JC Buendia in 50 looks
MANILA, Philippines - To celebrate his 25th year as one of the most beloved figures in the local fashion scene, designer JC Buendia served up a 50-piece collection at his Metro Society gala show earlier this week. The audience, full of celebrity, society and political bold-faced names who have Buendia on speed dial, came in full regalia: sequins, lace, ornate brocade. You name it, the over-embellished material was probably present.
But the runway was another matter.
Buendia, known for clean silhouettes and crisp lines, borrowed elements from the Audrey Hepburn era of moviemaking: cinched waists, full skirts, billowing sleeves. It was all signature JC.
Though impeccably cut, some looks failed to look of our time. In turning to the far past, Buendia had difficulty connecting to the present. Abbreviated palazzo pants in the same heavy silk felt too precious, while a few blouses felt unduly fussy.
But if the ladylike looks skewed towards the older set, that’s only because women of age — heads of state, senescent society figures — make up his principal client roster.
Highlights were French lace blouses tucked into full skirts, a delicate embroidered coat encrusted in pearls, a midi pencil skirt in yellow that managed to be both modest and young, a button-down shirtdress that was both sharp and modern, and the finale, a dramatic coat over a floor-skimming gown, fashioned from silk gazar.
It’s when Buendia veers away from the cliché of black-and-white films, that he strides into new and colorful territory. And for a designer already established, that’s rare to find.
