Best of PHL fashion on display in New York until April 8

The best of Philippine fashion is on display in New York City in the United States as the Philippine Consulate General there put up a fashion exhibit as part of its cultural promotion program. Philippine Consul General Mario de Leon said the exhibit and fashion show, dubbed the "Best of the Philippines on Fifth Avenue," started on March 15 and will run until April 8. The project featured Filipino fashion designer Dita Sandico Ong, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in an article posted on its website. "Ms. Sandico was the first designer to be showcased for 2011. She kicked-off her 'With a Touch of Green' exhibit at the Philippine Center," the DFA said. There was also a "fashion show sponsored by the Philippine Mission to the United Nations led by Madame Fe Cabactulan, wife of Permanent Representative to the United Nations Libran Cabactulan and Maria Sorretta, wife of Deputy Permanent Representative Carlos Sorretta," the DFA added. The exhibit was supported by the Philippine Center New York led by Deputy Consul General Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, the DFA said. Those who attended the exhibit included members of the diplomatic and consular corps, Cabactulan, newly-arrived Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. and the Filipino-American community led by Loida Nicolas-Lewis. Launched in 2009, the cultural promotions project aims to feature Filipino designers and artisans who have received global acclaim for excellence in their crafts. The project also aims to showcase the Philippine creative industries, including high-value fashion, industrial design, and multimedia. – VVP, GMA News