Philip Rodriguez' Spring Sensational

CEBU, Philippines - I remembered Miranda Priestly exclaiming to her band of scared editors and staff - "Florals for spring? Groundbreaking!" Her voice heavily dripping with sarcasm. Well, why not? We always welcome florals for spring! Philip Rodriguez loves romanticism, so much so that he was delighted to find them everywhere he turned his eyes—on a recent trip abroad. The country's flora and fauna provided the inspiration for his recent spring line, and the collection's sole print was derived from the pattern on a moth's wings.

In his showroom minutes before his show in Shangrila in  Makati, he explained that his most inspired collections always have a dose of floralia and gossamer chiffons too. In pale colors albeit the finale dress worn by runway veteran Grace Tagle was even more inspiring in a blast of burgundy! That and more came through in the nipped waists and slightly roomy pleated pants. Pleats were a recurring motif. A short pleated circle skirt with a panel of beading was sexy and fun, the best kind of take on naughty schoolgirl. The moth wing print had a kaleidoscope effect on a paneled silk and chiffon dresses; worn with an attached peplum (a delightful accessory) it narrowed the frame and added length—good things, most wearers would agree. When it came to positives, the collection was full of them. Bravissimo! (FREEMAN)