Large 8: Art and Fashion Fusion

"What a classy treat," softly quipped a delighted socialite who asked not to be named, after the Large 8 unveiling at the SM Atrium last weekend. Indeed it was tastefully done. Picture this: 8 large (actually, gargantuan) masterpieces of acclaimed photographers Quincy Castillo, Wig Tysmans, Ben Cabrera, Bien Bautista, Emil Davocol, Pancho Escaler, Jojo Guingona and Jaime Zobel de Ayala were unveiled with precision as the finale for the Large 8 exhibits in 8 SM Supermalls.

What made it even more classy were haute couture pieces from Fashion Council of Cebu designers Albert Arriba, Arcy Gayatin, Ditas Rodriguez, Felix Yu, Jun Escario, Minnie Yuvienco, Oj Hofer and Philip Rodriguez worn by statuesque models from M.A.C>Models Association of Cebu, under the superb direction and coordination of Perlas Awardee Junjet Primor. The above-mentioned pieces were inspired by the photographs and interpreted by the designers with aplomb.

Most notable were Arcy Gayatin's ebony and ivory bustier and sweeping skirt inspired by National Artist Ben Cabrera's black and white masterpiece, Jun Escario's metallic blue and gold serpentine dress and architextural bolero as his interpretation of Wig Tysmans' masterpiece entitled Fallen Angel, Minnie Yuvienco's Victorian dress which she got inspiration from Jaime Zobel de Ayala's Red Exuberance and Pancho Escaler's Harmonious Chaos with which Philip Rodriguez unveiled a red, black and crème deconstructionist dress with swirling chiffon as cape.

To the photographers, Fashion Council of Cebu, Junjet Primor and SM Supermalls, bravissimo!