Kashieca chic
MANILA, Philippines - What is the look that the modern woman wants? Feminine? Romantic? Sophisticated? For Kashieca — the fashion label that epitomizes the style sensibilities of the contemporary Filipina — the answer is all of the above. The lovely Bea Alonzo returns as the face of the brand’s spring-summer 2012 collection, and models Kashieca’s latest bestsellers.
Inspiration for Kashieca’s new collection includes the aristocratic charm of novels-turned-films like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Ian McEwan’s Atonement. Also shown are the sporty-casual and mod looks that once dominated retro country clubs of the ’60s and ’70s. These stylish scenes of leisure are captured through the lenses of one of the country’s top photographers, Mark Nicdao. Fashion stylist L.A. Consing Lopez kept this elegant vision in mind as he combined Kashieca’s array of basics, signature flirty pieces, and preppy essentials like pretty pleated skirts, printed chiffon day dresses, and cable-knit cardigans.
The hair and makeup team aimed to capture a timeless and vintage look filled with romance. Taking its cue from the soft yet expressive aesthetic of the ’60s, makeup artist Robbie Pinera kept things fresh and creamy, resulting in doll-like flawlessness. Bea’s trademark long and lustrous locks were tucked in and transformed as hairstylist Bren Sales brought youthful flair to the classic bob by giving it a slightly disheveled look.
Bea Alonzo is the perfect mannequin to express Kashieca’s philosophy of the modern girl who loves playing dress-up, telling stories with her love for fashion. Here, Kashieca pays tribute to design’s greatest hits with pieces that easily rejuvenate a woman’s existing wardrobe: quintessential dots and stripes, preppy knits, soft chiffons, short dresses, and country florals.
• Bring It On. Just because we’re talking sports doesn’t mean you need to reach for workout gear. When dressing for the weekend, look to the casual elegance of tennis and yachting for inspiration. Beautiful cable knits are seen in oversized collegiate cardigans made preppy with attractive colors of navy, cherry, and cream. These are accentuated by graphic band detailing on hems, collars, and arms as well as through the presence of nautical stripes. Wear these cozy cardigans and sweaters over soft and flimsy dresses and skirts for a play on texture and to give your look a sense of contrast.
• Hello Dotty. Another trend that is making its way from the runway to the racks are dots, ranging from small polka dots to oversized circles in varying sizes. Dots can certainly exude ladylike allure, as is the case with this classic dress in an array of dots inspired by those worn to afternoon tea or country club socials. A quirky play on this can be achieved by wearing prints on prints; mixing dots with those of other sizes or alternatively with other types of patterns like stripes and florals will also give a look needed dimension.
• Twenty Something. Like Mia Farrow in The Great Gatsby or Kiera Knightley in Atonement, a beautiful dress can define your summer look. A good frock is not only the ultimate feminine piece, it is also the most carefree and comfortable staple in your wardrobe. A white tiered chiffon dress printed delicately with a floral print — much like fine decorative wallpaper or fine English china — can be dressed up with a pair of heels or made appropriate for work with a smart blazer worn over it. Meanwhile, a short cotton dress is made special with tailored details like a tuxedo-like pleated white bib that is given a girly touch with a loosely tied bowed neckline — an ideal day-to-night staple.
• Skirting the Issue. Chiffon pleated skirts also inspired by the flimsy and flirty skirts seen in tennis are just as stunning when worn off the courts. Not only are they perfectly airy and comfortable for warm and sunny days, but they also give an ensemble bounce and movement. Wear these spirited swishers with a crisp button-down shirt for a polished and clean-cut demeanor. A long cardigan or a twin-set also highlights the preppy prettiness of these skirts.
• Cotton & Cream. Nudes, creams, and blush hues are a big part of this summer season. Not only do they express a certain kind of sensual sophistication, they are also a fantastic foundation to build your wardrobe on. Wear them together or break it up with an injection of color for extra pop in your ensemble.
• Pants for all Seasons. If short skirts and dresses don’t appeal to you, then an eye-catching pair of palazzo pants might just do the trick. Whether in a strong, solid color or rendered graphically in exaggerated diagonal stripes, these pants serve as a statement piece and a focal point for any outfit. Play down the extremes of this visual design with a plain silky top or your favorite plain T-shirt. When worn with heels, the flowing cut of these pants will make your legs look like they go on forever.
Available at all Kashieca stores nationwide.
