Tipping  point

Though August’s swan song is still far from its final hymn, the lure of September — and the return of cooler weather — herald the “ber” months’ coming. Now clothes dubbed too heavy or warm are taken out from hibernation and given a good dusting. Hello, layers: jackets, scarves and even tights can now make a comeback.

But it’s the party season YStyle is in the mood to celebrate. Who better to design fashion for parties then Pret-a-Party designer Tippi Ocampo. Known for her tasteful use of color in her signature feminine cuts, Ocampo’s gone the smart route and created a line of easy-chic ready-to-wear ensembles that retails at local designer boutiques.

For this YStyle shoot, she came up with designer party frocks that’ll take you from the boardwalk to ballroom. “I love party dresses that are fun and playful, but also a little unexpected,” explains Tippi. “Clothes that are pretty, but also have a bit of humor and wit. I don’t like clothes that take themselves more seriously than I do!” Her favorite party dress, after all, was a red gingham floor-length dress with puffed sleeves, a white eyelet apron, and a matching hat. “I was never much into being a fairy princess when I was a child... I was too busy running around.”

The range of printed party dresses featured here all took inspiration from “organic or natural things given a modern twist,” according to the designer. It’s obvious, from the woven halter-top paired with a graphic ikat weave silk dress or the black organza bolero given a native treatment, that Tippi’s not afraid to mix native materials with contemporary styles. “I tend to use more silks, satins, jerseys, tulles and chiffons in designing gowns and party dresses,” she adds, “but I love mixing it up with cottons, denim, leather and local weaves whenever I can.”

“I think a good party dress should first and foremost feel celebratory — it is, after all, a dress you want to party in. It should make you look and feel fabulous whether you’re sitting down to dinner or letting loose on the dance floor. And it shouldn’t make you look like anyone else in the party,” she says.

She’s certainly not afraid of being adventurous. When it comes to party dresses, Tippi believes in taking it up a notch. “Whether for a wedding or a New Year’s Eve ball, party dresses are different from regular dresses in that there is something a little special about them. It could be in the choice of materials, in the intensity — or absence — of color, in the play of prints. While there may need to be some seriousness in certain types of clothing, party dresses allow you to express your more playful, exuberant side.”

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For more information, contact designer Tippi Ocampo at 0917-8170952 or visit www.tippiocampo.com.