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Unbridled Luxury

There’s a high drama when a woman wears the Terno. Unmistakably one of the most elegant national costumes the world has seen, The Filipino Dress embodies both luxury and sophistication. Here are the Terno’s most innovative forms as interpreted by Cebu’s fashion designers.

ON RIA: Organdy Terno with hand-made lace appliqué of coral motif by HARLEY RUEDAS; ON ERIC: Grey Linen suit by BERGAMO

ON RIA: Silk Gazaar serpentine gown with lace appliqué by REN MANABAT; Mother-of-pearl choker by ARTIZANS

ON RIA: Mermaid-cut Terno with laser-cut butterfly sleeves and corseted bodice by BARBIE ALVEZ; Diamanté collar by NOREEN TSENG

ON RIA: Tulle Terno with pleated bodice and bouffant skirt by WILLIAM MANAHAN; neckpiece by ARTIZANS

ON RIA: Beige chiffon trapeze Terno with lace underlay by REY HUMBERTO VILLEGAS, necklace from ARTIZANS; ON ERIC: stylized tuxedo by BERGAMO

sittings editor KATSY BORROMEO creative director MIKEY SANCHEZ photography DAN DOUGLAS ONG hair & makeup GARI SON and CINDY SUAZO models RIA BOLIVAR and ERIC ALESSI locale THE RIZAL LIBRARY

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LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!