How much will it take to drop your husband’s last name for art’s sake?
In Heart Evangelista’s case, it’s probably P10 million for her latest toy collectibles she made available in the lucrative collectors’ market — consisting of 50 sets at P200,000 each.
On 8 August, the actor/content creator/fashion influencer/visual artist dropped Ongpauco and Escudero, her maiden and married names, respectively, off her Instagram handle, prompting netizens to ask if she and Chiz have separated.
Describing herself on her Instagram account as “Wife, Artist, CEO pure@living, Author, Advocate,” Evangelista announced her collaboration with Secret Fresh Gallery for the maiden release of her toy collection.
She called her collection “Seasons,” which she said was inspired by her signature ficure paintings.
An art exhibit and launch are scheduled on 28 August at Secret Fresh Gallery in San Juan City.
She posted on Instagram (@iamhearte): “LoveMarie x @secretfreshgallery My first ever Art Toy release, a collectible set of 12 figures — each hand painted — will be released in a limited run of only 50 sets.
“Each set comes with a personalized message from me (a surprise actually).”
In the collectors’ community, a toy’s brand plays a big factor in fetching an appreciating value for a collection or its pieces.
Evangelista, who uses her real first name Love Marie in her painting exhibitions, is herself a successful “brand” and “enterprise” — as evidenced by her fashion collaborations and as CEO of Pure Living, the beauty and personal care company she founded and personally runs.
Aside from being a GMA Network contract artist, Evangelista is recognized in the international scene as a top influencer and content creator — with front-seat privilege at Fashion Week events in New York, Paris, and Milan, to name a few.
Early this year, she was seen in Paris, sharing on social media her excitement over being recognized by the famous house of Christian Dior.
She thanked the fashion house and its director: “Merci @dior, for making me part of your ever-growing family! Can’t wait for mademoiselle @mariagraziachiuri’s masterpieces.”
Mystery somewhat solved and, according to an insider, pre-orders for the toy collection are selling like the proverbial hotcakes.