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COVER STORY

her as one of their “Women of Style and Substance”. magnificent eras. Virgie came as Nefertiti & Cleopatra,
She was also featured on the cover of the “Faaabulous” husband Gerry was Ramses 1 and their 2 sons were
coffee table book of noted portrait artist Rupert Jacinto Ramses 11 & 111. Daughter Roisin was an Indian
and chosen as one of Manila’s 15 Fabulous Ladies. Just Princess. The party place was decorated with replicas
recently, she was one of the awardees of the Global of ancient Gods and Goddesses, Roman centurions
Leaders Award for Global and other characters of that
Business. era. The whole Ballroom was
What about her fashion transformed into an Egyptian
preferences? Palace.
“Pitoy was my favorite The “My Fair Lady” theme
designer. In 1989, he designed party was held at the ballroom
and created our Filipino Barong of the Lane’s Victorian Manor
Tagalog for all the executives of Hotel in Tinakilly, Ireland. They
Lane Moving & Storage as well had snippets of Eliza Doolittle
as my gowns. I learned from a singing “ The rain in Spain stays
very young age about fashion mainly on the plain!”. The men
from my mother. She used to dressed in their bowler hats
have a group of seamstresses and the ladies in their fancy
and cutters to create barongs headdresses and tiaras. They
and dresses for different shops, made it a three - day affair to
so pretty much I was exposed make it worthwhile for friends
to quality fashion. I do love who flew in from all over the
Versace Roberto Cavalli and globe. The third day began with
Chanel. Unfortunately, as I a champagne brunch before
aged, Chanel doesn’t cater going to watch a Polo match in
anymore to my size to my great Ascot. Their guests, of course,
dismay. YSL and Valentino are were dressed to the hilt, and,
also my favorites. Classic style is my kind of fashion.” according to the dress code of Ascot. Another huge
theme party was the “Imperial Masquerade Ball” held
The Consummate Hosts at their Sydney, Australia home. It was another three
The Lanes have been known to throw the most day affair for their many friends who flew in from all
lavish parties. They don’t often do it, but when they do, corners of the world. The first night was a Champagne
it is usually the event of the season. They love giving Cocktail Reception at the top of the Contemporary Arts
theme parties which they plan a year ahead. When Museum in the Sydney Harbour. One of the guests,
they decide on a theme, the invitations, menu, and Mme. Dewi Sukarno performed a Tango number. The
giveaways match the theme of the party. They involve main event was held at the Lane’s home where they
their guests in planning their theme parties which the transformed the main hall into an Imperial Ballroom.
guests enjoy and they all get excited planning their The three day event was capped by a cruise along the
costumes and anticipating the actual event. Sydney Harbour with a Champagne Brunch on board.
One theme party they had was “A Night of A The hostess with the mostest, Virginia G. Lane says
Thousand Stars” wherein guests came as the celebrities “ to put together a successful party where the guests go
they chose. Virgie came as Marilyn Monroe and Gerry out of their way to fly to a foreign country, one must
as her lover, John F. Kennedy. As part of the program, make it a real worthwhile affair for the enjoyment of
she serenaded Gerry (aka President Kennedy) Happy your friends! “ In everything that she sets her heart on
Birthday Mr. President and performed “Diamonds doing, one can be rest assured Virginia G. Lane will not
are a Girl’s Best Friend”. On another occasion, they settle for anything mediocre. At work, at home and at
had the “Magnificent Wonders of the Magnificent play, this “Woman for all Seasons” pursues “Perfection”
World” where guests came as personalities during the in all her endeavors. n

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