Behind the Seams- Tippi's Journal

A huge fashion spectacle that featured 40 designers from 20 Asian countries was recently held for VIP audiences at the recently concluded 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. Directed by Olivier Massart (whose past projects have included the Eiffel Tower's centennial and the Yves Saint Laurent special event at the '98 World Cup) the show aimed to showcase the journey of Asian fashion, and featured contemporary designs of traditional cultures from various countries like Japan, China, India, Thailand, Korea, and the Philippines. Participating Asian designers included well-known designers like Vivienne Tam and Kenzo Takada, and also featured creations from local designers Rajo Laurel, Joel Bautista, and myself.

I had no idea about the scope of the show when I was invited to lend some gowns to the event six months ago. When I first received the letter of invitation from La Mode En Images and the package containing the credentials of the Parisian organizers of the show, I wasn't just skeptical--I was convinced it was a big hoax! It's a good thing I thought to ask designer-friend Rajo Laurel about it, and he informed me that the project and the organizers were "very, very legit!", or I would have let the invitation pass--and would have missed the chance to take part in such a world-class show. Whew!

But all's well that ends well...everything worked out (the clothes had to travel from Manila-Paris for fittings, Paris-Qatar for the show, Qatar-Paris then finally back to Manila)...the show was a success (I'll post pics or a video as soon as my copy of the show arrives)...and while I wish I could have gone to Qatar to see the show live, it feels wonderful to have participated in it, and I learned a whole lot in the process :)