Simple yet very elegant. These are the words that I can utter when you ask me about Ramon Valera’s work. I have never see a gown made by Ramon Valera up close, but I have heard that he was one of the best fashion designers during his time. He had made the national costume interesting and relevant to the times. Each of his piece was unique and timeless. With this, I was excited to find out that Freeway was coming up with a Freeway Art Collector’s Series featuring clothing that was inspired by Ramon Valera’s gowns and masterpieces.
Freeway Event for Valera Collection
Last October 12 was a red letter day for us as we were invited to the launch of the Freeway Art Collector’s Series featuring this National Artist for Fashion Design, Ramon Valera. The event was hosted by Tessa Prieto Valdes and attended by special guests, Madame Imelda Romuladez Marcos, Aureo Alonzo (Fashion Designer), Nick Legazpi, Jr. (Curator) and Peaching Zulueta Gomez (Niece of Ramon Valera). All four special guests were asked to share some memories that they had with the renowned designer, Valera.
Madame Imelda Marcos at the Freeway Event
Tessa Prieto Valdez and Madame Imelda Marcos at Freeway Event
There was an exhibit of some gowns that Ramon Valera made for Elvira Manahan, Margarita Romualdez, Susie Bayot Ortigas, Adelaida Mendoza, Maritess Pineda, Carmencita Zulueta, Evelyn Teehankee, Fe Leyson Qua and Caridad Velez Leyson. I was very impressed. I have never seen bead work that detailed. It seemed that each piece was carefully thought of and placed in the perfect area. The gowns were timeless. A woman of this era could actually wear the gowns and no one would know that it was made years ago. He deserved being given the title National Artist for Fashion Design.
Ramon Valera Gown
Valera Gown Intricate Beadwork
There was a short video presentation on Ramon Valera. It was quite amazing to see pictures of the past works that he has made. The highlight of the evening, of course, was the fashion show that featured the new collection of Freeway. I have to admit, I was impressed with the designs from this collection. I especially liked the clothes that came out at the last part of the show. All of the designs’ inspirations were gowns that were made by Ramon Valera. I especially love the following designs!
Check out the Freeway Art Collector’s Series featuring Ramon Valera Collection in any of the Freeway stores in the metropolis.
Freeway Store List
The Row, Edsa Shangri-La Plaza
5th Level, The Row, Shagrila-Plaza
Tel: 470-2104 to 05
SM North Edsa
4th Level, The Block, Quezon City
Tel: 442-0087
Trinoma
1st level
Tel: 916-6212
SM Fairview
Upper Ground Annex 1, Fairview
Tel: 938-0769
Alimall
30 Lower Ground Floor, Cubao
Tel:421-6671
Robinson’s Metro East Mall
3rd level, Pasig
Tel: 646-8412
Festival Mall
2nd Level, Muntinlupa
Tel: 850-4027
SM Southmall
Upper Ground Floor, Paranaque
Tel: 806-9592
SM Bacoor
2nd Level, Cavite
Tel: (046)417-6750
SM Dasmarinas
Upper Ground Floor, Cavite
Tel: (046)432-3024
SM Megamall
2nd Level, Bldg A
Tel: 635-2422
Robinson’s Galleria
3rd Floor
Tel: 632-0987
Market Market
123 Ground Floor
Tel: 886-6733
SM Pampanga
Ground Floor Annex 1
Tel: (045)961-3425
SM Clark
Ground Floor
Tel: (045)499-0025
M-Sun: 10am-9pm
The Row, Glorietta 5
The Row, 2nd Floor
Tel: 728-6746 to 47
SM Mall of Asia
Ground Floor 170 MM
Tel: 556-0127
Robinson’s Place Ermita
L1 Pedro Gil Wing
Tel: 536-7862
SM Sucat
113 Ground Floor, Bldg B
Tel: 825-7862
Ayala Center Cebu
Upper Ground Flr
Tel: (032)4158687
Chimes Mall Davao
2nd Flr
Tel: (082)2258998
SM Iloilo
Upper Ground Flr
Tel: (033)5081981
KCC Mall of GenSan
Ground Flr
Tel: (083)5542152
Limketkai Mall, CDO
Upper Ground Flr
Tel: (088)8561608
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