Whimsy, humor and gratitude: Jean Goulborn translates Charlie Co’s art into barongs

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of its 19th anniversary, Silk Cocoon held an art/fashion fundraising event (for the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation’s Hopeline emotional crisis hotline) featuring the collaborative work Jean Goulbourn and artist Charlie Co.

“I’ve always wanted to see my paintings translated into garments,” said Charlie to which Jean replied: “I have dreamt for some time of doing whimsical fantasy and bringing into menswear a playful theme.”

“There must be a sense of humor, a lightness for businessmen to break the seriousness of work  and these shirts are good,” Charlie added.

The shirts are perfect not only for businessmen, but also for the ambassadors who move from cocktails to dinners almost nightly. Charlie’s artworks are interpreted in the barongs worn by French Ambassador Gilles Garachon, German Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno and Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber who stood out in the elegant crowd.

Almost half of the artworks were sold and pledges have been coming in for Hopeline’s 2015 programs.

Guests included Washington SyCip and George Yang,  Manny Minana, Robert Suntay, Junie del Mundo, David Guerrero, Jim Ayala and Senator Sonny Angara who discussed the importance of further raising people’s awareness on depression through NGF and their respective foundations.

Amid the stars and moon, Charlie Co hung the hot air balloons on the ceiling with the message “Life is worth living and more precious the second chance around.” And so, the dream continues.

Charlie Co’s paintings are on view until Jan. 30, 2015 at Silk Cocoon boutique, ground floor, New World Makati Hotel.

For inquiries, call 811-6856.