FASHION STORIES: Princess Parties & Wishful Thinking

Once upon a time, there was an an adorable 6-year-old named Cherdelyn, who for her birthday, wanted to be the plucky little Princess Sofia. A friend of hers, 13-year-old Kyla also wanted a princess party for her family and friends. This is the story of how that simple wish came true, with the help of Make a Wish Philippines and a few very generous fairy godmothers. 

I came into this little fairytale by way of a very stylish client, Ms. Linda Ley. We had been fitting her own gown when she started talking about a children's party she and a friend were throwing in partnership with Make A Wish Foundation Philippines. Along with Ms. Tina Cuevas of the Sulu Riviera Hotel, they were throwing a bash for Cherdelyn and Kyla. She had gotten renowned designer Ito Curata to make Kyla's dress, and asked me if I'd be up for dressing up the other wish-kid Cherdelyn. Needless to say, I said Yes! Who in the world turns down an opportunity to make a little girl into a princess, really!?

To all you nineties babies who don't have a clue who Princess Sofia is, she's the newest Disney princess who is somehow friends with all the other princesses in a magical land. She goes on lovely adventures in a purple gown with pearls and and a peplum and flowers on her petal skirt. The dress wasn't really that complicated, but I think the trick with these things is how to translate the fantasy into real life. Another challenge is that I only got Cherdelyn's height and waist measurement, and since it was a surprise, I would only get to see her on the big day!

It took yards and yards of tulle, layers of satin, three shades of purple organza, and a lot of pattern making prayers to hopefully get the dimensions right for this dress. But, after a week or so of pondering and sewing, we finally finished the garment. I thought it was pretty cute already in its bare state, but knew it needed a lot of Sofia's signature details to finish the look! 

The silver and crystal trims were obviously de rigeuer for any royal garment. The bigger challenge was the white flower that was on the scalloped hem of her dress. I used satin appliqués cut into a petal shapes to get the look and I think it really gave the dress it's wow factor!

I was really excited with how the dress turned out, all fluffy and princess-like and bedazzled, with a life of its own. I thought it really captured the Princess Sofia look and couldn't wait to see it on my muse! Can anyone say Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boo!?!?

On the day of Cherdelyn and Kyla's party, we were waiting for them in a beautiful room in the Sulu Riviera Hotel. Of course, the hosts Ms. Linda Ley, Ms. Tina Cuevas and their friends from Angels to Street Kids (ASK) were all busy preparing the party. First to arrive was Cherdelyn with her Mom. Ms. Linda Ley was so excited to see them and couldn't wait to show the girls all that was in store. First up was of course the dress! By God's grace, it fit perfectly, like it was really made for her! Cherdelyn started twirling almost immediately! Truly a happy occasion!

CHERDELYN AND HER MOM WITH MS. LINDA LEY | ME SURPRISING CHERDELYN WITH HER GOWN

Next came Kyla and her Ito Curata masterpiece suited her like a dream! Ms. Len Olbes and Ms. Mia Reyes were in charge of hair and makeup and the girls really enjoyed getting all dolled up. And to complete their looks, Ms. Mayenne Carmona got them the perfect sparkly shoes! The girls were finally ready for their grand entrance! 

FROM LEFT: MS. MIA REYES & MS. LEN OLBES WITH KYLA | KYLA IN HER THRONE | MS. MAYENNE CARMONA SURPRISES KYLA WITH SPARKLY SHOESIES

When Ms. Linda first told me about the party, I was imagining a very simple affair. But I can say the hosts went all out! A function room of the Sulu Riviera hotel was transformed with pink balloons and tulle on the ceiling, and a beautiful backdrop that really set the mood. There was a magician, bubbles, face painting, lots of yummy kiddie food, a sorbetero, beautiful cakes, presents, games, karaoke, and the works. Cherdelyn and Kyla celebrated with their families and other wish kids, most of whom were being treated at the Philippine Children's Medical Center and National Children's Hospital. Even for a few hours I think it was fun for the kids to just focus on having fun with their friends and loved ones. As many know, Make A Wish grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to spread joy and inspire. Parties like this is just one of the more than 1600 wishes, big and small, that they've granted since the inception of the Philippine chapter in 1999. 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE KIDS PLAYING PARTY GAMES | CHERDELYN IN A GIANT BUBBLE | CHERDELYN GETS SOME FACE PAINTING | WITH MY MOM AND MS. LINDA LEY

It was likewise a memorable day for all of us who were helping prepare the party. If I was busy making one dress, I can only imagine Ms. Linda Ley, Ms. Tina Cuevas, and everyone else who were planning and coordinating the entire affair. With every detail -- from the personalized decor & cake, to the gifts and games, to the little touches like the loot bag and the cotton candy, no detail was too small. It was obvious how much love Ms. Linda & Ms Tina & all her friends put in, I'm certain it was no easy task. But being able to bring cheer and spread kindness is indeed a beautiful thing, and we were all blessed to have been given the opportunity to do so. 

FROM LEFT: MS. LINDA LEY RECEIVES A CERTIFICATE FROM MS. ANA CHUA OF MAKE A WISH PHILIPPINES | MS. TINA CUEVAS & MS. LINDA LEY

ME WITH THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE OF ANGELS TO STREET KIDS (ASK)

When I first met Cherdelyn, she was very quiet and shy. But after a few hours of merrymaking, she started to really blossom and started to act like the kid that she is. She did twinsie poses with all the Princess Sofias in the room and was really having fun with all the activities, as were the other kids. She was still relatively quiet, but totally all smiles. Her Mom said they were supposed to have chemotherapy on the day of the party to treat Cherdelyn's leukaemia, but requested an earlier appointment from the doctor to so they can have some fun. And I do think she did, as did all the other kids. 

But despite being able to be princess for a day, with a crazy-beautiful party to boot, her Mom said that Cherdelyn's real wish was to get better. Amidst all the fanfare, this was a dose of reality; that sometimes even the most innocent of us have to fight battles that seem a wee bit too big for their young ages. We pray for the continued and quick recovery to all the kids, and even more princess parties in the future! Of course as in any story that begins with "Once upon a time", we are sure this one will have its own "Happily Ever After".