Fashion and art merge in Bench x Allison Harvard
MANILA, Philippines - Bench isn’t known as a “Global Benchsetter” for nothing. The local retail giant makes it a point to put a world-class stamp on every collection it launches. It is always on the lookout for creative individuals in various fields here and abroad who can collaborate with the brand and develop products that will meet global standards and appeal to local consumers as well.
Bench’s latest collaboration is with the hit reality show America’s Next Top Model alum Allison Harvard, who has also modeled for the brand’s other endeavors such as the campaign for Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco’s Impalpable fragrance, the Bench fashion shows headed by Michael Cinco and Rajo Laurel at Philippine Fashion Week 2012, the “Bench Universe: The 2012 Denim & Underwear Show,” and the recent “Bench the Naked Truth” fashion show.
Apart from being a fashion model, the 26-year-old doe-eyed Texas native is also artistically inclined, and her collaboration with Bench fashionably showcases that side of her. Allison shares, “I love modeling and working in television but I’ve always loved painting. I love working with Bench. I want to make honest artwork that I can be proud of and I am so excited to have the opportunity to share this series. I hope everyone enjoys it.”
The Cat Bench x Allison collection puts a more fun and stylish spin on go-to graphic tees as they feature prints of uniquely beautiful watercolor illustrations created by Allison herself. “I am inspired by dreams and the creatures and faces I meet there,” says the quirky model/artist. “Experiences, in general, are inspiring. I feel most creative when I am learning or working through a difficult time in my life. We cannot always be perfect or happy, but I think that’s beautiful, too. “Sometimes I begin a drawing and don’t know where it’s going until I’m finished, and then suddenly it all makes sense to me,” Allison continues. “That’s what is so beautiful about art in general. People can look at the same piece of work and be moved in different ways. It doesn’t have rules and it doesn’t tell you how to feel. I think that’s really special.”
And special is exactly what Allison’s creations for Bench are, as each and every piece seamlessly fuses fashion and art. The shirts feature a series of special little creatures made specifically for Bench, and “I think we can all see a little bit of ourselves in each one,” notes Allison.
For a collection that truly befits her fashion-model status, the graphic tees, whose prices range from P379.75 to P549.75, are notches higher than typical tees — the silhouettes go from cropped to long sleeves, and the main fabrics were combined with hints of strategically placed woven, sheer and lace accents.
These shirts leave a lot of room for experimenting and playing with your casual staples. They can easily make a chic look out of a simple shirt-and-jeans ensemble and have a cool girly girl vibe when paired with a flared skirt. “The collaboration is a celebration of the imagination,” Allison quips. “I wish that didn’t rhyme. Haha.”
The Cat Bench x Allison collection is available at selected Bench, Herbench, and Superbench stores, as well as the online shop www.bench.com.ph.
