MANILA, Philippines - It was in the brightly-lit Activity Center along Palm Drive that Style Orgin Glorietta was inaugurated featuring brands located inside Ayala Malls’ “jewel in the crown.†Hosted by actor Jericho Rosales, it was another evening of inspiring style and imagination, peppered by a host of celebrity sightings on the runway. On the catwalk, we spied a lot of trends based on vacation dressing, which is perfect for Makati-dwellers who need airy, breezy clothing while crossing streets under the sweltering sun.
Totes amaze
There are days when a girl just needs a big bag to carry all her stuff, without sacrificing style. Look to brightly colored leather totes to liven up a somber look or alternatively, go for basic black that’ll go with every outfit. There are even options for guys too because, let’s face it: Your pockets can’t hold all your bits and bobs.
In the tropics
Living in a tropical country has its perks because we can pull off summer clothing all year round, except when it goes against dress codes, of course. Not just for the beach, tropical prints are versatile enough for the city. Printed on a loose maxi dress with the right accessories, it can take you from a pool party to a dinner party. On a pantsuit worn under a solid-colored blazer, you just might be able to get away with it at a business meeting.
Crop it out
Crop tops have been a frightening trend to encounter for those of us without the tightest of midriffs, to which we say, if you can’t rock a midriff, don’t. Instead, opt for a cropped pant instead. Wear light-colored cropped pants for the day and a silky black one at night. They’re all the better for showing off those shoes, too.
Room to breathe
The heat has been no joke lately and you really should take every opportunity to avoid tight, restrictive clothing because hot and sticky has never been in fashion. Take refuge in loose, airy silhouettes that’ll let those legs breathe. While most would think this trend falls more on the formal side, pieces like loose, cropped pants or a breezy lace top are also appropriate for casual dressing.
Short story
The ultimate in weekend dressing, no wardrobe is complete without a decent pair of shorts that can show off a good pair of shoes. Whether tailored, ripped, printed or lengthened, there’s a pair of shorts to suit every personality.
Weekend footwear
When the native American Indians invented moccasins, we're pretty sure they never imagined that they would one day be a fashion favorite. Spotted several times on the runway, outfitted in earth tones and rubber soles, it’s a great weekend alternative for men to the tennis shoe.
Fade to light
Denim is always in season, especially on our side of the world, but seeing it everywhere, all the time can be tiring. Why not freshen things up a bit by trying on a dark-washed denim that fades to a bleached-out denim? It’s about time we gave chambray a little jolt, anyway. Photos by JOEY MENDOZA