Battle For Greatness: A Look At Jinkee Pacquiao

I have read an article with a poll for Fab or Drab that featured the dress which Jinkee Pacquiao wore during the most awaited boxing event of the century, Battle for Greatness.

Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao arrive at the MGM Grand Arena for the Battle For Greatness boxing match (Pay Per View screen capture) 

Jinkee's full ensemble at the Battle For Greatness (courtesy of Jinkee's Instagram account)

A number of people commented that the dress was drab on Jinkee.  I won't argue with them if that's their perception.  But I abhor the comments which were too personal and below the belt.  That is despite the fact that they do not personally know Jinkee Pacquiao.  Some were even harsh to comment that no matter how expensive a dress is, it becomes cheap when it's Jinkee who wears it.  One inappropriate comment said the design of Jinkee's dress looks like menstruation.  The commenter even used the Filipino term for menstruation, "regla."  Thank goodness there were a reasonable few who commented fairly. 

I did not want to join the thread of comments on the article itself.  So, I'm raising my points in my own realm, my blog.  My verdict on the dress-- it's FAB!  Fabulous And Beautiful, by itself and on Jinkee Pacquiao. 

First of all, the dress is an original design from Valentino.  Valentino Garavani, or simply Valentino to the fashion world, is the Italian designer favored by the world's best-dressed women including Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn.  Valentino also became famous for his red dresses.  In fact, there has been a shade called Valentino Red, in ode to his red dresses.

Valentino with two of his muses in his famed red dresses

For the latest Fall Collection, the Creative Directors of Valentino,  Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli,  collaborated with Italian famed pop artist, Giosetta Fioroni, to create Camuamour collection.  By the name itself, Camuamour exudes love and romance.  Giosetta Fioroni's heart patterns so well represent the spontaneity, energy and sentiment of the Camuamour collection.

Valentino flanked by Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri

Italian Pop Artist, Giosetta Fioroni

One of Giosetta Fioroni's heart artwork

Giosetta Fioroni's Camuamour art creation

Fall fashion filled with hearts

Teaser of short film by Giosetta Fioroni for Valentino

The dress that Jinkee Pacquiao wore in the Pacquiao-Mayweather match is one of the georgeous dresses included in Valentino's Camuamour Fall Collection.

Teaser of Camuamour Collection

The embroidered crepe couture dress Jinkee bought is priced at USD8,380

Other dresses in the Camuamour Collection are shown below.

Details of the Dress in Review:

Short-sleeved embroidered dress in crepe couture

The center of the bodice features an embroidered heart made with 4 layers of tulle

The heart is embroidered in black micro beads with the phrase "your eyes are the eyes of a woman in love”. The phrase is taken from Frankie Laine's song "A woman in love" from the soundtrack of the 1955 film Guys and Dolls.

The slightly flared skirt is dotted with hearts made with 4 layers of tulle. The hearts are made in different shades of red using red micro beads.

Two side pockets

Rear zip fastener ending in a hook with reinforcing seam

Dress lined in habotai (100% Silk) except for the sleeves

Dress in crepe couture (68% Wool, 32% Silk)

Made in Italy.

100% Polyamide

Front view shown by model

The beautiful artistic dress in full view

The huge heart on the bodice says, "Your eyes are the eyes of a woman in love."

Rear view shown by model

Side view shown by model

A dress with all the mentioned luxurious details would reasonably command its price of USD8,380.  You are paying for Valentino make and quality.  You are also paying for the collaboration with a famous Italiam pop artist.

For me, the design is avant-garde-- it is classic couture met with modern design.  It is refreshing to see Jinky in a dress that is "in the now".  It radiates a sense of fun romanticism which is appropriate for the sport event.   Not too serious and glittery as in a gown and not too casual as in denim.  Jinkee's passionate support and love for Manny was well written on the bodice of her dress-- "your eyes are the eyes of a woman in love."  I think that statement is cute and  romantic.  When I learned that the statement was based on the soundtrack of a 1950's movie, I just loved the artistic concept.   The dress is fab.  It is an intelligent dress such that it's a combination of trends, i.e.  statement on dress, iconic hearts, reference to arts and culture, luxurious materials.

A collage of Jinkee's ensemble which includes the Valentino dress

That commenter who said that the dress looks like it's got menstruation, you should start reading fashion books or Vogue or Vanity Fair.  You may also research through Google.  That's Valentino.  That's Camuamour collection--it's love, it's romance, it's all about hearts, it's all about shades of red.  Dang! Red is not just about menstruation.  Practice etiquette.  Don't make fun of a woman's nature. 

Some overly prudish people may remark that Php368K is spending too much on a dress.  Well, not one of us is in the right position to question where the Pacquiao's spend their money.  It's their money.  They have been deprived before of material comfort, now that they have the financial blessings through Manny Pacquiao's efforts, they hace every right to enjoy the fruits of Manny's labor.  For one thing, the Pacquiaos did not steal their money.  So, they are not obliged to explain to anyone where they spend their money.

Some modern Pharisees might comment just give the money to the poor instead of spending on a dress.  Well, the Pacquiaos came from poverty and certainly they would know how to look back and pay forward.  They do not need to announce everytime they donate financially to people or institutions.  The Pacquiaos read and study the  bible, they know that the left hand doesn't need to know what the right hand is doing. 

Do not forget that Jinkee Pacquiao (nee Maria Geraldine Jamora) is the wife of no less than the world-famous boxer, Manny Pacquiao.  Therefore, she has to dress up for occassions.  That P368K worth of pret-a-porter dress is just a penny compared to the priceless pride that Manny Pacquiao has given to the Filipinos.  And to reiterate, the money used to buy that dress belongs to the Pacquiaos and no one has the right to question where they spend their money.

Jinkee and Manny Pacquiao with Paris Hilton

Jinkee with Hollywood actor, Keanu Reeves, who wished Manny Pacquiao well for the Battle For Greatness 

Those who comment that when Jinkee wears an expensive dress it becomes cheap, I sense Cinderella's envious stepsisters.  Just a question, are you even "up there" to look down on someone?  Jinkee has the right to improve herself.  She is now a celebrity in her own right and rubs elbows with Hollywood celebrities who are courteous and very welcoming.  They pretty much respect Manny Pacquiao and his entire family.  I think you envious people must learn from these high-profile celebrities when it comes to treating others with respect.

Most importantly,  have a sense of gratitude.  You are Filipinos too.  Manny has given pride to us Filipinos so many times, whether he wins or loses.  He has earned the respect and admiration of the majority of the world.  So, stop picking on his wife.  That is one way of thanking Manny Pacquiao.




Credits:  Google photos, Jinkee Pacquiao's Instagram account, Valentino website