Once upon a fashion story

MANILA, Philippines - What is it like in the picture-perfect world of Bea Alonzo? This was the question that brought together the concept of the holiday 2011 campaign of Kashieca. Fascinated by the idea of storytelling and vintage illustration styles in children’s book, Bea is seemingly transported onto the drawn paper pages. Inspiration included E.H. Shepard’s original illustrations for A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh, the Mary Poppins film, and artist Ruben Toledo’s whimsical artworks. This adds a level of fantasy to the campaign while at the same time playing on the nostalgia of it all—a theme that is at the heart and soul of Kashieca.

The campaign shows Bea in different areas of an imaginary estate. In one shot you find her in a picturesque, illustrated living room while another scene shows the actress walking carefree through a secret garden. Fashion stylist L.A. Consing Lopez brought together Kashieca’s wide selection of basics and signature pieces from the collection — cardigans and printed chiffon to floor length and fun, sweeping ball skirts — to present a look that is timeless, polished, and definitely feminine.

The look of Bea’s hair and makeup is definitely an homage to the classic beauties of Old Hollywood, with a particular lean toward the timeless allure of the late Elizabeth Taylor. For makeup, Juan Sarte did a contemporary take on Miss Taylor’s signature ’60s eyes. This accentuated Bea’s already bright, doe-like eyes. Hair stylist Nante Alingasa took his cue from two distinct looks of French ’60s siren Bridget Bardot: worn down and voluminous and then swept up loosely — two effortless and chic ways to give your look some drama for the holiday season ahead.

Lady gray: A gray knit tunic with a cowl collar is given life care of a retro-inspired floral wallpaper motif. Bea’s look is completed with a framed purse in gray.

The holidays can be quite a frenzy, with too little time and too much to accomplish, given the parties, gatherings, and events that the modern woman has to attend. Kashieca has the perfect solution to this fashion dilemma — the key pieces that’ll blend seamlessly with one’s existing wardrobe and add a touch of polish and vintage elegance to the overall look. Taking inspiration from such iconic cultural references like Hitchcock films and his leading ladies like Tippi Hedren or the women of TV’s smash-hit Mad Men. Thus the season is full of amazing pieces that bring to mind polish and sophistication with flirty fun and youthfulness — the traits of the quintessential Kashieca girl.

• A long engagement. Long skirts are no longer reserved for formal occasions. It’s a great way to add glamour to one’s everyday look. It’s all about finding fun colors and cool and breezy materials that exude elegance without the pomp of a dressy affair. Try pairing it with a basic tee and a fab necklace or a body-hugging cardigan. Wear with heels for a night out or with flats during the day.

• Short and sweet. On the other hand, cute and feminine skirts that are cut short not only lend a sense of playfulness and prettiness, but they also do wonders in elongating the appearance of one’s legs. Three distinct lengths stand out in this collection: the first is one cut short is chiffon, the second is a semi-ruffled skirt in chambray cotton that gives a shapely bell-like silhouette, and the last is a full A-line skirt cut to the calves that moves and flows with every step and every twirl.

• Dots, spots, and florals. Once again prints take the spotlight this season, and they are as decadent as they are diverse. Polka dots are big for the holidays, and in the Kashieca lineup one can find it in everything from flimsy skirts to sheer cover-ups. Another motif that’s prominent in this offering is the getup with animal spots. Leopard prints, in various shades of neutrals, are a key look for this collection. Wear it with skinny pants or your favorite skirt for an after-office night out. In the past, florals were the ultimate spring and summer print. These days, they are a season-less element to fashionable style. 

Electric youth: Bring drama to one’s look with a floor-length skirt in electric-blue jersey and keep things pretty with a floral cardigan.

• Knit’s wit. Wear it as a cardigan or slip it on as a snug top, a knit is not just a fantastic staple but it’s probably the coziest piece you’ll ever have in your closet. This season, Kashieca makes them a little prettier — Faux-pearl details are sewn onto dainty pockets and bunched up floral appliqués adorn cardigans.

• The dramatic tunic. For a slightly Mod take on the season, check out Kashieca’s dual-tone shift pieces. The color blocking trend has transcended into the holiday season and has brought its slimming and elongating qualities too. We love how brights are accentuated by darker colors and the movement that’s created as the wearer moves in this tunic. Wear with platform heels and black leggings for maximum effect.

• It’s in the bag. T Studio’s bags are not exempt from the retro-lady-like trend of the season. The designs are reminiscent of the structured doctors bags and handbags of the ’50s and ’60s. These are the kind of accessories you could imagine Doris Day or Emma Peel of The Avengers using. Somber colors and neutrals like champagne and putty, gray and classic black are kept in shape by a frames that snap close and keep things in. An exciting array of totes, handbags, and doctors purses complete the vintage glam look.