Randy Ortiz plays his strong suits
Lasting 20 years in the fashion industry is no small feat, and for designer Randy Ortiz, his show last Sept. 4 was nothing short of a dream fulfilled. Inspired by glamorous film icons, the 92-piece extravaganza started with a short film by photographer Mark Nicdao, showcasing three models wearing pieces from the collection and riding a helicopter to the show.
The same models opened the show to an impressive audience that consisted of showbiz royalty, society fixtures and editors who were all long-time friends and clients.
Although his menswear collection is not for the typical yuppie, the jackets had interesting details that, despite the unusual choices of fabric and quirky use of color, surprisingly worked, mostly because the pieces were well-constructed and polished. There was a belted corduroy suit, olive velvet jacket and acid green shirt combo, and rust brown silk jacket and pants — suits that looked like they belonged on a Vegas performer, rather than on a regular Joe occupying office space. The pants are all cut so slim and close to the body that, although they give the wearer an illusion of length, they can be quite unforgiving if you’re not slim and blessed with height. Overall, menswear is the designer’s stronger suit, and the impeccable tailoring will make you forget the sometimes comical color combinations and designs.
The gowns, on the other hand, were a mix of high drama and minimalist designs. The fishtail detail was quite prominent — a little too much actually — and made some pieces look rather dated. He also used the obi belt as his constant accessory, which pulled and, oftentimes, saved the entire look altogether. The use of satin fabric was also not done in the most flattering way, as some gowns did not fall the way they should have, and the models were tripping all over the lining throughout the show. There were, however, some unforgettable pieces that were utterly amazing. The pale gray chiffon gown worn by the still-stunning Marina Benipayo had a quiet sophistication about it, and so was the black gown with a scalloped bodice and, yes, a fishtail skirt worn by Bea Soriano — pieces totally on par with European couture gowns.
Overall, the show had total star power, with the showbiz industry’s bright young things Bea Alonzo and Dingdong Dantes modeling alongside veterans Richard Gomez and Diether Ocampo. Among the audience members were Ortiz’s close friends Lucy Torres-Gomez and Kris Aquino in identical yet gorgeous ensembles by the designer. It was a packed house and the mood was joyous despite the audible gasps every time a model tripped (there were a couple) and the deafening music mix. Twenty years is a lifetime in fashion, and that night, Randy Ortiz showed us what it takes to have that staying power.
