Furne One: The Final Fantasy

CEBU, Philippines - Nanoseconds after the exclusive Furne One Finally! show (invites were for 150 guests only), I found myself stampeding backstage along with other well-wishers and style gurus the likes of Inno Sotto, Arcy Gayatin, Philip Rodriguez, Jun Escario, Liz Uy and Oj Hofer who quipped, "I feel like in an alien world!" Indeed, the backstage was a flurry of activity as models and photographers competed for the celebrated designer's attention. It wouldn't be strange if Queen Amidala and the whole posee of the Coruscant who's who (see Star Wars for reference) would appear rubbing elbows with the still Furne One-clad models.

For this season, Dubai-based Cebuano Furne One, opting to present his visually and technically complex collection – he likes to integrate high-tech concepts with traditional methods of making clothes – at the Rizal Library and Museum ballroom. One ran great lengths of stretchy industrial cord through silk jersey and the lightest of chifons to make dresses and togas which can be draped, ruched, and tightened by the wearer and a whole array of fusus (beads in Arabic) I have never seen before. Prints were derived from thermal imaging, which mapped the body to show clusters of color then traced with the fusus-swirling forms in melon, pink, and green-at the stress points. As always, his knack is melding opulent, feminine surface effects onto luxurious bases.

Sometimes, every piece of Furne One fashion is more about a scene than a show. But as the designer revealed, remove the shoulders, masks and headdresses and what you have are party sheaths dripping with style. Looking back to the show, the way One mishmashed his collection was definitely a work of genius. Plus factor for the fact that this Zee Lifestyle Cebu production's proceeds go to the rehabilitation of the Rizal Library and Museum. Bravissimo! (FREEMAN)