I recently spent a delightful evening with a friend at the newly refurbished Diamond Hotel on Manila Bay for The Ambassadors Spouses Fashion Show and Charity Gala. Barely through the front door, we were swept up and delivered to the foyer of the Diamond Ballroom. Trays of delicious canapés, champagne, wine and vodka floated past. It was the first time this event has been held here, and the Diamond Ballroom was a splendid venue.The evening oozed style and sophistication, with a fashion-conscious crowd in eager attendance and all the polish and expertise from, Rustan’s, one of Manila’s major retailers.
As the show began, some of the
models looked decidedly overwhelmed, but after the first nerve-racking lap, they relaxed into the jolly mood of the crowd. By the end, everyone had loosened up and was thoroughly enjoying her five minutes of fame. Eighteen Ambassador’s wives participated, displaying a colourful array of casual dresses and ball gowns: claret and charcoal, teal and turquoise, feathered and fitting, strapless and layered, satin, silk, chiffon…
As cameras flashed from all over the room, some of the Ambassadors themselves got in on the act and wandered down the catwalk grinning, wine glasses in hand. In the front row, the Italian ‘groupies’ were most enthusiastic, providing ample encouragement to all the models as they left the stage.
One thing I particularly loved about the evening was the fact that we were able to enjoy watching a group of real women, with real women’s figures, strut their stuff – and did not have to sit feeling inadequate in front of a line-up of anorexic models with impossible figures! And all the ladies truly looked gorgeous up there. I think everyone was impressed with the proof that we don’t need to look like super models to wow the crowds!
For those accustomed to being the formal representatives of their individual countries, the fashion show enabled each model to express her own personality through her clothing choices and unique catwalk style, and to have a little fun. All those who participated showed they were prepared to step out of their comfort zones for a worthy cause, which was a wonderful reflection on the countries they hail from. After the fashion parade, guests and models mingled in an ever-more relaxed manner to celebrate the evening’s success.
Later, I asked the New Zealand Ambassador’s wife what life’s been like since then, and whether she has been overwhelmed with modelling work. Her reply? “The Ford Modelling Agency just keeps on calling but, you know – I’m just too busy!”