#luis espiritu

[ritzmarie]

Published in The Philippine Star, Allure on February 23, 2014

Photography by Rita Marie Abiog • Creative direction by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Styling by Tara Subaldo • Makeup by Mickey Sy for Inglot Cosmetics available in Glorietta 5 • Hairstyling by Jerry Javier for L’oréal Professionel • Model: Ann Umali and Swell Damas (Mercator) • Wardrobe by Pablo Cabahug • Shot on location at DiCasalarin Cove Baler, Aurora

[bhivequeen]

Holidays with La Familia

Fortunately, I have had the chance to develop the most precious friendships with some of the most talented and creative individuals in the local fashion industry. After years of working for magazines and doing countless editorials, I've had the opportunity to be "child" in this roster we all lovingly call La Familia.

Words cannot describe how extremely proud I am of La Familia but suffice it to say that every time I am with them, I come home feeling inspired and energized. This Christmas, we held our annual reunion at Atelier Joey Samson. The most sumptuous dishes had been prepared for this special evening and what's more, our dear sister Karla was in town from New York.

Nights with La Familia are never long enough and this season's dinner was no exception. Here are but a few reasons why...

Allure's creative director Luis Espiritu, Metro Magazine's creative director Patrick  Ty, Max Factor's chief makeup artist Bobby Carlos and Look Magazine Editor in Chief Mel Cuevas

Everyone had brought their version of decadent dishes to the dinner at fashion designer Joey Samson's chic atelier.

My contribution was Costa Brava's famed caramel mocha cake

And of course, an ever reliable bottle of Merlot

Memory lane. A good decade or so ago, the four of us all worked for the same magazine, the now-defunct Youngstar. Believe me, each day at work was crazy with us four under one roof!!!

My two favorite stylists, Patrick Ty and Corine Alegre. Peeking from behind is the always gorg designer Louis Claparols

Twisted sisters. Feels like I've known Corine since birth!

The beauty about nights like this is that we are able to catch up on each other's lives no matter how long it's been since we all saw each other.

Katrina Holigores with photographer and model Joann Bitagcol

Luis had mentored and guided us throughout our careers in fashion and this is precisely why we all lovingly call him "mama."

If memory serves me right, we were all talking about passports when this photo was taken. From left: Bobby Carlos, this author, Patrick Ty, Corine Alegre, Frank Hoefsmit and Louis Claparols

Fashion photographer Frank Hoefsmith is one of the most endearing people I know. Here, he poses as a gentle giant beside fashion associate Aiza.

We are family. And taking a group photo for a bunch of detail-obsessed individuals is close to impossible.

From left (back): Univers' Tadi de Leon, Joann Bitagcol, Frank Hoefsmit, Bea Ledesma, Ivar Aseron, Joey Samson, Mel Cuevas, Bobby Carlos and Patrick Ty

From left (seated): This author, Corine Alegre, Luis Espiritu, Katrina Holigores, Louis Claparols, Karla Alindahao and friend