A coming of age for these "ladies who launch"

There’s something goose bump-inducing about seeing people come of age. That moment when you see a person shine in their lives or in their careers doing something they truly love and get recognized for it. That was what happened last week at the Metrowear Luxe gala show. 

I literally made it in the nick of time, arriving from a 15-hour flight straight from London to Manila then onwards to an additional few hours stuck in Metro Manila traffic before getting onto the red carpet of Dusit Hotel ballroom, where I was greeted with a hug by Metro Society editor Raul Manzano. “Go to your seat because the show is about to start!” Raul told me as he hurriedly ran backstage to give the ladies the final go signal. 

Sarah Meier, Metro magazine’s current editor-in-chief, herself a baby-turned-lady of the fashion world, kickstarted the show with her own brand of savvy. Sarah is hands down one of the best hosts in this town, and she began the night by asking for a moment of silence for the victims of the recent Paris attacks. Sarah then talked about a certain Rosenthal Tee, who was the first one who sent Sarah a note, addressing her as “editor-in-chief.” Goosebump moment for Sarah, she told the crowd of fashion insiders and muses that night. 

Rosenthal debuted her stuff as “pre-show” with a collection so fresh she grabbed her own spotlight. She demonstrated a certain mastery of fabrics and had her own silhouette that spelled fresh. First goose bump moment, check. 

Main show

The main act happened right after, the rigodon of the female fashion designers of the moment. It was a refreshing change for Metrowear, who has mostly featured more senior designers in the past. This was a good time to gather together this fresh batch of femme fatales rocking the fashion world. Charina Sarte, Rosanna Ocampo, Sassa Jimenez, Maureen Disini, and Vania Romoff have all made waves on the scene and it was a stroke of genius to put them together and call it “Class of 2015.” These ladies and their muses constitute the now and the new of Philippine fashion today. 

Charina Sarte championed the sexy beast with her devil-may-care creations that are meant to tease, tempt, and ultimately, charm. Rosanna Ocampo channeled an old world Parisian romantic in her collection that showcased her luxurious bohemian side while Sassa Jimenez went to the street to redefine her own version of luxe.

Maureen Disini chose to display her technical expertise of fabric and patterns, with gowns that had high impact and high wearability points. Vania Romoff capped the show with her high octave pieces that were both dramatic and dreamy. The audience gave the ladies a rousing ovation for all the wonderful work they did, individually and collectively.  It was one goose bump-inducing moment after another.

Maybe I’m waxing sentimental because I have seen most of these artists go through so much — from childhood to party life to the start of their careers to their current state of balancing everything from having a family, manning the business and keeping abreast of everything that’s happening and keeping a sane (or insane) mind amidst it all.

It’s really not that easy even if they make it appear to be. Effortlessness even when we all know these things take so much effort — now that gives me goose bumps! 

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(More moments of introspection @officialtimyap on Instagram and on Twitter.)