Fantasies in Fibre

Although the weather is demonstrating signs that the rainstorms are slightly tapering off, it’s still technically monsoon season. I’m a huge fan of heavy rains – that is, if I’m holed up in my favorite tattered pajamas nesting indoors with a cup of hot cocoa in one hand, positioned next to my husband and dog in front of the tube. When I dare venture out under the intermittent rains, my schizo wardrobe switches to light jackets, pants, hoodies and an assortment of closed-toe shoes. It’s a challenge to dress properly for unpredictable weather so the ideal way to tackle the situation is by layering your look. Plus, you never know how arctic the air conditioning will be in a given situation, so always opt on the cooler side of things by carrying a sweater or jacket before the AC sucks the health out of you and bombards you with the sniffles.

I’d have to say the greatest part about this time of the year is that it coincides with the debut of the autumn/winter collections. Despite our lack of the four seasons (the actual ones and the luxury hotel chain), we can still dress as if we’re strolling through Central Park admiring the foliage when in actuality, we’re probably going from the office to Greenbelt at the peak of a thunderstorm. The same looks are prevalent both in fall features and in the wet tropics. They can go from day to night with the addition of layering an item or two, which is fabulousness revealed in a simple form.

You can run to your trusted mall to stock up on mass-produced gear but why go the cookie-cutter route when you can snap something up couture-style? Owned by sister team Margie Duavit and Vicki de Leon, Fibre carries local designers’ wares perfect for this season. Tucked away on Jupiter Street in Makati (and not in a mall, hooray!), this collective offers wonderfully designed clothing and accessories by members of the Young Designers Guild. In store are fine threads on the market by Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Louis Claparols, Reian Mata, John Herrera, LZ Punzalan, Mitzi Quilendrino, Yvonne Quisumbing-Romulo and James Reyes. These designers normally produce made-to-order pieces but feature select handmade items that they’ve done exclusively for Fibre. The beauty about their ready-to-wear lines is that sizes and colors are limited which greatly reduce your chances of running into someone with the same outfit. Quelle horreur!

Pair in-demand skinny pants of different lengths with light jackets over embellished lacy or velvet tops. Muted neutral tones work earthy magic while bolder hues tend to brighten up dreary weather. Long chain necklaces are the rage, so layer on the accessories as well as the clothes. Items like these are hot tickets – they can take you through to the end of rainy season, ease you into the ‘ber’ months and usher you right into the holiday season.

Fibre is located at Unit 204 Doña Consolacion Building, 122 Jupiter Street, Makati.