MANILA, Philippines - It’s that time of the year again when sartorial virtuosity is accumulated in five days. When the kingdom of appearances is celebrated by a court of fashion industry people. And the sea of silhouettes are patterned by geometric planes and fluid waves — made bouyant by architectural severity on feet. Excuse me while I spout excessive adjectives in poetry, I can’t help it. It’s Fashion Week. Yay!
Aaand, I have nothing to wear. Seriously. My brother is equipped with a keener style strategy when it comes to these things. I, on the other hand, procrastinate to the point of the ultimate postponement. It should be easy, but it’s not. Let me tell you, picking those top five outfits is a wardrobe turmoil in itself, because, like alchemy and experimenting for that elusive philosopher’s stone, creating that proportionate exteriority, which is an effortless mix of nonchalance with a stir of intimidating fierce urban cool, is a formula that in alchemist speak, really turns lead into gold.
But despite my obvious anxiety over clothing choices, the massive fashion assemblage congregating for five days is a dynamic style workshop that’s making me all flustered and excitingly jittery. Five years of attending the shows has not lessened anything. In fact, with the way that fashion is being so democratic, I am hopeful that there are new designers that’ll blow me away, clothes that will make me want to covet and interesting new style personas that will make me rethink how pedestrian fashion should be executed. I cannot wait.
So whether you’re a fashion insider, a buyer, a design student, or just one basically there for the creativity, we all will be part of a kinetic style community. Given that this oligarchy thrives on the beauty of aesthetics, it also lives on a few basic rules. And before getting all worked up on whether you should be rocking the new footwear height, the kitten heel, or stay with the classic statement vertiginous platforms, keep in mind that like any other event, this one comes with an invitation and an unspoken Fashion Week etiquette.
I can’t even begin to describe how many people go to the shows without having any clue at all. (Why are they there in the first place anyway?) From a guy eating Boy Bawang, (Yes! Boy Bawang!) in the front row, to sleeping audiences clearly seen by everyone, to attention-grabbing individuals leaving the show, beside the runway even as the models are doing the last leg. Philippine Fashion Week, though not as big in scale as the international ones, does its part as a convenient platform for re-introducing designers and their visions to mainstream consciousness, This involves a lot of work, organization, and manpower, it’s not just all play (though it may seem otherwise) for a lot of us in the industry, it’s a tradeshow (albeit in disguise), business and is really about work. So the least anyone can do is have a little respect.
So here we go.
• Come on time or earlier and bring your invites and/or credentials. This is not an event where being late is fashionable. You get there late, and everyone’s seated, you end up standing in the back, craning your neck, catching only glimpses through the gaps in between the tall heads. Wouldn’t that be frustrating?
• The runway is sacred. And the organizers want to have it as immaculate as possible, they even have plastic wraps over it before the show. So when everyone is seated, the lights are turned down, and then your friend texts you from across the room and wants you to come over because she has better seats. Don’t step on the ramp and blemish it. Lest you want to incur the collective pity stare from everyone in front row because you really don’t get it, work your way around and do the long way.
• Respect the designers and their work. Front row denizens have perfected the art of looking stoic. Even if the show is boring you to death, no smirks, no faces, no catcalls, and heaven forbid, no pointing and laughing. This is not grade school, kids. Please!
• Wear fantastic shoes. Especially in front row, the lights shine the brightest to bring out the vividness and clarity of clothes details and shadows are obliterated. Imagine what it does for your choice of footwear.
• Even if the show is the main call to attention, in front row, everyone will also be looking at you. So emotions should be unregistered and kept in check.
• Seat in your designated areas, I know everyone wants to be in the first three prime rows, but these are usually reserved for the editors, press, buyers, and VIPs. They’re there because scrutinizing the pieces goes with their job, and they can give extra mileage by writing about it or featuring the collections. It’s not because it’s discriminatory or a power struggle.
• Swag bags are placed in the first three rows because the press kits for the media are usually included there. Don’t try to swipe it and come off as a desperate sucker for freebies.
• Dress in your fabulous best, and enjoy. After all, even if this is business, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go and have fun.
And on top of this, I asked an additional insider’s view for a cliff’s notes on surviving Fashion Week.
Joey Espino
Fashion Week producer
• At the shows, do always look for what’s fashionable and wearable. You have to look good and feel good from there on. When choosing pieces to invest in, don’t buy anything that’s not right, silly, and not reasonable.
Joy Buensalido
CEO of Buensalido & Associates, pr firm handling Fashion Week
• Do come early. We usually hold the seats for media and those who confirmed, but please understand that when the show’s about to start, we need to have those blank seats filled. Do read the show notes of the designers so you get a comprehensive background on what the collection is about.
• In reviewing the shows, don’t be too critical to the point of being offensive. Constructive criticism is welcome and gives designers a window for a second chance, but a totally bad review is remembered more often than not, and puts bias and prejudgment on future designers works.
Vince Uy
Creative director, Preview magazine
• Don’t get too excited over the celebrities (and even A-list socialites). This is Fashion Week, not Fan’s Day.
• Do wear something that looks good on you when you’re standing as well as sitting down. Photographers are not only milling around outside wanting to take your photo, they also take front row images.
Pauline Juan
Editor in chief, Preview magazine
• Do respect the venue and the event, which means dress appropriately. You needn’t put on a show if that’s not your style, but please no tsinelas in the front row.
• Don’t underestimate the traffic. Fashion shows are twenty minutes tops. It’s a pity if you went all the way to Mall of Asia only to turn back.
Isha Andaya
managing editor of Stylebible.ph
• Do dress up because stylebible.ph will be style spotting. And wear nice shoes because bloggers are always taking photos.
• Don’t forget your invitation to the shows and don’t be late if you want good seats. And don’t forget to log on to stylebible.ph to see all the photos and the Philippine Fashion Week schedules.