PR-06-2025
Photo Credit - James Taylor/JC Media
MELBOURNE, 02 MARCH: The Philippine Consulate General collaborated with Filipino community leaders Johanna Smith of Superlifestyle Australia and former model Donatila “Gina” Parker to facilitate the first participation of a Filipino designer, Amir Sali, in the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
The project was conceived by retired Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo, who sought out the community collaborators and endorsed the project to the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival Committee to be included in their independent programme. The project was also supported by Roder Lawyers.
The fashion show was held on 02 March 2025 in the Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, with Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO Caroline Ralphsmith in attendance alongside Todd Anthony, Head of Fashion Programming, members of the Victorian Parliament and local councils, members of the consular corps, fashion enthusiasts, and members of the Filipino community.
Fifty looks were shown down the runway, with title-holders June Macasaet (Manhunt international 2012 and first Filipino to win an international male pageant), Erik Visser (Mr. Universe Tourism 2023), and Nimesha Hewage (Miss Peace Australia 2025) joining a multicultural group of models of diverse ethnicities and ages.
Amir Sali’s looks focused on fabrics and designs from Mindanao, showcasing the diverse applications of their cultural heritage in couture and formal wear.
ABOUT AMIR SALI: Amir Sali is a distinguished fashion designer and creative force, and is often affectionately referred to as the “Prince of Beads” due to his exceptional ability to incorporate detailed bead designs into his creations. Amir embarked on his formal education in fashion at the prestigious Ecole Lesage in Paris, France, where he studied Fashion and Bijoux/Accessory Design.
For 18 years, Amir worked as the Fashion Creative Director for the daughter of King Abdullah Al Saud in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Currently, Amir serves as the CEO and President of the House of Amir Sali, a renowned fashion and interiors brand based in Manila, Philippines. He has shown his works internationally on runways in New York, Paris, and Milan.
ABOUT PAYPAL MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL: (from MFF website) PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is Australia’s largest consumer fashion event, celebrating design, arts and ideas for everyone to enjoy. A not-for-profit organisation, we mirror and amplify all that is unique, edgy and wonderfully eclectic about Melbourne and Victorian fashion, while also amplifying broader Australian fashion talent on a local and global stage, to inspire consumers, support retail and connect our industry.
Our world-class Premium Runways showcase Australia’s leading, most loved designers alongside exciting local and emerging designers, championing the ‘see now, buy now’ model, which are all hosted in the iconic Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building and surrounds. END
