Ystyle Picks of The Week

Meester Nice Gal

MANILA, Philippines - Leighton was the cutest thing to happen to PFW in a while. The Gossip Girl star, flown in by Penshoppe to walk the runway, was garbed in Robin Tomas designs. Watch out for Ana Kalaw’s interview with Tomas on his Penshoppe collab and his first Manila shop next week. —BJL

Photo by MARLON PECJO

Costume National

Though Veejay Floresca offered his sweetly unconventional take on the traditional barong for his PFW collection, the designer was inspired by — of all people — New York women. In touching base with his roots, he was able to reach a wide audience. “A lot of people said that the whole collection had a global appeal, which is flattering,” Floresca observes. “I think my travels to cities all over the world had a large impact.” —BJL

A different headspace

People are talking about the headpieces at Yvonne Quisumbing’s PFW presentation. Designed by artist Nikki Luna, they were more art than accessories. Inspired by Satan Said Dance’s Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Luna worked with headbands, paint, artificial twigs and leaves and recycled holiday decor. “I played with the concept of a ram, the animal, fearlessness, virility and force,” she tells YStyle. — BJL

Walk the talk

Young designer Nixon Marquez proved he has what it takes to deliver a solid collection, with street-inspired pieces perfect for those city girls who never try too hard to get dressed, but still end up looking the coolest. This designer to watch seems to understand that vision and wearability can go together. — JNF

It’s Xtina vs. Tina

Transgender model Xtina Superstar and Philippine Fashion Week producer Tina Herrera’s controversial Twitter exchange all started when the model was not allowed to walk for Kermit Tesoro’s show last May 24. The former claimed that Herrera prevented her from doing the show and accused Herrera of being “transphobic.” Herrera clarified on Twitter that Xtina was not permitted to walk because she had no booking and no contract. Members of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) have expressed disappointment over PFW’s alleged transphobic move.

Xtina told The STAR: “I used to be afraid of how the world would treat me because of who I am, but I have been blessed with many friends in and out of the industry, who have coaxed me out of my shell. They have given me the courage and opportunity to be a part of Philippine Fashion Week as an advocate and a torch carrier of progressive thinking. I have walked for the past two seasons. Though times have changed, recent events served as painful yet crucial reminders that we still have leaps and bounds to go in terms of equality. I want to remind other people who face the same challenges and stay strong.” As of press time, Tina Herrera could not be reached for comment.—CBT

Keeping It Ethereal

Best known for painting faces rather than draping fabric, Fanny Serrano surprised at Philippine Fashion Week (PFW), drawing claps for his airy, Japanese-inspired looks on kabuki-ed models. Serrano’s natural fabrics spun a tale of ethereal romance. This billowy number was proof of proper construction plus attention to draping and movement.  —KAH

Dominique Reighard, Michael Cinco and Allison Harvard

Smells like Top Model

Michael Cinco, flanked by America’s Next Top Model Dominique Reighard and Allison Harvard, did his final bow at his recent presentation at the Bench show. It’s been a big year for the designer who just debuted a fragrance for Bench’s designer scents collection. The ad stars Harvard in the same strapless sheath, photographed by Lope Navo.—BJL