Encore ’57: Fashion show for a cause

Then and now, fashion shows are mounted for good causes, be they civic, religious, charitable and educational.

One such fashion show was Encore held in 1957 at the Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel. A project of socialites Conching Sunico, Chito Madrigal and Minna Gaberman, Encore raised money for the anti-TB fund.

True to its billing, Encore was held for two successive nights, much talked-about and praised for many days after.

Participating couturiers included such noted names as Ramon Valera, Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno, Ernie Arandia, Madonna, Slims, Mary Esteban, Mercel, Syyap, Fely, Carlos, Carolina, Gutierrez, Millie and Rose Vale.

Actually, Encore was more than a fashion show (for a cause), it was also a musical extravaganza, song-and-dance numbers, mostly Broadway, were performed within the program. The climax was a ballet sequence from My Fair Lady.

The fashion collection was composed of formal gowns worn by prominent women in high society and the most regal of all movie queens, Gloria Romero. — RKC