MANILA, Philippines - If a truly inspiring fashion show is any indication that a brand has reached iconic status, then SM Department store nailed it to a T with their impressive selection last Oct. 21 at Philippine Fashion Week. Banking on looks inspired by Alexander Wang’s urban glam streetwear paired with Balmain’s strong and sexy silhouette, the parade of faux leather jackets, vests, studded leggings and sequined tank tops were enough to make any hipster swoon with desire. The modern grunge look extended to the styling with big, crimped chic hair, nerdy glasses and patterned tights. Feather accessories graced the hats with hair bands adding that unexpected twist. There were versatile polo dresses, floral tops, jumper shorts and onesies that can be worn from the conference room to cocktail hour. When the shoes and bags made their way down the runway, it was definitely the icing on the cake. Sexy sandals in snakeskin, studded gladiators, booties and pumps left every woman in the room craning their necks to take a good look, most likely planning outfits (and occasions) in their heads, wearing all that fabulous footwear.
What probably left a semi-sour note was their summer collection, which was a mishmash of bright colors that looked out of place in the sophisticated sea of black. It may have been the styling, or the lackluster chiffon cover-ups and swim wear that did it, but it could’ve been presented in a way so that it blended in without a hitch. And since the hard-edge pieces had such a strong impact, the supposed “summer wear” fell a bit short. Nevertheless, the collection quickly redeemed itself in the end with party dresses in sexy sequins, fringe and feather.
Clearly the brand wants their audience to know that cool, hip and funky doesn’t have to come with a high pricetag, achieving it flawlessly with pieces that can pass as designer garb. Style, with the right price, can indeed be bought.