Season of Style

CEBU, Philippines - If Cary Santiago’s latest bridal (cathedral) gown looked familiar, that’s because he decided to re-show the pleated hit-of-a-gown to a broader set of guests gathered at the Marco Polo Plaza hotel lobby for Seasons – A Bridal and Debutante’s Fair.

 That’s after showing it at the One Cebu Fashion Gala Moda Cebuana a week before. And it’s all worth it, as the creation gathered more oohs and aahs. Equally impressive were the bridal ensemble of Philip Rodriguez, Arcy Gayatin, Jun Escario, Albert Arriba, Philip Tampus, Oj Hofer and Salvador Malto, all from Fashion Council of Cebu (F.C.C.)  So there were a lot of those sweeping, maxi-softest chiffon flowing silhouettes that drew more enthusiastic applause. Subtle elegance’s most ardent disciples, Arcy Gayatin and Jun Escario showed unfussy translucent gowns in silk chiffon and Chantilly lace, respectively. Albert Arriba’s  look had a dreamy languor, but the designer has always managed to stay this side of saccharine by adding twinges of disturbia when actual falling leaves littered the silver gray runway. Just like Gayatin and Escario, Salvador Malto also had double offerings of lace appliquéd gown with transparent panels, making it distinctively his own. Philip Tampus’ wintry bridal offering came with a faux fur draped over his model bride’s porcelain shoulders.  After all, he cites the Snow Queen as inspiration, girlish extremes of innocence and experience.