Happy in Bench
MANILA, Philippines - No time is lovelier and no time is sweeter than the holiday season. It’s a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy each other’s company. It’s also when you realize what you cherish most in life and pinpoint the people who give your purpose and fulfillment. This is the underlying theme for the holiday campaign of Bench: Being happy in Bench.
Come Together: Celebrities And Loved Ones
Bench has always been known for its celebrity pull. Its family is like most any: a comfortable mix of real, unique, relatable people. For this season, the Bench family was extended with the endorsers being shot together with their loved ones. Whether siblings, best friends, or cherished pets, the message is clear — family is what you make of it.
No sibling rivalry here; the campaign has its fair share of brotherly and sisterly love. Showbiz siren and fashion maven Lovi Poe posed gleefully with sister Yael, evidence of a tight bond. The brotherhood was displayed through Aljur Abrenica and his brother Alvin. Showing that beauty is truly in their genes were Belle Daza and sister Ava. Superstar power was in overdrive with Richard Guttierez and his older sister, fashion icon Ruffa Guttierez. It was also clear that age was no barrier when it comes to closeness, the warm older brother sides of Jake Cuenca, Enchong Dee and Diether Ocampo were revealed as they posed with their siblings Bea, Angelika and RJ, respectively.
Famous titas were seen on set. Actress Carla Abellana came to the shoot with here adorable niece Ava while the stunning Shaina Magdayao bonded with her nephew Raffy on the snowy winter set.
To show that family is truly what you make of it, the effervescent Angelica Panganiban brought her dearest friends composed of friends Mac, Patty, Kevin and Ayen. International singing sensation Billy Crawford brought his dog, a loyal (and well-behaved, we might add) pet.
The Clothes: Season’s Chic
For this season, the Bench collection focuses on styles that are on one hand chic and sophisticated (dressy enough for the countless gatherings and parties that one can expect in the coming months) but also comfortable and familiar, the kind of wardrobe you can wear when hanging out with friends or relaxing at home with loved ones.
For the ladies, expect to see a lot of polka dots and stripes. Typically a summer favorite, these prints have become season-less and can be carried from holiday into summer. What’s fantastic about these pieces is that there is a subtle nod to the ’40s and ’50s with the use of chiffon and classic cuts — striped boatneck tops, blue polka dot blouses, and short chiffon mini dresses.
Another trend evident in the collection are the use of plaid. This plays on the grunge style of the ’90s, but it is made chic and sophisticated by mixing it with chambray sleeves and hoods. When worn with leggings or a fun skirt, these pieces go instantly from street chic to city glam. The tone of easy glamour is reiterated through soft flowly tops, pleated trousers that narrow out, and chiffon skirts and dresses.
For the guys, it is all about simple yet effective layering and color blocking. Staples like hoodies, cardigans, sweaters, and T-shirts are updated with graphic and handsome color blocking. A mix of maroon and pistachio on a hoodie brings out the blues of your favorite denim while a basic gray cardigan is amped up with blocking on its button plackets, popping against a bright red tee.
On the flip side, holiday clothing for men also plays on somber neutrals with a slight lean towards city grit and rock and roll culture. This can be seen through the wide array of dark, raw denim and gray jeans. Also, graphic tees with silk screened images as well as the prevalence of dark and snug scarves make it a great season to play around and experiment sartorially.
The Scene
For the campaign, there were three unique sets assembled in the studio. Each of these backgrounds represented a universal theme associated with the season. The first one was a wall filled with yellow parols shaped in an assortment of sizes. These star-shaped lanterns lit up the room and brought to mind the nostalgia of Filipino Pasko as well as reflecting the star power that Bench is known for.
The second background is the floating, gigantic Christmas wreaths. Suspended mid-air, these were assembled using a bevy of fresh flowers, leaves and plants, and decorated festively as a family would at home. They were used playfully by the talents either as an oversized, makeshift swing or as a verdant and lively background to Bench’s new collection.
The final setting, and by far the most elaborate, was a winter wonderland that looked as if it were transported all the way from the white-laden landscape of Siberia.
Bench has long transcended being only a clothing brand — it is a lifestyle choice and an ideal that strikes the chord in every Filipino. At its heart it is a label that stands for fashion, family, friendship, love, national pride, and being comfortable in your own skin. The Bench family is a Filipino family, however you describe it. This holiday season calls everyone to come together: to be happy with oneself, to be happy with others, and to be happy in Bench.
