Fashion resolutions

Another year usually means a mile-long list of resolutions, some of which are new additions while others have been pesky mainstays from years past. And at least up to February do we geuinely intend on keeping them. Those who have long been meaning to get healthy begin collecting application forms to gyms or inquire about yoga and kickboxing classes. There are also those who, while taking a long drag from a cigarette and gulping down glasses of New Year’s Eve champagne, proclaim with conviction the end of their nicotine and alcohol bingeing days. Some will openly admit that the brand new life one so flawlessly plans just hours before the year’s first sunrise hardly ever materializes.

In any case, New Years are never complete without these high resolutions. Sure, chances are we forget about them just as soon as the next day’s killer hangover strikes. Then again, there are some entries in our list that we manage to stay faithful to. In making New Year’s resolutions, many will observe that the simplest ones turn out to be the most significant. And they are the easiest to live by as well. In fashion, try giving your wardrobe its much-needed makeover for starters. Rid your closet of those embarrassing pieces you wore a decade ago and give yourself more room for far more worthy apparel.

As we enter yet another year that promises no less than more fab pieces from the racks of our fave designers, we ask about their own fashion resolutions. New colors, patterns, cuts, texture and a whole new perspective, as revealed by our creatives on local fashion, makes one look forward to yet another dynamic and promising 364 days of style. And since their resolutions are now etched in print, patrons can surely hold them to their words.

Tippi Ocampo, fashion designer, Pret-A-Party for Cinderella and Fashion Design Council of the Philippines

For 2006, I will go for clothes that are feminine and refined but with a hand-crafted and artsy feel to them. I’d like to veer away from cookie-cutter or mass produced pieces. Clothes that set you apart from the rest are more desirable simply because people don’t want to look like everybody else.

Twinkle Samson, shoe designer and proprietor, Twinky Tabs

My sole fashion resolution is to discard the clothes and shoes that I haven’t worn for over six months and maybe donate them.

Happy David, jewelry designer, Lucy in the Sky and Get Happy

In 2005 we saw a climax of all kinds of fun and crazy accessories. This year, I’m looking forward to creating a more relaxed look that doesn’t scream for attention. Clean, cool silver for metals. I hope to explore more of blue now but in more quiet hues like blue-green, blue-violet in the spectrum of more muted tones. Sometimes pale, sometimes dark, sometimes in between.

Cheryll Angeles, swimwear designer, Risque

This year, my resolution will be to understand my clients better, beat deadlines and design more fabulous suits.

Louis Claparols, fashion designer

I’m focusing more on self-reinvention. I want my work to evolve further in terms of style, texture, pattern and treatment. When I look back on my earlier works, I realize that I have somehow become more open to other methods, resulting in a more experimental attitude in design. In fact, there are times when I would rather not look back.

Irene Pineda, accessories designer and proprietor, Irene’s Closet

There are several things that I plan to do for 2006. This is the year when I’ll finally start wearing boots instead of my usual flats. By next year, you can also expect less crocheted-covered beads since it’s all over the place. Instead, I’ll be concentrating more on headpieces and belts, shorter, chunkier necklaces and less of the long necklaces. I’m also concentrating on more innovative and wacky accessories such as bib necklaces which are better alternatives compared to layered pieces. Most importantly, I’ll be making a conscious effort to use recycled, eco-friendly materials for all my creations.

Eric de los Santos, fashion designer

In the year to come, my colors will be predominantly purple, red and black. I'm also planning to utilize a lot of tulle, satin, lace and chiffon for interesting texture. Fabric fusion will be my method in fabric treatments. With regard to cuts and patterns, you can expect a lot of classics with a twist – embellishments using patches of leather, buttons or rhinestones instead of the usual beadwork.

James Reyes, fashion designer and president, Young Designers Guild

For 2006, I will be looking deeper into our culture and history for inspiration. It’s important for designers and artists to recognize and respect their roots. It’s what makes us who we are and distinct from the rest of the world. I think this will be my small contribution – to instill national pride back into the hearts and minds of Filipinos.

John Herrera, fashion designer,Young Designers Guild

For 2006, I plan to explore a certain hedonism in the color black. I used to hate the color because it absorbs light and unlike off-whites or neutrals, it tends to hide garment detailing. I feel that it’s high time designers educate people that fashion shouldn’t always be about glamour and glitter. It is also about construction, cutting and sculpturing this year. I will delight in stretch Lycra, silk (playing with right-side/wrong-side with fabric) and other rigid materials. This is certainly not in tune with the latest fashion trends of 2006 but as I’ve said, part of educating is letting people know that fashion is not always about following trends. It should be about interpreting, choosing a look and making it your own.