The style-studded Bench show

MANILA, Philippines - Style-studded and star-struck, Bench did it again during Philippine Fashion Week.

Not many expected to see such a wide range of familiar faces doing their fashionable thing down the runway last Oct. 25 at SM Mall of Asia’s main atrium. It was not your typical day or fashion show with beautiful faces and gorgeous, trendy ensembles.

Because it was Bench’s show, one thing stuck to the crowd and had always been a trademark of the brand: A full load of popular personalities. The show brought the atrium down with fans hovering from all levels of the mall just to get a glimpse of their favorite stars.

Proudly Pinoy and loving it, Bench had included elemental touches of nationalism through each brand that turned up on the runway for Bench, Bench Pinoy Lab, Bench Tweeners, Kashieca and Human.

Not all are worthy of that handsome face that drives some hearts to tears. Wearing Human and Pinoy Lab combined, they came one after another. Dingdong Dantes was in a retro fitted blazer laced with native crocheted elements. Jake Cuenca halted at the end of the runway in his baby blue long sleeved knit with embroidered detailing. Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee, and Coco Martin struck the audience with their innocent smile. They had layered barong details imprinted on their zip-front jackets while Ejay Falcon bowed in his most graceful manner, sporting a gray T-shirt with black embroidered accents and a bowler hat. Any Bench show would not be complete without Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres and daughter Julianna. They walked hand-in-hand wearing their statement tees that read, “I Love Manila.”

One by one, they pleased the crowd as Kim Chiu, Angelica Panganiban, and Kris Bernal wore statement T-shirts paired with plaid long skirts belted like a terno attire. Along came a little bit of humor when Elizabeth Ramsey walked into the runway, swaggering from side to side in her flashy red heels wearing “I Love OPM.” Also bringing applause, appreciation and laughter was Ryan Yllana whose T-shirt read, “I Love Adobo.” Even Ben Chan himself was enjoying the moment as it was truly a surprise number.

Not just the younger set made an appearance on the runway. Models Marina Benipayo, Wilma Doesnt, and Gem Padilla along with Lucy wore Kashieca ensembles.

Bench Tweeners had their share of the runway with toddlers and young adults such as Andre Yllana who wore a casual number for boys his age. Fun, highly spirited and engaging, the energy of youth had its way as these tweeners impressed the crowd with fun, classic and comfortable clothes — roughing it or not.

While engaging the audience in the star-studded moment, Bench not only pleased the eyes of guests, but of the many who came from afar just to get a glimpse of their favorite celebrities. Since Bench had given its heart to those in need, the show ended with Virgilio Lim donating a generous amount to the Philippine National Red Cross.