Decadent vs simple

Patrice Ramos-Diaz: Wearable is always worthy

MANILA, Philippines - The last time Patrice Ramos-Diaz had her creations shown in a major fashion show was when she was appointed creative director for Vise Versa, essentially a brand catering to the empowered female workforce. Here, she made use of geometry and minimalist details to present a more chic translation of office wear.

For her recent Fashion Watch showing, Ramos-Diaz translated the same geometric silhouettes and fluid lines of her corporate portfolio into luxurious resort and cocktail wear. First showing off gray and white separates highlighting wide-legged pants and white or black shirts made of recycled cotton scraps, Ramos-Diaz once again proves that her biggest strength is the wearability of her pieces. These are ensembles that, while still looking distinctly designer-made, won’t intimidate even those women not too familiar with concepts of deconstruction or structured fashion; unique creations that don’t have the store-bought stamp but which can still be worn on any occasion: in a plush tropical villa (especially if finished off with the huge shell belts and rope necklaces from Jo by Joyce Oreña), a lavish urban gathering, even in a corporate setting.

Using the same tempered neutral palette, Ramos-Diaz shifts from flowy, floor-sweeping pants and skirts to architectural cocktail wear. Though still minimalist, her evening pieces feature pintucked details and asymmetric shapes carefully designed to fit and flatter all figures. It’s not just elegant, eco-friendly distinction that went into the creation of Ramos-Diaz’s clothes but also an empathy with her clientele and a sartorial intelligence that only a few local designers can truly claim.

Philip Rodriguez: A study in maximalism

Most of the time, designers can’t get away with injecting too many trends into a collection. But somehow, veteran designer Philip Rodriguez manages to get away with it in his Fashion Watch showing.

Maxed out: Lace, beadwork and bows are all injected into Philip Rodriguez’s sumptuous collection for Fashion Watch.

Showing off sumptuous eveningwear that seems to have been strongly influenced by Spanish flamenco, the Cebuano designer puts together lace details, intricate beadwork, and feminine accoutrements such as ruffles and bows onto pieces mostly done in red, black and white. This collection is easily defined by Rodriguez’s separates. Sheer, high-necked tops paired with satiny bottoms and lacy bodices gutted in more impact than his gowns, tiered and elegantly draped pieces that manifest the designer’s penchant for flamboyance.

Rodriguez also inserts a capsule compilation for men, though a bit overshadowed in the maximalist aesthetic of the women’s collection. Mostly boxy double-breasted suits finished off with bowties, the options for men take on a classic vintage appeal which, displayed at the right time and setting, are worthy of Rodriguez’s luxurious inclinations.