Designers find a new beat

MANILA, Philippines - On May 2, expect music and fashion to merge at MetroWear Rocks the Runway: Fashion for a Cause. With the environmental movement at the forefront of the project, Metro tapped 20 designers to design pieces paying homage to the cause, while rocking out to live music. YStyle gets the lowdown on the show: the designers’ inspirations and what new concepts they’re bringing to the table.

JOHN HERRERA

The inspiration: “I’m inspired by the anemone, an underwater creature that’s very much like a sea foam except that it’s poisonous.”

The concept: “I focused on the shapes and movement of the anemone and incorporated it to my piece.”

The make: “My piece is a gored trumpet dress with bold shoulders.”

What’s new: “The silhouette is very new and ambitious in terms of pattern and construction. I used silk cocoon fabric which is a banana and pineapple fiber blend.”

ERIC DELOS SANTOS

The inspiration: “Texture, colors, details…”

The concept: “Something old, something new...something modernizing the 1950s look, with lots of texture and layering.”

The make: “I used a local fabric called hablon. from Miagao, Iloilo. It looks like brocade with soft tulle and delicate tulle laces. Silhouettes are bias, layers, and some beadings for details.”

What’s new: “It’s classic but modern — by mixing hard fabric and soft laces. It’s conservative but sexy.”

RONALDO ARNALDO

The inspiration: “I’m inspired by color, form, energy and conductivity of semimetals such as copper, graphite and steel. New Age power dressing that is both electrifying and deadly.”

The concept: “The capsule collection is a study in geometric proportions, juxtaposition of textures, play of iridescence and three dimensional pattern techniques.”

The make: “Natural fabrics such as Philippine dupione, pure wool and wool blends in herringbone pattern, silks, cottons, lace and leather. Unusual proportions such as mullet hems, long fronts, short backs and asymmetric circular bias techniques are evident in the entire capsule collection.”

What’s new: “New and unexpected proportions, kimono gusset sleeves which is the trend now.”

AVEL BACUDIO

The inspiration: “My current inspiration is my niece. We’ve been waiting for a child in the family for eight years, and we’re so happy now that she’s here. I’m here because of her.”

The concept: “I love the ‘50s look — glam, the time when everyone was pretty. I made it new and very Filipino.”

The cause: “In my shop, I use recycled materials for my hang tags, paper bags. I make it a point to be conscious about the environment. It may be just a small thing, but I know I get to to make a difference in my own way.”

JOEY SAMSON

The inspiration: “Menswear from the ’50s.”

The concept: “Working with a boxy silhouette and tailored look without softening it for women.”

What’s new: “Veering away from my signature neutrals. Playing with peekaboo material, exposing some skin.”

ROLAND ALZATE

The inspiration: “In general, my design is inspired by people I love and admire and things I like about life in general.”

The concept: “For the MetroWear show: La Dolce Vita meets strong modernity. I used hourglass silhouettes because I want to give emphasis to the beauty of the female form.”