So young, so talented, so world-class

What do you get when you bring together 12 fashion designers for a pictorial? Pure entertainment and pandemonium! This is precisely what happened during the shoot by ace photographer Wig Tysmans, in preparation for the Philippines’ participation in the ASEAN Trade Fair (ATF) 2002 on Oct. 14-20 at the Impact Exhibition Center in Nonthaburi, in the northern part of Bangkok in Thailand.

The designers, all members of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP), gamely posed with their one-of-a-kind creations. Patrice Ramos-Diaz, the most "feminine" of them all, looked very chic in black (a non-color which they all wore). She posed with her collection of elegantly-deconstructed dresses in exquisite laces and sheer fabrics adorned with beads and sequins.

"Young and progressively left of center" is Vic Barba’s design principle, constantly coming up with pieces that represent the end-alphabet of this generation — edgy, eclectic and cutting-edge. For the shoot, he used denim, velvet and stretch fabrics in silhouettes that are fit for a Sex and the City kind of night on the town.

"Art in fashion" is how Dong Omaga Diaz describes his designs. With exquisite embroidery, appliqué and beadwork using semi-precious stones, it is easy to understand why he adheres to this principle. His is a collection that is whimsical, yet very wearable.

Larry Espinosa’s gowns use delicate silks, tulle and organza. He masterfully constructs his clothes and superbly drapes them on the body.

Rajo Laurel, who describes his clothes as "ibang-iba sa iba," chose pieces that clearly articulate his design perspective. They are intricate patchworks of rich shantungs and silks that magically come together to form a most outstanding ensemble.

Jojie Lloren displays fine workmanship once more in cocktail and evening dresses that are well-crafted. His talent in cutting is nowhere more apparent than in the complex construction of his creations.

Pleated dresses were what Dennis Lustico chose. Using tulle, chiffon, georgette and Thai silk, his collection is reminiscent of Issey Miyake’s creations in the late ’90s — bold, different and very stylish.

Tonichi Nocom is known for his men’s collection of well-constructed jackets and trousers in linen, twill, wool and cotton. What would have been a plain-looking shirt was given a twist with pin tucks and pleats on the collar and the body.

Known for his simple and classic lines, current FDCP president Randy Ortiz blended with his dramatic all-black ensembles for men and women.

Nono Palmos’ painstakingly handcrafted gowns with elaborate bead embellishments are clearly a labor of love. Makes you wonder how someone with a degree in B.S. Marine Technology ended up in this business.

Frederick Peralta’s mannequins were clad in dresses only a woman with perfect curves can fit into; with bodices made of fiberglass that fluidly mold the figure.

Accessories genius Arnel Papa draws inspiration from the materials he work with — hishie shells, coco and horn beads, hooves, mother-of-pearl, metal, colored crystals and mahogany wood. His creations have earned for him a major following in Europe, USA and the Southeast Asia.

This elaborate display of ingenuity and creativity takes center stage in the 270-square-meter Philippine Pavilion at the ATF 2002. This is the first time all 10 Southeast Asian countries will have the opportunity to collaborate in an endeavor to stimulate and encourage ASEAN’s competitiveness.

This year’s theme is "Millions of Opportunities at ASEAN Trade Fair 2002" and will feature products from six industries — automotive, electronics and electrical, fashion, home décor, food and innovation and supporting industries.

The designers will be joined by eight major companies: Bench, Penshoppe, Jag Philippines, Kamiseta, Bayo, Plains & Prints, Sari-Sari and Islands Philippines.

The Philippine participation is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry and is supported in part by San Miguel Corporation, the Garments and Textile Export Board (GTEB), National Federation of Sugar Cane Planters, Inc., and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).