Going for Baroque

Several years ago, retail, as most of us remember, consisted of "uniform clothing" – a heaping pile of plain tanks, plain tees, plain cardigans and other plain everythings in the most simple cuts and silhouettes meant for everyday casual wear. And except for that horrible couple of months when everyone went Bohemian crazy and overloaded their closets with pieces of cheap printed fabric that looked more like rags than apparel (come on, who in their right mind would actually be caught dead wearing an absurdly printed peasant skirt paired with an off-shoulder, printed top with more ruffles than a flamenco dancer’s costume?) everything that you could find inside the local establishments is exactly the type of stuff that you’d probably be able to wear for a dressed-down get-together lunch with old friends who have seen you in your worst, inebriated state. But there would never be the type of pieces available that you could just grab off the rack for a more special occasion such as a cocktail event, a late night out with the girls, a job interview or, better yet, a date with the man of your dreams. Normally, for ensembles that do require special attention to detail, we leave it up to the talented designers from YDG and FDCP – with a very not-so-retail price tag (although you do get more than your money’s worth.)

Thank God for the upward mobility of the fashion retail industry.

The most fabulous thing about local retail today is the fact that they have more or less realized that, yes, women do need more than the simple plain basics and a few dressy pieces here and there that they can just grab for those emergency, last-minute, I-need-something-fabulous-to-wear situations. Call it a revolution of some kind in the retail industry – a local retail phenomenon. Now, there are a lot more options to choose from – options that even the haughtiest, snootiest fashion snob would wear. And the best part is, it won’t cost any of us Nouveau Pouvre working ladies an arm and a leg.

Folded & Hung, which just launched its new collection earlier this week, is part of that local retail phenomenon. For their holiday collection, F&H has drawn inspiration from the fashions of the 18th century Baroque period and the Victorian era while giving it a modern twist – making it more wearable and consumer-friendly.

The limited women’s line, designed by Ivarluski Aseron, is the antithesis of what retail used to be. His designs are feminine and eye-catching, with pieces that you can dress up with chic belts and accessories, wear as is, or pair with slim pants for a more casual effect.

Aseron, as usual, has made a collection that emphasizes the female figure without baring too much. Making use of taffeta, satinized twill and metallic georgette in deep fall/winter colors such as black, plum and deep red, the designer came up with a series of shift dresses with various detailing such as extravagant ruffled collars and dramatic sleeves. Volume played a key role as Aseron sent out shifts with side pleats or romantic bubble-sleeved knee-length dresses. Puffed sleeves added drama to monochromatic taffeta affairs in plum while apron-front shifts easily made the transition from chic daywear to cocktail attire.

The menswear line, designed by F&H resident designer M Baretto, took inspiration from the crisp and clean silhouettes of the same Baroque and Victorian periods. With slim dress shirts accentuated by funky yet tuxedo-type details and slim pants that exude a more refined attitude towards men’s clothing and look very masculine, very braggadocio.

Rock ’n’ roll dandies took to the runway in bolo ties and printed long-sleeved shirts with extended cuffs. Layered ensembles were key looks for the men’s collection as vests and blazers dressed up slim-fit pants and fitted shirts.

So yes, Philippine retail has indeed come a long, long way. No more uniform-type ensembles and zero boring pieces.