This year marks Manila Hotel’s 100^th anniversary. And as part of its yearlong celebration, the oldest luxury hotel in the Philippines put together the most glamorous event. For the first time in history, a fashion gala was held at the hotel’s iconic lobby featuring no less than talented designer Francis Libiran.

It was hard to believe it was Francis’s first gala show. He pulled it off beautifully. He drew inspiration from Manila Hotel’s grand architecture to come up with this fantastic collection. I covered the event for web series: TRESemme All Access and saw for myself just how exquisitely designed and intricately embellished each gown was. It was his take on the Filipiniana dress and he did such a great job making it look modern, yet still so elegant. I thought he did an amazing show, and this was such a fitting way to celebrate Manila Hotel’s 100 years.

Manila Hotel’s Grand Ballroom transformed into this glamorous event.

Backstage all the gowns and shoes are arranged according to model.

Model guide.

Makeup was by MAC and hair by TRESemme.

Love these sculptural hairstyles.

Makeup by MAC.

TRESemme products.

TRESemme’s Jing Monis came up with all the hairstyles for the show, including the blunt fringes which were hand-made.

Here I am at the red carpet, ready to do my spiels for TRESemme. My gown for that evening was by Chris Diaz.

Cocktails were served before the show, and all around us were past designs of Francis. The train of this gown is just beautiful.

This fan-shaped design is so Francis Libiran. His work is always so architectural.

More of Francis’s designs.

Wearable art.

This gold number just stands out.

This black and white design is one of my favorites. I love how Francis does contrast and illusion.

Black sheer gown.

This red gown reminds me of Anne Curtis. I am quite sure she wore this once before, or at least a similar design.

A cobalt blue embellished number.

Gorgeous beadwork.

The show was hosted by Giselle Toengi.

The show starts. Love the opening by supermodel Jasmine Maier-Hoefer.

So dramatic.

And the hair. I love the wigs handmade by Jing Monis.

What an opener. This red gown is love.

Sheer movement.

Back view.

I am in love with this stripe design. I want every one of these.

Short version.

These black lines are just stunning.

Another one of this designs I love. The embellishment on this one is just amazing.

Long version.

You could really see all the work put into it.

Up close.

This one is my absolute favorite. The black embellished design on sheer fabric is just genius.

Backless.

This next set looks amazingly sheer and still with graphic lines running across it.

Long.

Mermaid.

Upclose.

The next set of designs look like they are made of water. Beautiful, the way they move.

Aqua.

These ripple-like designs are just so feminine.

Soft and romantic, but the chrome belt give it a modern edge.

Details.

Its neckline is kept interesting.

Soft pleats.

Now in a sheer, light gray version.

I absolutely love the movement of these dresses. And that belt is perfection.

Short-version has more volume.

Slit up to there.

Modern and feminine.

Back detail is just as beautiful.

Its applique design is made from capiz shells.

Sheer purple.

Blush-version.

High neckline and cap-sleeves.

The applique of these dresses are stunning.

Movement.

Strong shoulders.

Dress shows a lot of leg.

What detail.

Amazing applique.

The modern suit.

One-of-a-kind print.

Ikat weave.

Love the print of the jacket and inner shirt.

Special appearance of actor Xian Lim.

Now that’s a tux.

More of his signature designs.

Closeup.

Its interesting sleeves remind me of a modern terno.

Robin’s egg blue.

Pale, pale pink – long version.

Short-version.

Amazing stitch and bead work.

Strategically-embroidered design.

Cream version.

All the intricacies.

Combining robin’s egg blue and cream.

Peplum.

Closeup on its back, you’ll notice how sheer the dress is.

These designs remind me of butterflies.

Exquisite laser cutouts.

Long and sheer.

Buttercream tones.

Metallic.

This looks gorgeous in black.

Stunning.

More embellished sheer gowns, this time in nude.

Sparkle.

Really love the design of this.

Also this. So beautiful!

Cotton candy pink feathers make a statement.

Actress Megan Young for the finale.

Incredibly talented Francis Libiran takes a bow.

Thank you to TRESemme, Visions & Expressions and Daniel Tan for these photographs.