A couple of days before the Samsung/Metrowear/Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) show, I was at a press function/tea party, if you will, at Adora in Greenbelt 5.
During the gathering, one of the topics was the upcoming fashion event at the Rockwell Tent.
One of the editors turned to me and asked if I was attending.
“Unfortunately I’m covering,” I answered candidly, knowing what a task it is to review 23 designers in one go.
To my utter horror, I realized I was speaking with Metro magazine’s new editor in chief, Katrina Holigares. She laughed at my little faux pas.
I found her pleasant, with a good sense of humor.
Showed up on the said date and hoped for the best.
Fortunately it was worth the drive and effort.
To make this short and sweet, we’ll review them in a nutshell and let the pictures speak for themselves.
But first you have to know there were themes involved.
Host and editor Romina Urra opened the show by explaining the themes the designers worked on.
Divided into three segments, they were:
Club Arab — a play on colors, symmetry, draping and volume.
Gaeia — meaning “old earth” in Greek, calling to mind multicultural ethnicity.
And Cold Africa — which is not about tribes, but more on safari jackets and detailing.
Rajo Laurel opened with some Lanvin-esque metallic gold drapey numbers.
Next, PJ Arañador showed pastel-colored menswear reminiscent of bullfighters or Mexicans wearing sombreros and tote bags.
Ricci Lisazo had a confusing group of white summer suits paired with autumn hats and crocheted vests, along with very gay retro dresses that looked like the Supremes in drag.
Len Nepumuceno Guiao followed the Greek theme to a T, with blue and brown hooded drapey stuff that could have benefited from a couple more fittings (to put it nicely).
Arcy Gayatin was the surprise of the evening. She stayed true to the Eastern theme in very clean silhouettes and simple pastels that draped nicely and worked with just the right amount of embellishment. Her models looked like ancient princesses. In a word: Wow.
Gerry Katigbak showed a very Gerry set of very romantic, period-looking pieces. The women’s wear was charming. Wish I could say the same for the men.
If I have to explain Frederick Peralta to a newbie (which I did), I would say Frederick is the type of designer who wants to pull out all the stops to put on a show. We like that because it’s kitchsy and very dramatic. He always portrays the contrabida in the old movie (think Celia Rodriguez).
In this case, Frederick says he was inspired by Marlene Dietrich, depicting old Hollywood glamour with the turban, the gems, the silver and white, with maximum bling.
Hindy Weber Tantoco showed dainty summer pieces with delicate Eastern details. The simple accessories were a nice touch, with the candle-ball thingy, the girly floral hair clip and the patent gray wedges.
Barba probably had very nice pieces, but I was too distracted by the styling using facial jewelry, which tended to draw attention away from the main attraction.
It would seem like Alex Pigao had a burst of inspiration while dining at the food court. Were his headpieces inspired by a drinking straw? Or did he get the memo that recycling is back? Eco-chic is in! His highly unflatte-ring pieces looked like they were fashioned from scraps.
Rags to riches, is that you?
Oj Hofer, Tippi Ocampo, Anthony Nocom, Dong Omaga Diaz, Ramon Esteban: Silence is golden.
And speaking of gold, Avel Bacudio used metallic leggings to accessorize Ivar-like futurist pieces, some of which were cute, mind you. Except the menswear.
Loving some of Edwin Ao’s quirky details, with the unexpected lapel and extra sleeves. He showed us what happens when you marry avant-garde, cocktail and corporate. Not sure if it’s working but we appreciate the effort.
Robi Lolin designs in his fantasy world of the futuristic Prinsipe Abante only he understands. His stuff reminds me of Pieter Bruegel’s The Blind Leading The Blind (one of my favorite paintings, mind you).
I just don’t get this collection.
Joey Samson is back doing what he does best with no color. Loved his fall/winter pieces with the Thom Browne-ish cuffs, the unexpected twist on the neckline of a dress or the way a woman’s trouser closes. This was all worth getting out of the house for.
High expectations arise whenever Ivarluski Aseron is showing. This time he did a complete 180 from the futuristic, often-imitated pieces he is known for.
His all-gray set reminded me of Audrey Hepburn from the bookshop in Funny Face, or Obi Wan Kenobi-inspired women’s wear, some of which translated into very nice stuff.
Jesus Lloren loves those seemingly simple pieces made up of very complicated patterns. I’m aware he has loads of fans for these and a clientele willing to pay the price (it just ain’t me).
Capping the show was Randy Ortiz as the traveler complete with handbags. It is a collection Sherlock Holmes would go gaga for, if he went on a safari.