ROME, Italy – It is always possible for Filipinos working overseas to meet a host of opportunities outside of their chosen path.
For Genwen Tuason, a fast-rising makeup artist and wedding & debut planner based in Rome, that opportunity came in the form of a one-of-a-kind fashion gala, which aims to showcase the best of Philippine fashion. The gala event is entitled “Best of the Islands | Luxe Fashion”, an offshoot of the fashion show tour of the same title, which debuted in America last May 2019, and will be touring key cities in Europe. The Rome edition of the tour is the one Genwen will be at the helm of. It will be held on October 19, 2019 (Saturday), 7:00 pm, at the ballroom of Crowne Plaza Rome (St. Peter's) Hotel, via Aurelia Antica, 415, 00165 Roma, Italy.
How a Pinay went from "domestic helper" to "makeup artist"
Genwen has been living and working in Rome as a household service worker (or "domestic helper" to most Filipinos) for the past 13 years, before she realized that she could venture into territories previously unknown to her.
As someone who did not have the opportunity to finish her schooling in the Philippines, Genwen said her creativity began to manifest itself when she started attending a photography seminar (upon a friend's invitation).
There, she learned the ropes of basic photography and, in a short span of time, rose to the ranks to become the vice president of Pinoy Photographers’ Club in Rome (PPCR) today.
But it wasn't in photography that she would find her ultimate passion. Each time PPCR would have a photo shoot, there arose a need for a makeup artist. Thus, her transition into makeup artistry occurred. She found herself dabbling in the exciting (and often costly) art of professional makeup.
Today, armed with several years of professional practice and the most advanced tools, Genwen has become a sought-after makeup artist for weddings and debuts, as well as for pageants, in greater Rome. She has also been invited to do makeup for an event in America recently.
Humble beginnings
Genwen, who grew up with her aunts, her grandmother and father, said she spent many years without her mother.
As a child, although her aunts and grandma paid for her schooling, there were days she had no money. She had to sell various goods in school, just so she could raise her own allowance.
When she turned 21, an opportunity to work in Italy came up. As fate would have it, it was in Italy where Genwen would finally meet her mother.
Today, Gwen remains the cheerful, optimistic and hardworking woman that she has always been. Aside from makeup, her other passion is to travel. The photos below are a testament of this passion.
Best of the Islands
It is Gwen's latest venture, the "Best of the Islands | Luxe Fashion" show, that is keeping her busy these days. The show is touted as a elegant fashion show that showcases exquisite luxe wear from the best talents in Philippine fashion design, as shown in the photos below.
Various fashions shall be featured in this show, including (of course) luxe wear, Filipiniana, high-end and swimwear, cocktail dresses, gowns and long dresses, men’s suits and casual wear. Children’s wear shall also be part of the collection.
After the Rome leg of the tour, there will be two other shows -- in Norway and in Madrid.
In Madrid -- where the show will be held on November 2, 2019 (Saturday) at the ballroom of Puerta America Hotel -- Genwen is partnering with Madrid-based flower artist Gil Albarracin.
Featured Designers
Jhay Layson
Ever since Jhay unveiled his maiden collection in the USA in May 2019 during the "Best of the Islands" tour, his career has been on a roll.
After his US stint, his one-of-a-kind designs graced the runway of Philippine Fashion Week 2019. His sartorial line of tailored men’s clothes also found their way at the finale of Pinoy Big Brother, which paved the way for more celebrity clients to come marching into his atelier.
Jhay's unique point-of-view in fashion caught the attention of Designer Circle Philippines (DCP), the elite, “by invitation only” guild of top Filipino fashion designers. Jhay has been an active member of DCP since 2018.
Kirsten Regalado
Kirsten Regalado is a Filipino-American fashion designer residing in Florida. Kirsten has been dressing local and international pageant contestants, including more than 1000 titleholders in the past 10 years.
Kirsten has a long list of clientele, including one of the world's longest running beauty pageants, Miss Universe. Kirsten has played an important part in dressing Miss Universe candidates in one-of-a-kind evening gowns and national costumes for many years.
Kirsten's range goes far beyond the Pageant stage. Her popular clients includes family members of the famed fashion house of GUCCI, ex NFL Football player Jason Taylor, Nickelodeon's Lilimar Hernandez as Sophie in TV hit series Bella and the Bulldogs.
Velzon Hizon Velez
Velzon, who is based in New York City, is a man who wears many hats. He started his career as a photographer in New York City, where he has been based for several decades now.
He eventually branched out in events management: his most notable event is the Manhattan Fashion Week, which is held every September, coinciding with New York Fashion Week.
At other times of the year, Velzon is kept busy running the affairs of his modelling academy in Manhattan, a training ground for upcoming models.
The latest feather in Velzon's cap is having been appointed this year as the official swimsuit designer of one of Asia's longest-running national pageants, the 51-year-old Mutya ng Pilipinas (Miss Philippines).
Show Venue
Crowne Plaza Rome (St. Peter's) Hotel is the venue of "Best of the Islands | Luxe Fashion" show. It is a 5-star business hotel with easy access to St. Peter's Cathedral, the Vatican & Sistine Chapel.
Save the date: BEST OF THE ISLANDS | LUXE FASHION, 19 October 2019 (Saturday), 7:00 p, Crowne Plaza Rome (St. Peter's) Hotel.
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