Bringing sexy back

What does it mean when what seems like a hundred models strut down a ramp in what appears to be a ceaseless parade of trendy looks? That Manila is finally getting what she has always asked for – trendy, up-to-date ensembles for the modern woman? That people are finally taking layering seriously? Or that there are now so many options for every woman she only has to take her pick from any number of trends engineered to flatter most bodies?

Well, if you were at the Mango show that answer would be: all of the above.

The retail giant decided to show off its assorted pieces – and prowess in booking almost every available model in the city – in a runway event to launch not just the latest looks but its recent acquisition: underwear.

Mango’s underwear collection consists of sweet teddy styles that make dressing that much comfier to sexy, in-your-face push-up bras built to make even the most petite of chests seem busty. Ribbons and lace play a key role in the label’s more embellished styles. Runaway ruffles cup and decorate, adding a girlish sweetness to skimpier sets, while bare styles in black lace, with just a hint of bare flesh peeking through, are seriously seductive.

Not to be left out, the rest of the Mango clothing line made themselves noticeable in a series of ensembles patterned after this year’s most memorable trends.

The Black Dahlia

Dress up or dress down, every urbanite knows that the statement-making piece of the season – or any season for that matter – is a black number. And for the show’s opening segment for the ready-to-wear collection, Mango debuted Hepburn’s cocktail staple: the little black dress. Except this dress came in numerous forms. A belted trench dress with a voluminous skirt and three-quarter-length sleeves was mysterious without being revealing. A black velvet jacket with rounded lapels and a shirred skirt made for an ideal holiday party outfit. Pops Fernandez and Nina took to the catwalk in black sheaths, Pops in a spaghetti-strapped number, and Nina in a ruched strapless dress.

Wrapped And Ready

The everywhere-goes dress got another update as the wrap dress was debuted in several, equally attractive, incarnations. Instead of basic shades, Mango opted for prints. Leopard, a popular trend this year, and stripes made an appearance. Stylists suggest pairing wrap dresses with sparkly high heels or patent pumps for dressier affairs, knee-high leather boots for more high-fashion events, and ballet flats for more laid-back occasions.

Coat Check

Puffed jackets and bombers: volume is big and so is coverage. Faux fur jackets made a comeback, just like JLo promised they would, paired with leggings and an oversize shirt. For a more practical approach, sweaters and cardigans were layered with summery pieces like shorts and shift dresses. But if it’s hardcore warmth you want, trench coats in black, gray, tan, and taupe in cuts ranging from the traditional British overcoat to motorcycle-jacket-inspired cuts are also available. An eye-catching houndstooth print makes anyone stand out, especially in a double-breasted cut.

Fur Trim And Prints

There were plenty of both to go around. Shift dresses with ruffled collars, cap sleeves or secretary bows got a lot of airplay on the runway – and off. Members of the audience were also sporting their own version of the trend.

To add an autumnal feel to the fashions, faux fox and mink collars were added to the mix, dotting numerous jackets and coats.

If there’s one thing shoppers should invest in for the holiday season, a fitted jacket in a faux fur or velvet should do the trick. Paired with a skirt or skinny jeans, they easily update any look. Some holiday cheer and a little gold purse won’t hurt either.

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Mango is located at SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta, Power Plant Mall and Alabang Town Center.