Furne One’s bridal collection takes you to the sea
Many starry-eyed couples dream of a wedding by the sea. What could be more romantic than a beach destination with the combination of silky sand, turquoise sea and, by night, the stars? But since the beach is often located out of town, there are logistics involved — venue, food, flowers and fashion, to mention a few. I’ve known couples that had to fly a number of times to their island of choice to coordinate all of this. Plus, given the sand, what to wear?
Crimson Hotels and Resorts Mactan is one venue that has thought of everything to make planning this most important of life events worry-free for the couple to be. Last May 8, the resort launched Weddings by Crimson, which showed off their seaside location and four outdoor venues. You could have an intimate, barefoot ceremony if you choose, or a garden setting, or chic pre-reception cocktails.
At the resort’s Azure Beach Club, guests were invited to view an intimate tropical setup with a standout, asymmetrical arrangement by floral stylists First of April. Nearby, the Azure Secret Garden was styled as a reception for all of two people! The Beachfront allows for a more expansive setting for those who want to combine both ceremony and reception. Guests were also invited to sample the varied culinary offerings offered by the resort.
The highlight we were all waiting for was the bridal fashion show featuring Cebuano-born, Dubai-based designer Furne One for Amato Couture. He proved with his theme (“Take Me to the Sea”) that a sandy beach does not limit the possibilities of style. Even if the show was held at the ballroom, the venue was transformed into a sandy seaside.
In fact, his collection encompassed a wide variety of looks, with something for every taste. Apart from shortening skirts and providing the models with Roman sandals, he reveled in a world of seaside emblems, from seashells and starfish, to shellfish and seagulls, from pearls to mesh, corals and seaweed. The frothy waves were echoed in poufs and puffy edges, and soft tulle veils that cascaded into the lightest of trains.
Body suits, catsuits and sheer dresses enhanced the figure, adorned with fringes, lace work, and wide waistbands for that hourglass shape. The contours were always soft, even for those who preferred something less revealing. Whether you wanted to look like a sea goddess that just stepped out of the waves, a mermaid come to land on the shoreline or a sweet beach babe, there was something for you, and the men were not left out.
Silver makeup accented tanned faces and was painted on hands in lieu of gloves. Accessories included oversized pearl jewelry and strands of pearls found themselves around the necks of the male models. This is a trend in men’s fashion that I have been seeing more of lately. But there actually were many classic silhouettes that, if lengthened to the floor, would be perfect for a wedding in any other setting where sand is not an issue.
“We chose to collaborate with Furne Amato because, like Crimson, he is a Filipino icon on the global stage,” said Patrick Manthe, general manager of the Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. “His exquisite designs mirror the sophistication and individuality we bring to every wedding. Together, we celebrate love with world-class flair rooted in local pride.” This famed designer is a favorite of celebrities like Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez.
Furne is indeed proud of his Cebuano heritage. “I’m from here but I hadn’t traveled to different places north or south,” he said. “Then I joined the Suroy Suroy Sugbo (Cebu’s flagship tourism program that takes you around the islands’ less-known attractions). I was struck! This is Cebu!”
“It’s about time to be here,” Furne adds. He has already opened a coffee and home store in Cebu because he wants to make the Amato brand a lifestyle concept. “I want it to also be in Manila, nationwide.”
“Take Me to the Sea” was inspired by movies, architecture, poetry and culture. His advice for young Filipino designers is “Don’t give up! Because fashion is not about the glitter and the glamour. It’s a business and fashion is hard work. You have to push yourself.”
What makes Crimson Resort and Spa an attractive venue include the luxurious villas, spa treatments and delicious food at its different outlets which includes the Japanese restaurant Aka and all-day dining at Saffron. I enjoyed my villa, a short walk from both beach and the main building, and also a deliciously scented facial at Aum.
The Weddings at Crimson event was only a preview as the Crimson Mactan is launching an Online Bridal Fair from May 15 to June 15 with special perks for couples who confirm during this period. The exclusive benefits include a couple’s Aum massage for pre-wedding relaxation, gourmet canapes to enhance the pre-reception experience, P15,000 bar credits for cocktail hours and after parties, P25,000 worth of bar drinks during the reception, an additional night in a villa to extend the honeymoon magic, a private rehearsal dinner hosted at one of the resorts premiere venues, or an overnight stay on the couple’s first anniversary.
Weddings by Crimson was also supported by AirAsia, Exquisite Styling Events, First of April Designs, EastWest Bank, Simple Wishes, VideoHub Audio Visual Sales and Rentals, Emman Sawit Photography, Italian Food Specialists, Sommelier Selection, Bauhina Brewery and Pernod Ricard, PMW.
So if you’re looking for a beach venue, say “I do” at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan.
