Cover image via kapamilya.com
Leo Almodal, the Filipino Fashion Designer in the middle of the "Gold Dress" dispute spoke up about Imelda Schweighart claim that she was not taken care of
Leo took to his Facebook page to clear the air on the issue by sharing his side of the story. He said that it's absolutely not true that Imelda was not taken care of and that she was left with nothing to wear. This claim was made after Leo's team sent the Gold Dress to Miss Ecuador when it was originally fitted for Imelda.
"Contrary to her statement that she has nothing to wear is an absolute LIE!!! I provided her with a beautiful red gown but she smiled and refused to wear it, saying that it looks like Miss Belgium's gown and opted to borrow from miss Guam instead…"
Imelda ranted about the issue on live television when CNN PH called her for a statement after news of her resignation
"Honestly, I'm not bitter, I was just offended. Why? Because the gown that was for me was given to Ecuador. The gown that was placed in Philippines' cubicle was taken.
"That box, MY gown, fitted sa akin, named after me, the effort that I went through to be able to put on that gown.
"Miss Guam made me borrow her gown because I had nothing to wear. It was taken away from me. Why did they do that?
"It wasn't explained to me at that time. I had nothing to wear. And then after that, I was still in the heat of the moment. Why did they do that to me? Di na nga nila ko inaasikaso [They don't even take care of me,]" Imelda told CNN.
Image via Rappler
So what really happened backstage?
According to Leo, Miss Ecuador and Imelda were both her clients.
Imelda borrowed the gold dress from Leo provided that she will be placed in the Top 16 for the evening gown portion. Since Imelda was not placed in the top 16, it was Leo's decision who to give the gown to since Imelda's camp did not pay him anything.
Miss Ecuador's gown was not finished so Leo's team decided to give the gold dress to her adding "I dont want that masterpiece to go to waste. I want to show it to the world because that gown is made for that purpose"
He hopes that speaking about this will make things clear and would not put the blame towards Miss Ecuador. "i have hundreds of people asking me what happened; i actually dont want to say a thing anymore but it has completely gone out of control and i have tell everyone the truth… Katherine is unaware of the issue."
Image via Rappler
The designer was upset when Imelda posted photos and videos of her in the dress in a "vulgar demeanor" and "bitter statement" on social media
"Before dressing up Katherine I sent Imelda messages in facebook to take down the photos and videos but she never listened… she posted it after she did not make it to the top 16 cut. I actually begged her… she was not ripped or robbed; The gown was not taken away from her and she was asked nicely… Technically it's MINE
"Katherine is unaware of the issue not until imelda posted the videos of her vulgar demeanor and bitter statement in social media…"
Image via Leo Almodal's Facebook
