A week of fashionation

Philippine Fashion Week kicked off in absolute fight style last week through a gala show featuring some of the country's uber stylish fashion designers. Cosmo Manileños flocked to the NBC tent for the strictly-by-invitation affair organized by the talented fraternal tandem of Joey and Audie Espinosa through their Runway Productions.

Seventy-three of the country’s most talented designers would eventually debut their latest collections in this must-not-miss week-long event. Fashion week overall producer and director, Joey Espino, said that this year’s event would be dominated by designer creations. "We have more designers than brands participating this year so audiences can expect to see an eclectic mix of original designs from the country’s top designers as well as from talented newcomers". Brother Audie, Fashion Week executive producer, adds "Our primary aim is to show that the Philippines does have a thriving fashion industry and by institutionalizing Philippine Fashion Week we hope to strengthen the industry and help up-and-coming designers to showcase their talent.

Highlights of the fab gala show included Peralta’s ultra mini skirt wedding gown creations worn by a statuesque Raya Mananquil escorted by an a la Marlene Dietrich tuxedo-garbed female model. Ever-fresh Katrina Goulbourn of Silk Cocoon used beautiful fabrics in bold colors to showcase truly delish pieces. Rajo Laurel drew the ramp curtains via a sleek and clever African-inspired collection accented by large exotic African jewelry, no doubt inspired by his recent trip to the same continent.

The complete roster of designers in the opening gala show included Arnold Galang, Barge Ramos, Edgar Allan, Efren Ocampo, Fanny Serrano, Francis Calaquian, Frederick Peralta, Gener Gozum, Ivan dela Cruz, JC Buendia, JM Goulbourn, Johnny Abad, Katrina Goulbourn for Silk Cocoon, Larry Espinosa, Noli Hans, Nono Palmos, Ole Morabe, Peter Lim and Rajo Laurel.

E-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph