Getting hot in here
There’s something hot in the city — and I’m not talking about the weather. Arleen Sipat’s been making a name for herself due largely to the swimsuits she began creating in November 2005 under the label Salsatrends. Stylish and affordable, the swimsuits were quickly flying off the racks whenever Arleen participated at annual bazaars, winning her a following that admired her sexy takes on the ubiquitous bikini and maillot. Her signature style involved lots of sexy cutouts in bright prints.
“Latin beach wear” is how she sums up her aesthetic. Bright tropical prints are emblematic of the Salsatrends style — and Arleen has translated that into ready-to-wear. Candy confections of maxi-dresses, loose and floor-length with thin straps, are her main staple. Made from soft, swingy jersey, these easy-chic frocks go everywhere. Dubbed beach gowns, Salsatrends’ signature style can easily transition from beach to concrete, low-key affair to dressy event.
These days, Arleen’s opened up her repertoire to include goddess gowns, minidresses, slinky sheaths, jumpsuits and shift dresses. But she makes sure to keep her prices in check. “I always think about pricing, because whenever I shop I always have to think, ‘Can I afford that new dress?’ and I know that my potential clients go through the same decision. If the answer is yes, then my client is happy and I get to make a sale,” Arleen explains.
Salsatrends prices range from P1,800 to P2,500 for the casual RTW and P2,500 to P5,000 for the more up-market styles (like more intricate design or lots of beadwork or embellishment).
For the coming holiday season, expect lots of party dresses from Salsatrends. “Metallic and glamour are keywords for the upcoming season,” says Arleen. “I can’t stress this enough.”
“Although satin, metallic gold and silver grey will dominate, there will still be room for softness with shimmer,” she adds. Add a touch of sex appeal, and you’ve got the recipe for a sizzling post-summer dress.
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Salsatrends is available at The Ramp at
