Passion Revealed - Alexis Monsanto & Furne One

By Joy A. Kennelly

Now that the Hermosa Beach City Council Candidates I was stumping for, Jeff Duclos and Howard Fishman, are safely in office I can get back to more fun topics seeing as I've left you dangling on LA Fashion Week long enough.:)

Finally, the long-awaited Passion Revealed review! And soon, the Kevan Hall review!

After Philip Rodriguez showcased his gorgeous stunning designs (here's some highlights of his work),  

we were introduced to the next designer, Alexis Monsanto. Now have to admit, I'm partial to beautiful gowns and evening wear and seeing a more casual resort line took a minute to adjust to.

However, once the realization was made that this was more of a resort collection I was easily able to appreciate Monsanto's designs as well. Very beautiful flowing cover-ups, sophisticated slip dresses, elegant pants with flirty, feminine blouses, bold accessories, and wild, over-the-top footwear were his signature style.

Here's some examples to give you an idea of what I'm talking about (a couple of these shots are mine from the runway, the rest are courtesy of my Photographer, Stefhan Gordon):

   
Now after we had seen this model (who drew gasps from the audience) we thought we had seen it all, but this was nothing compared to what was in store. Before we move on to the next designer, here's a video highlighting some of Monsanto's designs:

The next designer, Furne One, was so over-the-top, my stylist friend called his designs "tranny fierce" and we all had to agree. We also thought all his designs were like Disney on steroids, Halloween come early, or costumes for Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut movie - it was truly out-of-this-world.

The makeup, the hair, the "hats", the gowns, the fabric - crazy, over-the-top which is what you expect to see when you go to a fashion show. Now that I learn he's a Filipino Dubai-based designer catering to Arab high society, it all makes sense.

Click here for an article highlighting Heidi Klum's selection of Furne One to design all the gowns for the finalists of Germany's Next Top Model Competition which gives more background on his work.

His Passion Revealed fashion show included lots of tulle, sequins galore, roses, color and detailed work.

And now, without further ado, a visual feast! (Sorry, my photographer had to leave for another shoot, but hopefully you will grasp the show with my humble shots.:) Make sure to pay special attention to the headgear, and I do mean headgear - outrageous!)

  The designer, Furne One, in all his glory at the end. if you look closely you can see Project Runway's Nick Verreo applauding from the front row. Even the music was dramatic albeit a little repetitious.

Here's a little amateur video of the show:

Perfect way to end the evening - with a bang!

What I learned later is that the hostess of the evening was Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee and there were lots of celebrities in attendance. I even warranted a mention in the publicist's press release as a fashion blogger. Fancy that.:)

Here's her write-up of who was seen in attendance that evening and the beneficiaries:

"Seen enjoying the event were Nick Verreos of MSN Lifestyle and Project Runway, Melissa Magsaysay of LA Times, Maria Quiban of Fox LA Morning News, Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon, VuQo Premium Vodka’s Jose Panlilio and Raul Panelo, Former Miss Philippines Eva Reyes, Former Mutya ng Pilipinas Bong Dimayacyac, Laly Aldeguer of the famed Aldeguer Sisters, Atty. Claire Navarro- Espina, Loren Escano of M Lhuillier Financial Services, Zee Lifestyle Magazine Cebu Publisher-- Ms. Eva Gullas, Rupert Wainwright of Bravo’s Matchmaker Millionaire, The Young and the Restless star Sean Kanan; fashion bloggers Joy Kennelly, Brittan Salisbury and Everette Perry;  UCLA Basketball player Matt Lee, Rock and Republic’s Shane Upson, actress Gina La Piana who appeared in Everybody Hates Chris and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Reichen Lehmkuhl of Amazing Race and Dante’s Cove. Noted media present were from California Apparel News, That Morning Show on E! and Metrosource.

Passion Revealed was not only used as a platform for the Filipino Fashion Designers to showcase their ingenuity, but more importantly, it also served as a vehicle to raise funds for the typhoon victims in the Philippines. Part of the proceeds from this event went to Gawad Kalinga in support of their relief operations efforts benefiting hundreds of victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng."

It was definitely a special evening. I was very happy to have participated. I hope you enjoyed this stylish break from politics and wish you a most excellent day.:)