A sprint to summer at Raoul

MANILA, Philippines - Nineties fashion normally brings to mind the patented combat boots-flannel combo, or MC Hammer’s harem pants. But a true child of the ‘90s also recalls its tailored, luxurious side. This marked a time when supermodels traipsed around endlessly in structured Alaiäs and pared-down Calvin Kleins. Fans of this decade’s aesthetic still sigh at the memory of it. 

The more glamorous, less grungy look of the ‘90s was the inspiration for Raoul’s spring/summer 2012 collection. This month, the Singaporean line premiered “The Fast Look.” This moniker, Raoul’s Karen Reodica-Guinto explained, was defined as a sprint past the dreary garb of winter, and head on into summer. The Greenbelt 5 flagship store played host to press members and fashionphiles, as Raoul’s vision for the season was unveiled.

And head on did it go. The collection was vividly hued in shades of deep blue, hot pink, neon orange, optic white and fluorescent green, melting away all icy recollections. Fabrics were adorned with spring-ringing prints like snakeskin, zebra, graphic color-blocking and racer stripes.

Luxe sportswear was the catchphrase for the men’s clothing, featuring classic utilitarian styles peppered with stripes and color-blocked knits. Similarly, the womenswear was sharply crafted and boldly hued. It ticked off all the boxes on a woman’s summer checklist: kaftans and shorts for sweltering days, crisp blouses for work, and printed dresses that will take her from day to night.

All in all, “The Fast Look” was a breath of haute air for the event’s onlookers, as many of this season’s offerings are exactly the opposite. The runways have so far been a frothy swirl of lace, pastel and cutesiness. While that’s a treasure trove for any teen sweetheart’s closet, how about the glam big sister? Or her man about town boyfriend? Thanks to Raoul and its ‘90s throwback, their closets are sartorially saved. —Bianca Rodriguez

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Raoul is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. and is available at Greenbelt 5 and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.