Summer trends 2012

CEBU, Philippines - Here in the Philippines, most especially in Cebu, the Spring-Summer Collection is the only season in fashion that is very much applicable. Obviously, we all live in a tropical country and in our case, the beach is just 20 minutes away. And to help us determine what’s hot to wear this summer, I asked different Cebuano personalities in the fashion industry for their ideas.

Let us start with the fashion trends. What are the clothes to wear? Fabrics? Colors? This will be answered by young Cebu designer, Hanz Coquilla, who also became a finalist at the Project Runway Philippines Season 2. “Go seductively sweet this summer! Beat the heat by wearing those tutti frutti colors like tango tangerine, lemonade yellow, peach blush or kiwi green”, Hanz shares. Here are more trends that we should take note of:

•Mullet – “This fashion trend is everywhere. It’s a cross between a mini and a maxi dress, or shall I say a hybrid of a cocktail dress and evening gown combined into one”

•Airy maxi dresses – “Maxi dresses will always be there, but the airy ones will be top trendy. Think chiffon, taffeta, organza and other sheer fabrics and colorful print”

•Glittering dresses – “You’ll never go wrong with sequined dresses or gowns if you want to be all glammed up this season. Shiny and glittering outfirs are still staying this season”

•Color blocking – “This season will give everyone the immunity to mix-and-match colors without the worry of getting arrested. Just remember, proportion is key.”

•Stripes – “Stripes will remain until this season and until forever! You can never go wrong with wearing stripes.”

Any outfit wouldn’t be complete without the shoes. So we asked Shandar’s owner and head designer, Mark Tenchavez, what our feet should be caught wearing this season.

•Resort wedges – “Wedges are still very much in and will stay for long. They are easy to wear, enhance one’s legs and are generally comfortable”

•Floral prints – “Summer wouldn’t be complete without floral prints. You can never go wrong with it this season, just make sure to pair it up with a simple outfit”

•Neon summer colors – “Neon colors have become a rage on the catwalk, and since color blocking is so much hot this season, it’s best to complete it with the right neon shoes to make a statement.”

One important trend this summer that will speak volumes about a person’s dressing up are fashion accessories. The best person to help us is a young and trendy accessory designer, Mia Arcenas, Creative Director of Mia Arcenas Accessories.

•Crocheted bags / Belt bags / Doctor bags

•Sea animals-inspired jewelry items

•Cat’s eye sunglasses – “Cat’s eye has been trendy for the past seasons and will remain hot this summer”

Now that you already know must-haves this season, don’t forget to pack the trendiest clothes, shoes and accessories wherever life takes you on your warm weather getaway. (FREEMAN)