Summer sneak preview

At the Samsung Metrowear Gala, the hottest and most prestigious fashion ticket in town, Manila’s chic set got a preview of the upcoming trends and hits that will dominate the style scene in the coming year.

The Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel was the place du jour for the Samsung Metrowear Gala presented by Samsung, Metro magazine, Metro Society, and Edsa Shangri-La. The fashion gala presented the latest batch of fashion-forward creations from 20 of the best Filipino designers from Manila and Cebu, which are set to define summer 2009’s key looks.

As guests enjoyed their cocktails, models took the catwalk to parade one-of-a-kind creations from the featured designers. Architect-turned-fashion designer Francis Libiran took tropical dressing a stylish notch higher with his vibrantly hued designs executed in soft and luxurious fabrics. Classic silhouettes got a liberal dose of color with artist Patty Eustaquio’s cosmopolitan shifts and explosion of prints. Jan Garcia gave a nod to the ’30s with his peplum-inspired collection, while Louis Claparols displayed his penchant for larger-than-life female icons with embellished pieces fit for a goddess.

Ronaldo Arnaldo crafted patterns and manipulated colors to create a glamorous collection that featured a variety of textures, shapes and hues. Ethnic and western cultures met, meanwhile, in Puey Quiñones’ Jackson Pollock-inspired hand-painted garments and tribal accessories, in contrast with Oj Hofer’s refined yet stunning organdy and silk satin gowns.

Taking inspiration from flora and fauna, Marichu Tan complemented her predominantly orange and black collection with hand-painted flowers and butterfly appliqués on gazar, silk chiffon, soft tulle, and stretch satin. Edwin Ao combined today’s minimalism with yesterday’s extravagance by enhancing a woman’s curves with his pieces, while keeping to a chic palette of taupe, beige, yellow and black.

Ren Manabat looked to the modern Grecian woman for his draped jersey and taffeta pieces, while Ray Kuan’s collection was greatly inspired by theatrical elements. Feminine sensuality, meanwhile, was the defining characteristic of Salvador Malto’s designs, which caters to fun-loving and jet-setting women.

Arcy Gayatin took the carefree feeling of summer and translated it into offbeat dresses in shades of yellow, taupe and verdant green, while Jun Escario looked to the era of French fashion designer Madeleine Vionnet in creating his drop-waist gowns that showcased the dynamics of movement. Cary Santiago, on the other hand, amped up the campy appeal with his “Strips Tease” collection, which featured custom-made black and pink stripes in graduated sizes and patterns.

Other participating designers were Philip Rodriguez, Mich Dulce, Kate Torralba, Rhett Eala and Protacio Empaces Jr.

As the platform for the country’s best designers to showcase their collections, Metrowear has consistently supported and upheld Filipino creativity since its first show in 2002. Katrina Holigores, editor-in-chief of Metro magazine, says, “The Samsung Metrowear Gala once again proves how the country is brimming with talented individuals who are not only in-the-know but are also skillful, creative and world-class.”

The fashionistas in the crowd seemed to agree, like Karylle, Raymond Gutierrez, Bubbles Paraiso, Juddah Paolo, ABS-CBN’s Ernie and Jeena Lopez, Divine Lee, Illac Diaz, renowned fashion designers Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz and Lulu Tan-Gan, lovely couples Tippi and Ito Ocampo and Katrina Goulbourn-Feist and Chris Feist, among others.

With the Samsung Metrowear Gala bringing together the best of the country’s creative talents, the future of Philippine fashion looks bright.