Far From Manila: THE BRUNETTES @ Canada Philippine Fashion Week 2013

From June 10-15, 2013 THE BRUNETTES were officially invited to attend the world’s first-ever Canada Philippine Fashion Week. The top-notch, five-day event was more than just a showing of designer collections and international supermodels, but also a festival of art and culture.

Throughout the week guests were invited to attend fashion exhibits, film screenings, cocktail receptions, and exclusive parties, all of which led up to the main event: a joint showing of designer collections from internationally renowned Filipino designers from both the Philippines and Canada. THE BRUNETTES even had the opportunity to meet and chat with one of their favorite designers, Francis Libiran, who stunned a full theatre of fashion insiders with his 70-piece collection of architectural  eveningwear at Roy Thomson Hall.  

More of Libiran's past work, as well as other designer pieces, could be found on display in the venue's lobby space, allowing THE BRUNETTES to get an up-close-and-personal look at the structural and ornate craftsmanship that go into creating the gowns by the designer who has been featured on 'America's Next Top Model' and had his work worn by Tyra Banks herself. 

Local designers, like 'Project Runway Canada' winner Evan Biddell, were also invited to participate in Canada Philippine Fashion Week by creating a piece inspired by the Philippine Butterfly dress, which is, according to the event's website, "the most haute couture national costume in the world."

Local celebrities, such as Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman of the CBC's 'Steven and Chris' show, were in attendance and greeted their friends and fans in the lobby at the night's end. 

The week was also chock-full of exciting parties in honor of Canada Philippine Fashion Week; one of our favorites took place at the C Lounge nightclub, where delicious, bite-sized appetizers of Filipino cuisine were complimentary throughout the evening and the music played well into the wee hours of the morning.

After a stellar week of fashion, parties, film, art, and culture, THE BRUNETTES were certainly impressed by how Canada Philippine Fashion Week bridged two continents and brought much-deserved corporate and public attention to this international fashion scene.  

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from THE BRUNETTES' own collection *Images from THE BRUNETTES' collection not to be used without providing a source link to this posting