Successful Filipino entrepreneur Gil Albarracin, who has called Europe his home for almost two decades, spreads his creative wings in 2019 by mounting a one-of-a-kind fashion gala in Madrid, showcasing the best of Philippine fashion.
The show is entitled “Best of the Islands | Luxe Fashion”, an offshoot of the fashion show tour of the same title, which debuted in the USA in May 2019.
The Madrid leg of the show tour will be held on November 2, 2019 (Saturday), 7:00 pm, at the ballroom of Hotel Puerta América, Avenida de América, 41, 28002 Madrid, Spain.
A 100% PINOY SUCCESS STORY
Gil’s ascent to success did not come easy. Upon arrival in Europe, he tried to eke out a living by working as a domestic helper. His meager earnings helped to sustain his six siblings still living in his hometown in Zamboanga, in southern Philippines. After a few years of menial employment, Gil was able to transition to a better-paying job in a Filipino remittance company based in Rome.
Two years thereafter, he found another job, this time as an administrative officer for sales and marketing for the biggest real estate company in the Philippines, whose Europe headquarters was located in Rome.
Amidst his busy work schedule and occasional travels around Europe, Gil managed to find time to become a part-time apprentice for a respected florist in Rome.
The rest, as they say, is history. In designing flower arrangements, Gil found his true passion and avenue for creativity. After living and working in Rome for 15 years, Gil made yet another big leap: he moved to Madrid in Spain.
Today, after only three years in Madrid, Gil has become one of the city's most notable florists. Some of the top hotels in the city are his loyal clients. “My approach to floral design is very simplistic, but with lots of creative inspiration. I love what I do, and adore the creative process. It is addictive and gives me never-ending possibilities,” Gil said.
Gil is the creative force and CEO of Diseño Flowers and Design, recognized as the first and only 100% Filipino-owned flower shop in Madrid. In a span of just a few years, Diseño Flowers and Design has flourished. It now services the floral requirements of the top three 5-star hotels located in the heart of Madrid: Hotel Miguel Angel by Bluebay, VP Plaza España, and the show’s venue, Hotel Puerta América Hotel.
With Gil at the helm, Diseño Flowers and Design has become synonymous with fabulous, stylish and world-class weddings and events. And thus: Gil's clientele continues to grow.
Producing a fashion show of this magnitude is a milestone for Gil. For the first time in his design career, he is set to create a floral arrangement not on table centerpiece nor a bridal bouquet -- but on a gown! It was an idea of Manila-based international designer Jhay Layson. Gil is very excited about this collaboration, a synergy of passion from two designers of very different disciplines. The end result will definitely be a showstopper!
“My florist mentor once told me I will live a life of a gypsy, and it is important that I will show to the world how creative Pinoys are and share this creativity by doing it and being part of their stories. That’s what I am doing,” said Gil.
Gil's designs can be found here.
THE FASHION SHOW
The "Best of the Islands | Luxe Fashion" series is touted as a colorful fashion show that showcases exquisite luxe wear from the best talents in Philippine fashion design.
Fashions to be featured will be cultural, fusion fashion, high-end and swimwear, cocktail dresses, formal gowns, men’s suits and casual wear. Children’s wear will also be part of the fashion collection.
Prior to the Madrid leg of the tour, there will be two other shows -- in Norway and in Rome. In Rome -- where the show will be held on October 19, 2019 (Saturday) at the ballroom of Crowne Plaza Hotel -- Gil is partnering with Rome-based makeup artist and event impressario Genwen Tuason.
THE 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).
His line of casuals, called VHV Clothes Rack (which has also branched out into shoes recently), will be one of the main brands to be showcased in Manhattan Fashion Week.
THE VENUE
The Hotel Puerta América, a luxury 5-star hotel located close to Madrid city centre, is a project that has brought together 19 of the best architects and design studios in the world.
Indeed, Gil could not have made a better choice for a hotel venue as special as Best of the Islands | Luxe Fashion.
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