Sassa Jimenez brings glamour back

While the rest of the fashion world is churning out Leger-like body con dresses and Givenchy cutouts, Sassa Jimenez infuses femininity, romance and elegance into fashion again.

Sassa’s Spring/Summer ‘09 collection garnered the young designer many fans with her strong point-of-view, and her Holiday ‘09 collection in this year’s Philippine Fashion Week did not disappoint. Sassa’s silhouettes are still classic and carefully structured to highlight the body, without constricting it like today’s ubiquitous bandage dresses do. She kept the waist as a permanent feature and played with the rest of the proportions. We saw ballerina-inspired tutus, asymmetrical hems, full rosette skirts, and minis mixed with feathered sleeves, ruffled necklines and sheer layers. She sent a gamut of gorgeous and irresistible dresses down the runway that started with strong, sophisticated black and red pieces, then capped off with softer, neutral and voluminous ones. Everything exuded glamour, elegance and high fashion.

Her strength lies in her attention to detail and talent for balancing contrasts; Sassa’s elegant silhouettes frame a woman perfectly, and then she mixes it up with cuts, fabrics, proportions and added details that keep the look modern and interesting. The sheer fabrics over the structured dresses, the baroque-style high chiffon necklines, and the darling mix of sleek bodices and full trimmings all add exquisiteness to her aesthetic.

It’s so refreshing to see a collection that highlights the simple sophistication of the female form and softness again. Fashionistas may be donning boxy bold shoulders (why do the ‘80s keep coming back?) and stuffing their feet into caged heels right now, but there’s nothing sexier, more stylish and universally beautiful than the classic feminine silhouette. Sassa’s collection offers every woman the chance to be glamorous and fashion-forward, not just the select few who can actually squeeze into a body con dress. Her beautiful dresses will stand the test of time and trends — her luxurious form-fitting black gown, her red cocktail dress with the fringed hem, her sweetheart cut dress in the rich brocade fabric, and even her fabulous final dress. It was a breathtaking mass of chiffon waves, with the softness and old-Hollywood glamour of Marchesa. Nobody could tear their eyes away from the billowing beauty that sashayed down the runway. Then again, all of Sassa’s dresses commanded the same awe and attention, and by the end of the show, people were on their feet and applauding.

Sassa’s exceptional collection reminds us that while trends may come, go, and come back again and again, glamour and style will always, always be in fashion. No doubt, Sassa Jimenez will be at the forefront through it all.