Dark and dashing

CEBU, Philippines - I'm quite envious of my brother because it's prom season  the greatest excuse anyone can have to buy a really expensive long gown, a pair of really fabulous earrings and some killer shoes. Really, it's a very convenient justification for that February shopping spree after you've shortlisted what's hot and what's not and how to blow away your date come prom.

Except that in Silliman High, we dress up more for ourselves rather than our dates considering that you don't really get to choose your prom date. What happens in our school during prom is a little bit like lottery in the sense that our gents draw lots on who their partners will be. The good thing about it is that no one goes to the prom solo. The downside? If you're not that lucky, you might be spending the rest of prom night with someone who leaves least to be desired.

While shopping for my brother's prom stuff (yes, it can be severely agonizing to shop for those inner shirts and ties from Arrow), I couldn't help but be drawn to the deep reds, sleek blacks, and steely greys that brought into mind no longer a very sweet, pa-tweetums kind of prom, but the kind of prom that's shackled on loads of class and a bag of sass. 

I'm talking about the color scheme that's urban chic with a pop of red that speaks of nothing but less than being all grown up and ready to take the world by storm. Believe me, I'm quite inspired and I'm badly wishing I still had the chance to attend prom. Because if I did, I'd be banking on these two fashion houses to dress me up to the nines.

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung is anything but traditional when it comes to making a statement not just on the runway but on every other occasion. Expect heads to turn and eyebrows to raise as ou sashay down that red carpet in a getup that will speak volumes about your adventurous side.

Prabal Gurung's take is all about layering and texture without having to make you look like a pile of rags. Expect tiers of monochromatic reds or a play of various textures put on top of each other for a very interesting look. Imagine statement reds fading into winter off-whites and jetblacks, of black lace and black sheers being reduced to mere accents rather than playing the main canvass. Prabal Gurung is keen on creating layers with every stand alone piece such that you will see muted silvers in crochet, and pieces and ruffles down in sheers and all their sparkled glory.

Ruffian

If I were to talk about Ruffian's latest collection in one sentence max, I'd say that it's a marriage between the feminine and the masculine. Like Prabal, Ruffian plays around on sleek, dark blacks. Something we'll all never tire of for it's classy and tough appeal. 

Ruffian takes the interpretation of men's clothes into women's clothes entirely to the next level with mid-length patent skirts paired with bow ties and tails, and the Shakespearean ruffled collars executed beautifully as it melts into a delicate lace mini dress.

Ruffian's collection is dark and richly detailed. It has a hint of being Victorian with a touch of modern masculine that only a babe with loads of confidence will ever be able to pull off. It's female dandy at its best. Talk about alpha females.

Choice of accessories to bag this look should only be limited to brooches-not the sparkly ones at that-for a touch of masculinity overlayed with a dose of being femme fatale.  (FREEMAN)