Iconic Weddings

By: Ramon Lazaro

 

With wedding season now kicking off, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite celebrity weddings. From Elizabeth Taylor’s flower crown for her wedding to Richard Burton to the recent George Clooney-Amal Alamuddin’s romantic nuptials, provide us lots of cool beauty and style ideas. Whether or not you’re in the midst of wedding planning, these photos promise to inspire.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, 1964 – Leave it to this glam style icon to ditch the white dress and go for a head full of flowers for her wedding to Richard Burton in 1964. With so many weddings under her belt, it’s no wonder Liz was such a pro.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles, 1981- This unforgettable wedding captured the attention of the world. The late Princess Diana kept her beauty look simple and natural, leaving room for that iconic dress to take the spotlight.

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 1953 This wedding helped to solidify Jackie Kennedy as a style icon for decades to come. Her voluminous white dress was designed by Ann Lowe.

Priscilla and Elvis Presley, 1967 – Married at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Priscilla looked glam with bombshell lashes, defined brows and a pale pink lip.

Kate Middleton and Prince William, 2011 – After taking lessons from makeup artist Arabella Preston, Middleton did her own makeup for the wedding— a soft smoky eye and pink lips.

Memories, memories…Of course, nothing could upstage the bride Amal, stunning in a custom Oscar de la Renta French lace wedding gown, hand-embroidered with pearls and diamanté accents, featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline and a full circular train, according to People Magazine.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—“A Gala Evening Celebrating Philippine Design, Textile and Fashion” was a huge success, drawing a diverse crowd of US government officials, members of the Washington diplomatic corps, members of the Filipino-American community, and the general public, and shining light on the fabric and designs that make the Philippines unique.

On the eve of Philippine Independence, piña (pineapple fabric) took center stage with the Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion, Ms. Patis Tesoro, making her Washington debut at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 11 June 2015 in commemoration of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Guests cheered as they viewed Ms. Tesoro’s collection of some 60 breathtaking pieces made from piña, considered the finest of all Philippine hand-woven fabrics. Ms. Tesoro was given a standing ovation at the end of the show.

“Congratulations are in order! It was such a success! Patis Tesoro is definitely an icon of Philippine fashion design,” said Lucie Patton, Chair of Flower Mart 2015.

“Kudos to you all for putting on such an elegant yet trendy and fun event! Quite a wonderful nod to the beautiful Philippine community,” said Lydia Benson.

The Gala Event, which was sponsored by the USPhilippines Society, is a testament to the beauty of Philippine fashion, which is continuously getting international attention.

“Philippine fashion has earned world-class recognition, and the US-Philippines Society is pleased to sponsor this Gala as a way to share with you stunning examples of some truly innovative advances in design,” said Ambassador John Negroponte, Co- Chair of the Society.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. pointed out that since piña production is an age-old tradition in the Philippines, the evening was a celebration of the uniqueness and beauty the country has to offer.

“This Gala Evening is a fitting culmination of a monthlong tribute to Philippine indigenous fabrics and the individuals who turn them into exquisite works of art. Piña has long been a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and in many ways is a celebration of the Filipino people’s innate creativity and dynamism in constantly changing times,” said Ambassador Cuisia.

The envoy also dedicated the Gala Evening to the women behind the creation of one of the most exquisite, sought-after handmade fabrics in the world.

Majority of the piña produced in the Philippines comes from the province of Aklan, with numerous families depending on the piña industry for livelihood. In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan devastated Aklan and seriously affected the piña production.

The Gala Evening was a way for people in the US to help contribute to the preservation and enrichment of the piña industry in the Philippines, as proceeds of the event will benefit Aklan Piña MANTrA, a women-led fiber production microenterprise.

“With your generous support, we aim to give the women of Aklan hope and help them rebuild their lives after Typhoon Haiyan disrupted their main source of livelihood. We dedicate the success of this Gala Evening to them,” the Ambassador stated.##

(1) Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton; (2) Princess Diana & Prince Charles of England.

(1) Priscilla & Elvis Presley; (2) Jacqueline Bouvier & John F. Kennedy.

Pina takes centerstage as volunteers model Ms. Patis Tesoro’s fashion collection during A Gala Evening Celebrating Philippine Design, Textile and Fashion at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 11 June 2015. (Embassy Photo by Ivan Gonzales)

Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, celebrates with Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia and his wife Ma. Victoria J. Cuisia during the Gala Evening, wearing green embroidered pina barong. (Embassy Photo by Ivan Gonzales)

 

(1) Current icons Kate Middleton & Prince William of England; (2) Amal Alamuddin & George Clooney.