True to her signature modular style, Lulu Tan Gan creates a highly flexible summer collection that is both refreshing and comfortingly familiar.
I remember Lulu giving a lecture on her career as a fashion designer when I was in grade school. She was innovative then — our Philippine Diane von Furstenberg and she is equally singular today. She makes easy clothes without being boring or sloppy. Clothes for women created by a Type-A career woman. She keeps to her sleek lines and strong forms using a forgiving knit fabric that Lulu has been known for. Whether it’s dip dyed or color blocked, the pieces look timeless.
Graphic prints and on-season brights dominate her looks, as she borrows silhouettes from old Filipino pieces.
A stunning modern baro’t saya is one outstanding piece along with the more western cowlneck dresses that are one of the designer’s mainstay details.
Her generous use of color and horizontal lines may encourage caution to many figure-conscious women. However given their clever placement, these are more likely to hug the body than visually stretch it.
A highly sophisticated array of eveningwear takes the froth of chiffon to another table, as Lulu introduces a new way to toast champagne. Expertly mixing sheer fabric with her modern knit dresses, her alternative evening clothes are both modern and functional. Very after-party friendly.
The cowlnecks add drama; worn as a headpiece it resembles a hoodie, which is prolific in teen fashion. It adds a touch of fun without being cheesy. The wispy jackets give a more soigné touch, paying homage to the hourglass shapes of mid-century fashion. The casual use of shawls also gives a figure-friendly tone to the clingy dresses.
Highly wearable and pleasantly unexpected, Lulu Tan Gan proves she is still at the top of her game, minus the bells and whistles.
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Fashion Watch 2011 is presented by Olay, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Philippine Star, Preview, Starworld and Stylebible.ph in cooperation with major sponsors BMW and Metro Pacific Investments. The next Fashion Watch is on May 26 featuring Arcy Gayatin and Norman Noriega. Call 840-0884 for reservations.a