Bijoux Cebu Designers' Gala

CEBU, Philippines - They did it again! Bijoux Cebu 2009, after last year’s higly successful installation, did another coup de grace. Just when American and Western European designers are turning to the Orient for inspiration, designers this side of the globe turn to, well, the rest of the world for inspiration. At the Marquee of Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa, designers Arcy Gayatin, Cary Santiago, Jun Escario, Oj Hofer and Philip Rodriguez paired off with accessory entities Impressione, Avatar, Earthworks, Noreen Tseng and Genea to unveil an eco-chic ensemble.

Ironically, the Cary Santiago and Avatar pairing represents the polar opposite of the metallic dreams of fashion folks as the latter accessorized the former’s silver Swarovski tussled dresses with bold gold neckpieces. Arcy Gayatin’s fluid chiffon dresses on the runway armed with an invigoratingly chic-looking blast of realism from equally chic pieces from Impressione had the audience sitting up in attention. Jun Esacrio and Noreen Tseng, these two have taken a look at the streets of modern Shanghai and come up with a creative fusion of garments and accessories that address the twenty-first century in an imaginatively practical way. “The less they try, the more interesting they look,” said a well-heeled member of the audience, refering to the African inspired designs of Philip Rodriguez and Genea. That explains the thought process behind the surprisingly elegant forms the pair created, say, a neutral on neutral pantsuit, with a fringed scarf embedded in the side, or menswear in the same treatment.

 These kinds of transpositions have been the stock in trade of highly successful pairings for years. But there’s something new-generation about the way the featured designers turn it all to the very global point of making a woman (and man) look good. With great items like those seen here, these was an accomplished collection from rare pairs of designers who are transmitting a jolt of excitement about eco-friendly dressing.

Credits: M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu (0917-6302400 / 032-3162368) •Maquillage: Gary Son • Special thanks to Jodie Soontit and Wylie Chavez of Crinnovent Corp. • Photographed by Christie Uy of Nomad Photography