At SM, the discreet maximalist ruled the runway

MANILA, Philippines - There was plenty to look forward to at the SM fashion show.

Channeling an extravagant woman’s closet, there were ensembles for lavish dinner parties, casual brunches, jetset travel (to somewhere in France, maybe) and even a masquerade or two (there were a couple headpieces doing double duty as masks).

Black and white was a popular theme for the hundred-something looks in the collection, which worked the monochromatic palette to the max. Putting the focus on texture, like feathers, lace and rich baroque patterns, the looks were far from minimalist.

Sequined cropped blouses paired with drop-crotch pants in jersey had a continental flair. Floor-sweeping Flapper frocks with cascading ruffles made a bold statement. Sequined dresses provided a disco feel, while white bloomers paired with lace and ruffled blouses in the same hue suggested a fetish for old-fashioned girlish underpants.

The show didn’t rely simply on dresses to make its case, opting for plenty of tailored blouses and pencil or tulip skirts with thoughtful bulge-concealing panels covering the abdomen.

The harem pant returned, this time paired with draped blouses and stacked platforms.

Partywear was clearly a big inspiration. A pailette-encrusted tank topped a floaty satin banded skirt with a lace hem, while a mesh paneled skirt with sequins — a mini serving as cover tucked underneath — was toned down by a loose-fitting tank in black.

Some color made its way through black and white’s regime. Neutrals, it appears, will still be mainstays. Whether it’s on a jersey jumpsuit or discreet blouse, taupe, blush and khaki remain key shades.

A few brights made their way out of the color wheel and onto the runway. Magenta and hot pink were the few bold hues, while aubergine and navy offered a somber yet still appealing pop of color.

If there is anything to be gleaned from the show, it appears that women will be wearing plenty of embellishment, whether it’s a bold hue, a few sequins or a couple of feathers — on her skirt or, maybe even, her head.