The proceeds of the event will got to the restoration of the Kalayaan Hall Philippine Center in New York.
Award-winning international jewelry designer Ann Ong collaborated with her son John Paras for a fundraiser to restore the Kalayaan Hall Philippine Center in New York.
Held last September 21 at the home of Elmer Cato, the Consul General of the Philippines to New York, Ong’s statement jewelry pieces were complimented by Paras’ eveningwear creations.
With each ticket priced at $100 for admission and donation, the fashion show sold out, and Ong says in an Instagram post that she’s “beyond grateful” for the successful turnout.
The invitation for the mother and son duo to showcase their designs for a cause came after Ong’s three-day trade show at New York’s SHWRM.
SHWRM is a more intimate version of traditional large-scale trade shows. According to its website, this gives fashion buyers and customers an experience that eradicates the usually overwhelming feel of hundreds of booths set up in an events hall.
Globally known
Although last Tuesday’s fashion show was the first time Ong organized a show at the Consul’s residence, she’s no stranger to the New York fashion scene.
The three-time KATHA award winner presented a collection at New York Fashion Week in 2018—Paras also designed the garments worn by models in the Autumn/Winter showcase.
The NYFW collection was made with fine gold and precious stones but with a Filipino touch. Ong paid homage to her roots by utilizing native materials such as banig, bamboo, and salvaged wood.
Banner photo from @ann_ong_ on Instagram.
