hearts Fashion Collection, by Queen Collection Fashion House. The grand fashion show will be directed by Nilo Agustin. After New York, the show will be brought to Dubai on December 4, 2022, and will invade the Philippine fashion scene, thereafter.
Among the three featured designers, Sophia Therese Manimbo is the youngest and less-experienced of the trio. But as a new fashion designer, she grew up exposed to the works of her fashion designer mother, Cora DJ Manimbo, and at an early age, she was introduced to her mom’s garment production process, imbibed the advocacy of promoting Philippine textiles in her designs, where she developed her interest in her craft.
Sophia was launched as a fashion designer during the “Fashion Forte Series Xl” held at Crowne Plaza Hotel last April 2022 with her capsule collection of ensembles inspired by ethnic dances and festivities in colorful hues of Philippine weaves in her signature collage patchwork, called , “Summer Pandanggo.” Her fashion journey will come full circle as she unveils Modern Filipiniana Ready-to-Wear and amplified women and kids “Pandanggo” collection in New York this October
On the other hand, Albert Andrada and Amir Sali, are two of the country’s most accomplished and multi-awarded fashion designers. Both are internationally acclaimed designers, and both started their colorful careers when they worked in the Middle East. Today, Andrada is one of the Board of Directors of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization, and head of the Design Council. His creation took center stage in 2015 after Pia Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe crown. He created both the national costume and evening gown of Queen P.
As a designer from Mindanao, Amir, known as the “Prince of Beads,” is a Paris-trained designer, who worked for years to the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He mastered the haute couture fashion design and embellishments from Ecole Lesage Paris, France. He created a distinct style in creating intricate beadworks and designs in his high-fashion collection. Aside from the Royal family of SA, he is also known among Hollywood stars, socialites and business tycoons. He was the official designer of Sharika during her last world tour concert. Recently, he’s the favorite designer of Korina Sanchez and Aiko Melendez.
