Filipino headliners glow in NY Fashion Week 2022

Boogie Musni Rivera (center) and his bevy of beauty queens in swan-inspired fashion. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

 NEW YORK –  Dances, runway shows and pageantry dominated New York Fashion Week as VIP NY Fashion Week producers held day-long festivities at the Marriott Marquis, culminating in a charity auction with prizes donated by sponsors.

Filipino designer Boogie Musni Rivera filled the catwalk with  his swan-inspired headdresses and evening gowns fit for beauty queens. His models are current and past title holders of the VIP Pageantry, including his muse Miss Universe El Salvador and Mrs. America 2022 (second and first from right, top photo).

Roro Yone (left), hip-hop artist and (right) the Queen of Versailles Jacqueline Siegel. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

Philippine hip-hop artist Roro Yone spun his popular beats during the opening of the evening Charity Gala, followed by introduction of beauty title holders who walked the ramp. Special award for the 2022 VIP My Purpose Award was given to highly acclaimed reality actress The Queen of Versailles herself, Jacqueline Siegel, who cited the producers for uniting various pageant winners under one roof.  A YouTube capture of the event is shown here: https://youtu.be/BChXr_BSUzM

Hosts Dani Walker, Miss Montana USA 2018, and Lindsey Coffey, Miss Earth 2020, talked about the National Suicide Prevention hotline #988 established by federal law to encourage mental and drug abuse cases to get help and avoid suicide. An interpretive jazzy dance was presented by a group #danceforsuicideprevention also captured on YouTube, evoking rhythmic moves that clearly sent a message for those who might need help.

Producer Layla Rose and daughter Maliyah (second and first from left), with her plus-size model. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

Producer of the show, Layla Rose, presented an unforgettable collection fit for all shapes and sizes, proof that glamor is not limited to skinny, tall models. Her daughter, Maliyah, donned a newspaper cut-out she created for the show, accompanied by violin music so apt for the elegance of the night’s VIP fashion for a cause. More than 100 beauty queens from different states, from the youngest to Mrs. Senior America were invited to walk as models.

Co-producer Holly Lynch thanked all the international pageant title holders for their participation to this annual event. Bessie Besana, whose premiere launch last year was held in the same venue, this year directed the catwalk as “Pasarela” mentor.

Ms. Philippines (left) won the People’s Choice in a special VIP Pageantry awards. CONTRIBUTED

A separate competition, International Ms. Pageant, was won by Ms. Romania with a $2,500 grant; first to fifth runners up represented Jamaica, United Kingdom, North America, Missouri and Tennessee. A surprise People’s Choice went to Ms. Philippines. Ms. USA DC Metro received a $1,000 grant. Mrs. USA New England also received a $1,000 grant, part of the night’s women empowerment #StillSheRose initiative. A total of $12,000 was given away.