On September 21, the inaugural BELOVED: Bridal and Celebrations Fair at NUSTAR Resort Cebu kicked off with a dazzling display of glamour and romance. Held at the Grand Ballroom of Fili Hotel, the annual bridal fair featured Francis Libiran’s “Covenant” collection—his latest line of bridal designs. Having been in the business for a little over 25 years now, Francis' name has since become synonymous with crafting exquisite evening gowns, renowned for his intricate, stained glass-like embroidery motif that frequently graces his creations.
Watch this reel to get a glimpse of the runway showcase:
LOOK: Francis Libiran Unveils His "Covenant" Bridal Collection at Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu
A veteran in bridal fashion, Francis is no stranger to wedding wear. Throughout his tenure, the couturier has dressed high-profile brides like Venus Raj, Chelsea Robato, and Jervi Wrightson (formerly KaladKaren) on their wedding days. Now, with his latest bridal collection, Francis looks to cast a wider net with his designs, to cater to a diverse range of preferences among soon-to-be newlyweds. Gone are the days when a bride is constricted to a white gown, or a groom should wear the standard tuexedo or barong during their ceremonies.
Through the collection, Francis ventures past these so-called traditions and offers a vibrant array of wedding wear in a palette of ivory, beige tones, and blush pink rendered in modern silhouettes and a variety of textiles. Think sheer organza with floral appliqués, a sleek column gown with a transparent bodice, or a corseted, strapless mini dress. Suffice it to say, Francis' approach to this collection was anything but conventional.
Beyond the bridal gowns, Francis reimagines the groom's attire as well. While the runway saw his signature embroidered suits and barongs, the collection also notably featured fresh looks, like a nude-tone sleeveless top adorned with silver embellishments, a lace-trimmed white tuxedo, and piña jusi suits detailed with palay-inspired lapels."[I want to show] that grooms can wear laces [too during] their special day," the designer explained during a brief press interview after the show.
When asked about the concept behind the "Covenant" collection, Francis puts it simply: "A covenant is a promise [made by two people getting married," he explains. "That's why I named it Covenant, [because] it's like the covenant of two people falling in love with each other."
Key Looks from Francis Libiran's "Covenant" Collection
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