Couture Phases

CEBU, Philippines -  Arcy Gayatin and Protacio are not typical photo-fit chic designers, whether in their working patterns or, come to that, their clothes patterns. In their day jobs, the two distinctively work for their own collection and both strive for something more sophisticated than in your face edgy.

Their studios in the uptown and midtown areas from which they design the Modernist line are reflective of their style aesthetics. With the recently concluded gala Face Off at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel's grand ballroom (transformed into a diagonal tent with only its GM Marco Protacio can pull off), each collection got a stamp of approval from the discriminating taste of Cebu's alta sociedad.

The ever chic Arcy Gayatin, based her ideas on the modern young woman's fun perspective of the ever so traditional tweed. But what do we know? Under her sheer genius, ash grey and gunmetal hued tweed came out as tube, multi strapped and halter dresses with the shredded passementerie crisscrossing and free hanging for a very youthful and fun approach. Protacio's nostalgic antiquity had also the edgy and very now feel. If some of it was overworked and problematic to wear (stiff panniers and peplums; lots of hard to maintain embroidery), the simplest numbers came out well (a sheath brocade dress under a foliage embroidered overlay) that gathered lots of applause.

Clearly, these designers don't need any lessons about fabric and how to use it. They have nailed the art of making a concise statement even with artsy trappings. And since the anxiety to prove themselves were long gone ages ago, the style factor flowed more easily. Bravissimo! (FREEMAN)