Fashion According to Charlie Manatad

Fashion in and around the world has evolved from time to time, season after season. And so do artists and designers who set the trends and reinvent style over and over, to cope with the growing demand for something new and appealing to a globally competitive market.

The international market has never been a stranger to design expert Charlie Manatad. The world is like a playground where fun and fashion are key role players to his growing house of style. Based in Norway for more than eight years, this avant garde artist started creating one of a kind pieces of costume jewelry specially made to impress closest friends and clients. Soon his business interests around Europe inspired him to profesionalize the company and meet the demands for a larger clientele.

His return to Cebu two years ago has energized him to bring European fashion to Cebuanos via his accessories line that are sold on bazaars in the malls that captured a chic following .He also partnered with an international fashion accessories company De Luxe Creative that's been popular among the discerning group of buyers both here and abroad. Local fashionistas and stylish personalities are quick to notice a new trend that's about to hit big time. Now, Charlie has been doing fashion shows and exhibits in and around town, which fueled him up to venture into designing an apparel line that caters to both men and women who want to look good and different at the same time. HIAWATHAS LINE

This collection was inspired by the many travels Charlie has done scouting for the best fabrics and materials around Asia, especially the exotic experience he had in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia where he found great artisans that would help create the new line. It includes a sporty set that makes perfect gym get up, a resort and club wear confection using stretch and lycra, cotton, voile, and silk. An eclectic mix of textures and treatments. MOWGLI LINE

It's all about bags!! Fur trimmed leather bags that come in different shapes and sizes. A must have item for stylish individuals that make a statement with fun and function. ASIAN STUD

A men's line of fashion accessories, polished and finished for the hip, fit, and urban man. These rare pieces are like an offshoot from the designers successful Trojan Collection sold in Scandinavia back in 2003. 2005 marks the beginning and the launch of Charlie Manatad's limited edition apparel and accessories line for men and women. On October 22, Saturday, his Spring /Summer 2006 Collection will be unveiled at the hi-end Fitness First Gym in Ayala Center Cebu entitled FITNESS and FASHION. Cebu's top male and female mannequins from AD MODELS PHILIPPINES agency will be gracing the catwalk wearing the sport, resort and club wear all designed exclusively by Charlie Manatad.

The fashion show would be the first to be staged in this venue since it opened last year. A display of the upcoming collection is currently on exhibit at the gym for Fitness First members. Leah Marie Sausa, Membership Relations Manager told this scribe that this event opens up doors to other shows and special functions who need a big space for a venue. AdLib Style Concepts creative team is directing the fashion event. Watch out for more fashion and style news in and around Cebu in the next freeSTYLE articles to come. You can send an email to [email protected], or check out www.admodelsphils.com for more info.