CEBU, Philippines - The holidays isn’t all about snow and chilly winds. In tropical countries like the Philippines, we definitely have a different kind of Christmas going on. What we lack for in snow and sleigh rides, we definitely make up for in terms of bursts of color and festivities. The tropical Christmas may not exactly be the traditional Christmas but it sure gives us the license to be in the sexiest and slinkiest of holiday wear—and the best part about it is that we can get away without the tacky cover-ups.
The tropics bring to mind many a memory about cruising and resorts so honey, forget about being clothed to the teeth this holiday season. Instead, draw inspiration from the best of Cruise and Resort wear that’s a little bit of both poles: Prim and Proper, and Fun and Fancy.
Prim and proper
Gucci’s 2011 Cruise Collection will get every stylista’s heart pumped up. This is high fashion that’s fit for the girl who’s naturally classy and who’s sexy without even trying. The Cruise look is all about looking and feeling like an heiress with more than enough cash to stuff in 150 LV luggages.
This is all about depicting the life of a high-class jetsetter with a carefully slicked mane that’s pulled back into a tight, neat chignon or ponytail. It’s all about immaculate grooming and a round trip ticket off to somewhere expensive and exotic.
The Cruise aesthetic is purely jet setter with the color scheme being predominantly nude, camel, khaki, ivory, slate, and crisp whites. Think about tan playsuits and jumpsuits or slinky nude tops paired with a pair of crisp white skinnies for a day at the safari or a morning at the botanical garden, or revel in the thought of flowy copper maxi dresses that complete a beachside or poolside dinner right after stepping off a Boeing A380.
Accessorize with ethnic-inspired statement necklaces or larger-than-life bangles in coral or ivory and you’re good to go. Don a bag in animal print, leather, or reptile skin for a more exotic feel as you enjoy one tropical Christmas that will definitely be one for Facebook.
Fun and fancy
The island life can be wild and whimsical and that’s exactly what John Galliano’s collection of sailors and island belle’s is all about. It’s the kind of collection for those who believe that Christmas is all about celebrating the sun, the sand, the sea, and the tropical island life that’s unique to the Philippines. This is all about dressing up for the island life baby without having to look the least bit like a beach comber.
Galliano whipped up a fantasy island that we’d all want our cruise ships to make a stop over to.
Copy shamelessly the models’ full fantasy theme with bold, bright make-up and hair done in thick, heavy curls for a retro/vintage island feel.
Bag the island glam look with nifty playsuits in bright prints and bold backgrounds. Dare to wear sailor pants and caps with buckled ankle boots and slouchy socks for a shipwrecked vibe that’s hard to match. Play up on tropical glamour with fluid dresses reminiscent of exotic flowers. Don ribbon tie heels, floral lei necklaces in splashes of fuchsia and tangerine, and the quintessential maxidress in flowing silk and all you need are mojitos and margaritas for an island party.
Amp up the glam factor by slipping on a pair of Cat’s Eye shades and you’ll have Santa rushing from the North Pole to Bora in no time. (THE FREEMAN)