Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco stuns in fashion show with cancer survivors

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco rocked the final outfit of a fashion show recently held in Makati City for the benefit of cancer patients.

Wearing a gold and white appliquéd ball gown, Karen was among the highlights of the fashion show featuring the works of Filipino designer Zandra Lim, who is also marking her 15th anniversary in the industry. 

From a fashion show and silent auction, the event became a bridal fair, with suppliers donating a part of their sales for the cause. The proceeds of ticket sales to the fashion show and the auction would also go to Lim’s chosen charity, the cancer patients in social service of the Cancer Institute at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City.

According to Lim, who has been helping cancer patients ever since, she chose cancer patients as beneficiaries because her husband, oncologist Dr. Mars Imasa, is frustrated that many cancer patients terminate their treatments due to financial constraints.

Lim told Philstar.com in an interview that some patients cut off from treatment even if they were only P500 short from completing it.

"Many might think that St. Luke's is a hospital for the rich, but they also have a social service section, where they cater to marginalized patients," Lim explained.

Before the start of the Crystal Bridal Fair fashion show, a video showing footage of Vinagre, Tigaon in Camarines Sur was shown to guests. Lim commissions the women of Vinagre to do the embroidery and beadwork for her gowns to supplement the incomes of families, who rely mostly on farming.

For the fashion show, Lim showed day suits for boys and men, tuxedos and flower girl gowns. There were bridesmaids’ dresses and gowns that can be worn for occasions other than weddings. All gowns showed Lim’s trademark timeless, but edgy and elegant aesthetic.

Related video: Zandra Lim on her fashion show for the benefit of cancer patients

“The latest bridal trends are very grand and gowns mostly have beading and embellishments. But we will see less of this in 2019. For next year, I see simple, sleek silhouettes incorporating colors, structure and/or uniqueness in each and every piece,” said Lim.

Also a big trend is that of matching mother and daughter dresses or gowns.

In the years that she has been in the wedding industry, Lim has seen a lot of changes in trends. One is the influence of social media, where soon-to-weds can see thousands of pictures.

“In this sense, brides are exposed to different styles and it’s up to them what appeals to them aesthetically,” said Lim.  — Video by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo, editing by Kat Leandicho