Norman Noriega: Primeval organic

MANILA, Philippines - Choice of color notwithstanding, it came as a surprise to see Norman Noriega’s collection take on a very organic, almost primeval route. There’s just something very earthy and organic in the way he took off from his usual straight silhouettes that come alive with the flowing movement of his lightweight fabric into another level of discourse that seems to reimagine how early man would have chosen to wear clothes, sans any inkling of design. Perhaps we’re reading too much into his accessories — bone-like forms arranged as neckpieces and wrist accents from OS Accessories, and the occasional show of skin — but pairing all these with his minimalist layering comes out as very honest and functional. In a way, it can be the uniform of the future: easy-to-wear pieces, with convenience and the tropical weather in mind, and with the heavy-duty boots, seems like they’re made just for Manila’s asphalt jungle.

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Men’s Week is a project under Style Origin, a collaborative effort between Ayala Malls, Philippine STAR and Tiger 22, supported by Visa, Globe and Samsung. On May 12, designer Bang Pineda will be presenting his collection at Marquee Mall, Pampanga, 6 pm.