By Tina Hidalgo-Jacinto
Criselda Lontok, center, with her muses Liza Chan Parpan, Marga Nograles, Joy Rustia, Ria Fernandez, Jojo Ocampo, and Penny Katigbak
Unsurprisingly, influential style queen Criselda Lontok has built up close relationships with her loyal clientele of three generations. Having helmed her eponymous label for over four decades, she has created the ultimate achievement of perfect balance between timely, timelessness, and classic. Held at Rustan’s The Gallerie, Criselda’s special preview holiday 2019 collection revealed the emotive power of her prints, colors, and spirits, which has kept her stylish set in thrall. Amb. BienvenidoTantoco, Sr. accompanied by his daughter Maritess Enriquez were all smiles as Criselda posed with them wearing her vivid purple and brocade ensemble.
Criselda dedicated her show to her cousin, Ching Montinola who, despite her health disposition kept the tradition of attending Criselda’s yearly trunk show with her daughters, Tina, Gina, and Nenuca. Having their moment in the limelight were new muses: Marga Nograles, Joy Rustia, Liza Chan-Parpan, Ria Fernandez, Jojo Ocampo, and Penny Katigbak, followed by regular models. This time around, Criselda gravitated toward palazzos and kaftans, displaying full character and bold features. With nature as inspiration, her colors were not muted or neutral, presenting shapes from nature, turning everything into dependable investment items.
Immediately after the fashion show, her friends quickly proceeded to her nearby boutique to get a firsthand look at their favorites. Delectable pass-arounds were provided by Millie Reyes of The Plaza. The special Criselda Holiday 2019 is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-la EDSA, and Gateway.
PS: Also, I want to give a warm thank you to Dr. Richie Pilapil, Dr. Ernesto Olympia, Dr. Arnel Diaz, Dr. Juan Foronda, and the residents and nurses of Makati Medical seventh floor. I was hospitalized for four days and recovered speedily.
Bienvenido Tantoco and Criselda Lontok
Donnie Tantoco, Criselda Lontok, and Paolo Tantoco
Gigi Alonte, Mari Fernandez, Ria Fernandez, Criselda Lontok, Helen Moreno, Mat Gabaldon, and Monica Gabaldon
Criselda’s son Councilor John Fernandez, Martin Lichauco, and Robert Young
Millet Mananquil, the author, and Con. Gen. Fortune Ledesma. Standing: Baby de Jesus and Nonie Basilio
Mary Co, Nena Casimiro, and Nenuca Araneta
Joy Rustia, Consul Helen Ong, Mario Katigbak, and Yoli Ayson
Mary Ann Chan, Liza Chan Parpan, Mayenne Carmona, and Jose Mari Chan
Peching Gomez and Malou Cortez
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