I caught the Bench Fever

Like all fevers, it all started with a dizzying frenzy. Bench Fever, Ben Chan's latest fashion installation at the Araneta Coliseum wowed a crowd that ooh-ed and aah-ed. I had the privilege to preview it thru the rehearsals before the main event and thus my upward spiral began. I had nostalgic nausea as our own Cebu models Elvira Stehr and Cassidy Shun romped down. She in beaded and striped padded bra & matching bikini with fishnet stockings, white pumps, Jackie O shades and pillbox hat, he in striped and beaded briefs with a wide tie and gold aviator sunglasses to the tune of It's Raining Men and styled by designer Rajo Laurel.

I heard my head and heart throbbed lightly to the pulsating beat of Madonna's Fever as Harold Dee and Stephan Urtizberea came out in sherbet colored briefs and boxers detailed and styled in early 80s Ziggy Stardust full regalia by designer Randy Ortiz. Other notable designers and personalities who styled the show were Joey Samson, Celine Lopez, Rhett Eala, Tim Yap and Patrice Ramos Diaz.

Aesthetically directed and choreographed by model-cum-director Robbie Carmona, Bench Fever boasts of a hundred models and personalities who sashayed the 70s themed stage complete with circular dance floor, lighted cages and pseudo tunnel prompting designer Albert Arriba to quip it reminds him of Inner Circle Discotheque, a favorite hang-out decades ago. Bench Fever culminated in an hour long natural high of live entertainment from Sister Sledge and Village People.