Diplomats walk the runway as Rustan's Models
MANILA, Philippines — The Spouses of Heads of Mission of the Diplomatic Corps (SHOM) presented “Circle of Styles,” a unique fundraising fashion show at the Marriott Hotel, featuring ambassadors and their spouses and prominent members of the business community walking the runway as Rustans‘s models.
Ambassador Harald Fries and Susan Fries of Sweden
With the generous support of Resorts World Manila and Rustan’s, SHOM officers and members headed by its president Susan Fries of Sweden, together with event chairperson Monaco Consul General Fortune Ledesma and co-chairperson Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa began the challenging work of mounting this event. The proceeds of this project will go to underprivileged women and children.
USA Ambassador Sung Kim and Monaco Consul General Fortune Aleta-Ledesma
Female models, including the ambassadors of Austria, Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Venezuela, wore beautiful dresses by different designers of Rustan’s. This was followed by the male models dressed in Rustan’s casual wear, including the ambassadors of Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, India, Israel, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Thailand, and the US. As the ambassadors sauntered down the runway, the audience greeted them with loud cheers, thundering applause and in the case of the Swedish ambassador, with Swedish flags waving. They received such a warm and friendly reception that they all immediately relaxed and began to enjoy themselves.
Canada Ambassador John Holmes and Gambia Consul Agnes Huibonhoa
In the second half of the show, the male models changed into barongs while the women shipped into gowns by Ditta Sandico for the women. As everyone paraded together down the runway, they were met with a standing ovation.
Ambassador Thanatip Upatising and Monthip Upatising of Thailand
To keep up the festive atmosphere, a raffle was held after the models took their final bow. Generous prizes includingairline tickets from Turkish Airlines and Philippine Airlines were awarded to the lucky winners.
Malaysian Ambassador Raszlan Rashid and Sri Lanka Ambassador Aruni Ranaraja
