Aloysius eco-fashion turns heads at NY charity launch

Friends of Joseph Aloysius Montelibano show off some of his handwoven and beaded evening wear during the launch of Eagle Eye Charities Inc. at Philippine Center, Fifth Avenue, NYC. From left to right: Yvette Hernandez, Marilou Cristobal and Porsha Seechung. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco

NEW YORK — On a chilly winter night, amid servings of warm French bourguignon and champagne, a charitable cause was launched for Eagle Eye Charities, operator of internet-based Eagle Eye Broadcasting and non-profit publisher of an investment book ABCs of Investing. The Charity also launched its sustainable livelihood program through eco-fashion.

Special guest Filipino American entrepreneur and lawyer Loida Nicolas Lewis talked about entrepreneurship, building wealth and cost accounting, reminding business owners to pay themselves salaries, instead of hoping to get bottom line profit. For the first time, she talked about how she and late husband Reginald Lewis created a billion-dollar empire, TLC Beatrice International.

Unknown to many, Loida Nicolas Lewis, whose family owned the furniture company Nicfur, was the first Filipino lawyer who passed the New York Bar, a staunch immigration supporter who sued the Immigration and Naturalization Services (now USCIS) when she was denied a job. She won that case, was employed for 10 years before she took over the TLC Beatrice International group of companies.

It was a rare opportunity to hear Nicolas-Lewis talk about how her husband started the billion-dollar empire, TLC Beatrice International. She gave pointers on how business owners should manage their finances and grow their wealth, in line with discussion in the book ABCs of Investing For Gen XYZ. Excerpts of the interview can be seen found at: https://youtu.be/ElfJMu7HjCo

The other mission of Eagle Eye Charities is to support livelihood programs that promote eco-fashion.  A special collection by Aloysius Worldwide is presented in a trunk show of evening wear, in time for the New York Fashion Week: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNmPOmOqCXY) Aloysius Worldwide showcased indigenous materials including tinalak fiber and ostrich feathers.

Evening wear by Joseph Aloysius Montelibano, from embroidered rosettes, silk gown with natural corals  and gold-gilded cape, modeled by Roxanne Cajigas, Cora Rivera and Lisa Nohs. INQUIRER/Carol Tanjutco.

These sustainable fashion creations woven and sewn by the hands of Tandang Sora women under the direction of Aloysius will be shown in major cities  around the world beginning with an artist’s residency at Taverne Guttenberg gallery in Lyon, France.  The Aloysius Spring/Summer 2019 Eco Fashion Collection launches at the end of New York fashion week.