MANILA, Philippines - When he first gazed at Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, during a recent jaunt to northern Italy, designer Jun Escario was struck by the image’s understated power. “I wanted to create a collection that is feminine, pure and commanding,” he says. “The sensual draping of the subject and her powerful persona inspired me to create softly flowing pleated dresses in pale hues accessorized by bold beaten gold leaf jewelry.”
His cruise collection opened with flowing jersey numbers, belted with gold leaf chains. “I started with an all-white collection in the purest white with calado embroidery. I love the structure and the whole look of it — from the coat dress, the super chic pantsuit to the simplest embroidered shift dress. Navy and white played the dominant role with gold, cobalt, champagne and ice blue to complete my color palette.”
Escario’s dominant themes of soft and crisp culminated in standout linen ensembles and Grecian numbers with flowing hems and accordion pleats. “I love the nautical look with the pleated dresses plus the clothes are just beyond trend. Classic, sophisticated, recession-proof clothes.”
The clothes on the runway looked summer-appropriate: garb for a party at some tropical getaway or lunch on the deck of a lakeside restaurant. Escario’s figured out how to craft fresh clothes that are of its time and look effortlessly rich. Perhaps it’s because his muses are equally stylish. “I design for someone who is beyond trends. Someone comfortable in her own skin.”