Biker chicks, ballerinas and the new barong

MANILA, Philippines - Four designers were grouped into a show that presented very different aesthetics. Chris Jasler was all about rock and roll biker meets S&M for his collection packed with an explosion of grommets, leather, studs, skulls, and zippers. Both for men and women, there wasn’t an unembellished pair of jeans or an unadorned jacket in sight. Interesting way to start the show, too — his first piece down the runway had a male model unfold the tiniest denim bag slung around his neck into his own pair of skinny jeans, real time. It was wise of Melchor Guinto to showcase his menswear as his skills clearly lie in tailoring. His womenswear, though few and far between, were largely uninspiring. With his twist on men’s classics, with cobalt blues and red-oranges on men’s jackets, vests and trousers, and playful prints on blazers and color blocking, there was enough from the men to keep us impressed.

Philip Tampus began with short dresses in jewel tones, evoking delicate ballerinas; light, visions in vivid tulle. A second wave of gowns consisted of fantastically draped lace and sheer pieces. Colored lace was strategically placed in bodices in magnificent patterns with voluminous sheer skirts, as well as metallic patterns adorning nude bodices to look like tribal tattoos. Menswear consisted mostly of velvet jackets and embellished polo shirts, using sheer fabrics as inner shirts in some to evoke the same feel as womenswear; this was less effective in menswear though. Veejay Floresca showed an inspired urban collection that cleverly mixed barong-inspired dresses and blouses with his trademark sleek leather and lace pencil skirts. He kept them urban with peek-a-boo backs, detachable collars and a slim silhouette, creating a fresh interpretation of the delicate Filipino garment for the big city.