Detailed sophistication in dressing definitely is Cary Santiago’s dictum ever since he started as a couturier many seasons ago. Recently, it seemed that a less discreet philosophy has permeated practically every piece that bears his name, pushing the sophistication factor further: gold and black Swarovski turtleneck mini dress that from afar make up the patterns of a leopard, black and white, peacock, and zebra inspired ball gowns sans beadwork, and a floral patterned crystal dress that dazzled and dazed everyone – it can rival the aurora borealis. These ensembles were a few of the looks on his runway this season. It is not a fallacy that the reclusive designer (he shuns the camera if he can help it), unleashed over a million pesos worth of Swarovski crystals for this Metrowear collection. It is a fact.
Alongside classic Santiago staples like the nude jersey detailed column dresses (this time it came with a breastplate and metal curlicues) and black patterned halter gowns with tulle overlays were the showstoppers: a lattice dress in skintone with matching maillot inside, the metallic cocktail dresses with patterns forming eagles on the shoulders and snakeskin (though armor like, its very malleable). Sex appeal was a key element of the show, and a lot of the eveningwear, like the matte jersey dresses and the black and white butterfly column did not go unnoticed as all came with matching shoes by Cary Santiago for Maldita.
Seconds after the show, models and the backstage crew witnessed a ceremony of sorts. The passing of the, well, needle as Jude Bacalso referred to it. That’s when the old guard consisting of Mike de la Rosa, Ceasar Gaupo, Rusty Lopez and the likes trooped backstage to congratulate the beaming Cary Santiago. Bravissimo!