Ready to wear?
MANILA, Philippines - This is a time when people actually care what they buy. Trends become untrendy and now people are looking for unique pieces that will stand the test of time and hopefully the recession.
In this year’s Fashion Week Ready to Wear collection, the reaction of the changing world vacillated between practical, happy and sometimes absurd. Here are some notes from the show.
Pencil Diestra
Actually my favorite of the lineup. Its humble chic look was fitting for the bling-broke era. The soft lines and bold patchwork made a statement that Lehmann Brothers can relate to. It was charming, not overbearing and, most of all, not pretentious.
Julius Tarog
The sexy, understated and highly wearable line is something women of different tastes can appreciate. His mix of metallics is neither jarring nor spectacular, perhaps just right. However those rhinestone shoes were distracting. Wish he stuck with more severe and no-nonsense footwear. Details, details.
Greta Castro
Somebody seemed to love Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan as much as me but the exaggerated proportions and the ill-fit of the Norman Norell-inspired dresses with the odd obi in between outfits dampened the elegant homage to this glamorous era.
Nicky Martinez
The fiesta vibe was in full swing, complete with tequila shots and bonfires. The beads jangled as the tight but slinky fabrics, which made the dresses perfect for a beach party, exuded a sort of awkward kind of happiness.
Ricky Abad
The nostalgic line reminded me of Grace Kelly in High Society. I love the Bitch Bunny look!
Ziggy Savella
Although it can be accused of being too safe, the confidence that comes from the “ordinariness” of the collection may stem from the need to go back to earth and wear clothes that actually function in the real world. It keeps itself from being bland by adding luxurious touches such as silk.
Eddie Castro
Whereas Eddie can be given kudos for being experimental, the final product seems confused and almost unwearable. The concept wear became a little too esoteric to the point of strange, especially when the bows came into play. I see where he was trying to go with this, but somehow it fell flat like an odd Gus Van Sant movie. A tad overreaching.
Ava Paguyo
Although the collection was supposed to be inspired by stones and granite, the soft palette seemed to hint more of sorbet. The crocheted pieces were definitely a point of interest, especially the vests, which makes any outfit singular in its addition. However, the summery and iced garments underneath fail to convey the irony that was being summoned.
Nikki Sonico
The line was supposed to be inspired by heroines. Her heroine chic look was well design but once executed it seemed like it lost the plot. Heroines do not wear satin, they like their leather and PVC. A pity since the designs were actually charming and quite original.
Reian Mata
A bold surge of color that is quite the opposite of the more somber collection of Pencil, the happy vibe actually works! Save for a few distracting over-detailing on some dresses, it’s a collection worth exploring.
Twinkle Ferraren
Although some dresses were badly cut, its pleasing pallete of colors and highly wearable designs made up for it. Its relaxed vibe makes a comforting choice for those done with the OTT couture look.
