MANILA, Philippines - The School of Fashion and the Arts, only a few years old, has already produced several promising students who have been recognized with awards and accolades, like Noelle Llave (Class of 2010, Preview Emerging Fashion Talent) and Kaye Morales (Class of 2010, GEN M The Mega Young Designer’s Competition). This year, select students of the class of 2011 presented a fashion show as their graduation march, marking the culmination of their years at SoFA and their debut into the fashion industry, previewed by work from outstanding current and alumni students, memorable among which were Mark Tamayo’s delicate shell-like dress and Pristine de Guzman’s robo-armor lingerie, winner of the Triumph Inspiration Award.
Kirby Cruz’s collection was based on fractals, which were translated into shiny geometric patterns and cut-out shapes in a rust palette that had a medieval-fantasy look to them, the kind of thing you’d wear to an underground nightclub where “underground” was a dungeon.
Gabbie Sarenas’s dresses were straight-up ballet-inspired, with sheer beige and blush skirts, floral appliques and layers of white tulle-ideal wedding belle froth.
Geoff Zordilla channeled the hummingbird in his collection with bright colors and plumage-like ruffles, but the effect was heavier than light, and brought to mind larger birds, like peacocks, hens and black swans.
Nicee Atienza showed great attention to detail with tailored menswear in nostalgic shapes and tones, and classic women’s evening wear encrusted with crystals in art nouveau patterns, like old New York City skyscrapers come to life.
Vince Tolentino’s “Beauty of Galaxies” collection really did do it thematic justice, with metallic brocade that swirled with constellations, inky black menswear that represented dark matter, and other hints of science fiction.
Designs of current students and of some outstanding alumni were also shown.