Inno Sotto: 'Fashion Watch separates the men from the boys'

MANILA, Philippines - Fashion Watch was created with the vision of providing Filipino designers with a platform to showcase their designs. The goal was to mount a show following what designers abroad are doing, which is to show collections twice a year.

“I’d like to think Fashion Watch has raised the bar — it separates the men from the boys,” says Inno Sotto, the force behind the event. “Each designer is a brand. It needs to be seen by the right audience. It must have a premium. It’s important for the designs not to be literally all over. Luckily, they seem to have agreed on that.”

The creative producer and “gofer,” as he teasingly calls himself, mounted the concept back in 1996 with his partner Richard Tann. “I thought I owed it to him to continue it,” he says. With Grace Molina as director and Patrick Rosas doing makeup and hair, Fashion Watch ran twice this year to a full or standing room audience, with the support of partners Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Star World, Philippine STAR, Preview magazine and Stylebible.ph. “The way I look at it, I just run the whole thing for the partners. Anything is only as good as the people behind it, it rests really on the people working with you,” says Sotto.

Fashion Watch certainly kept the fashion world busy in a year also marked by a number of high-profile designer shows. Ladies and men filled the Makati Shangri-La lobby, enjoying the best of local fashion while adding a new dimension to high tea. “Because of the lobby configuration, what’s important is the ladies who come for high tea get a chance to see the clothes. After the show, most, if not all, the designers are able to sell clothes. It opened new doors, they’re introduced to new clients. Fashion is a business. It has to succeed in that aspect,” he says. “Greg Lougan started the series in 2009, and now Reto Clauser is continuing it and I’m grateful for the support they’ve given.”

Inno started by choosing nine designers, members of the Council of Fashion Designers of the Philippines (CFDP) presided over by Jojie Lloren, and left it up to them to choose the rest of the other designers, which totaled 17 for this year. STAR sat with Inno to find out what’s in store for Fashion Watch next year, starting in April for the holiday forecast.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What memorable collections did you see this year?

INNO SOTTO: I liked Jojie Lloren, Joey Samson, Ivar Aseron, Patrice Ramos-Diaz. Jerome Lorico is one of the interesting, gifted designers of his generation, I see him going very far.

What changes are lined up for next year?

We’ve invited Rajo Laurel and Randy Ortiz, they’ve both said yes. We’ll have other designers, pending confirmation from them... Rhett Eala actually said yes. And if at all, he might be the first to show ready-made clothes. And we’ve asked Pepito Albert, but I don’t know (about him) yet. The winner of this year’s Preview Emerging Fashion Talent Awards (PEFTA), 20-year-old Xernan Orticio will also be showing next year. It’s really about introducing a designer, not really to show as many pieces, but to come up with a collection to show people what a designer can do.

How do you see your role in the fashion industry in the future?

I’m committed to constantly be instrumental in fashion, to constantly be evolving. I think fashion will always be interesting. I think Filipino designers are among the best, if not the best, in this part of the world.

How has Fashion Watch changed the local fashion scene?

I’d like to think FW has raised the bar; it separates the men from the boys.

You were there from the beginning (in 1996). How has the program evolved?

The same group of designers presents their collection twice a year: holiday line for the first half, spring-summer for the next year.

What’s a must-have formula for a good designer?

A certain curiosity about the world. You’ll see in their work if he has different interests. It’s important to know the direction in which fashion is going. But to give your own interpretation, you must do a certain kind of mental homework.

What trends should people invest in for 2012?

Good clothes that aren’t trendy, if that makes sense.

2011 was all about… determination. To move on and finish what was started.

The best trend of 2011… no particular choice.

Worst trend of 2011… what would have been my best trend for 2011.

In 2012, I will be… older (laughs).

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Fashion Watch highlights will be airing on Star World in January 2012. Fashion Watch, with partners The Philippine STAR, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Preview magazine, Star World and Stylebible.ph, is presented by Olay and sponsored by BMW, Metro Pacific Investments, with minor sponsors Luxe A-list Desserts and Calata Corporation.

Lulu Tan-Gan

This outfit was inspired by… jetset nomad.

2011 was all about… changes.

Worst trend of 2011… globalization of fashion brands — you see them in every country.

In 2012, I will be working with… the “best creative professionals” for the Tan-Gan team.

In the coming year, everyone should invest in… an artisan vest from Tan-Gan.

Patrice Ramos-Diaz

This outfit was inspired by… sportswear.

2011 was all about… cleansing and transition.

Worst trend of 2011… spider lashes, croc shoes, harem pants, and jeggings.

In 2012, I will be working with… drift, cotton knit, knitwear and with artists and with digital textile printers.

Everyone should invest in… physical, mental, and spiritual health; wellness and fitness.