Nouvelles tendances

In the global style landscape, September is one of the most important months as fashion unveils the latest designer collections during this time. In the world of publishing and all that gloss, international magazines present their forecasts and trendsetting narratives of the hottest must-buys and must-haves in September. (An insight on this can be gleaned from the famous documentary September Issue, which shows the behind-the-scene drama that is involved in producing and putting to bed Vogue’s thickest issue).

In the Philippines, September, being the start of the “ber” months, ushers the celebration of the holiday season. It is also the time where the unfolding of the best style-setting ideas hit Manila. It is an exciting time as the entire community — from fashion insiders, stylists, celebrities and personalities to the simple style followers — looks forward to the what’s now and what’s next in fashion. This is the season for new trends. Or as they say in French, nouvelles tendances.

Visionary designer Vic Barba of Barba takes the lead as he showcases a glimpse of the most wanted trends through his latest show-stopping pieces. One of the biggest forecasts is the current obsession and fascination with print. Spotted on the international runways of great brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Mary Katrantzou, Erdem, Miu Miu, Prabal Garung, Rochas and Rag and Bone was a variety of florals, checks and painterly strokes that matter in a single piece or in matching orders. 

For Barba, shine is of great importance in the season of celebration. Wonder in the glimmering and blinding attractions as seen on embellishments or modern fabrication in both classic and contemporary designs. Another significant style-setting forecast is all about shape. The new focus on fashion with regards to silhouette draws its main attention to the waist and curves. Big names such as Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Haider Ackerman, Thakoon and Giorgio Armani present the shape of things to come as they celebrate form by defining and highlighting the return of the curve.

Lastly, one of the long-lasting trends that has been overstaying for the past seasons is the ceaseless emphasis on detailing. From decorations, adornments and embroidery to pleats, folds, ruffles and sculpting, the emphasis on detailing has consistently become the focal point of design in recent years.

(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com. Visit www.stylenarratives.blogspot.com.)

Photography by Lonliwen • Hair and makeup by Rey Legarda • Model: Maria Mopera • Wardrobe by Barba located at 2F, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City.