Statements of independence
The future of tomorrow is with the youth. The famous cliché that ceases to exist today is both truth and wisdom rolled up in simple words that speak depths of meaning. While studying the past is marked as learning, and living in the present becomes the experience, tomorrow is partially the result of both yesterday and today. In the arena of fashion design, great legends of the past and masters of the present are undoubtedly a point of inspiration to the young. Thousands of aspirants and upstarts interpret through their designs a fusion of personal aesthetics and of their icon. It is a formulated approach and reflective search in creating and developing an individual style they can call their own. As a result, new designs are born to pave way for fashion forward-ideas that break barriers and expand parameters in various forms. These ideas that are translated through creations become the insights of the future in local design. Though youthful creativity is abundant and flourishing, there is a greater need to support them and create avenues that showcase these fresh masterpieces. Without the needed assistance, these young designers fade and become artists that are lost in translation. 
Manila fashion through the decades had a number of fashion boutiques dedicated in promoting Filipino talents. History recalls names such as SM Boutique Square, Kirei, Twenty Two B.C., Sari-Sari, Milkwear, Ishq, Fibre, SyKat Couture and Backstage to name a few and most of which no longer exist. Though each had their era, all had an advocacy for Pinoy brilliance and creativity in design. Today, a concept store opened its doors a little over a year ago with the same visionary intentions. Myth is a renowned fashion boutique that promotes outstanding Filipino design talent. It houses exemplary works of accomplished and prominent artists in the field of fashion design, makeup and hair styling. Its roster of respected industry names include Randy Ortiz, Henri Calayag, Jing Monis, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, JC Buendia and artist Doltz Pilar. Their distinct aesthetics, well edited merchandise, selective number of designers and fashion forward collections mark a fresh take on a concept driven boutique. Being at the forefront of the local retail landscape, Myth’s style-setting appeal has formed a cult following making it a success in a short period of time.
Broadening its horizons in showcasing a spectrum of style, Myth recently introduced to its lineup four of the brightest young designers to create distinctive capsule collections: Young Designers Guild (YDG) president Louis Claparols (sportswear), Mega’s 2009 Young Designer’s Competition (YDC) winner Vanessa Ang (modern feminine silhouettes), fashion genius Mich Dulce (edgy construction) and Joel Escober (modern classics). The boutique is a mix of designers both established and new who define standout impressions of what Philippine fashion is all about. It is no longer a myth, a fable nor a tale but a realized autonomy of style echoing the current statements of independence.
(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)
