CEBU, Philippines – 2014 in Cebu's fashion scene bustled with activity and variety. From fashion shows that highlighted new design trends by Cebu's top couturiers, to runway presentations that featured the creative talents of Cebu's up-and-coming designers -versatility and timeless themes were the year's kingmakers of style; as a sudden upswing in minimalism took over the collective fashion consciousness hereabouts.
Colloquially dubbed as the "nomcore" trend, it stands to reason that toning down was the in thing in Cebu last year - but in no way did it make the local fashion sphere less fun and dynamic.
"Mga Likha ni Inay" Fashion Show: The Philippine Modern Ethnic Collection
The show featured the "Philippine Modern Ethnic Collection" of the "Mga Likha ni Inay" brand. Held on April 4, 2014 at SM City Cebu, the event showcased form-flattering dresses, elegant eveningwear pieces and formal-leisure wear suits by designer Chris Gamo - whose contemporary treatment of the t'nalak from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, piña cocoon from Lumban, Laguna, and tiger grass from Albay, Bicol were difficult to ignore.
Summer Solstice
It was the spring/summer collection of the Fashion Council of Cebu, held in The Gallery of the Ayala Center Cebu on April 11, 2014. Collectively, the pieces presented were molded from the ideal combination of boldness and fragility - steered by the aesthetic design ideals of draping, patterns, volume and cut-outs; punctuated by the well-curated utilization of embellishments, prints and intricate embroideries.
Prism: 7 Shades of Summer
Highlighting the latest collections of Cebu's top fast-fashion brands, the metro's favorite runway models shared the catwalk with local Cebuano personalities in this ramp show.
Held at the Nortwing Atrium of SM City Cebu on May 8, 2014, the event focused on the individual styles of its "modelling debutants" - making it one of the year's more interesting fashion events.
Upsurge: Fashion for a Cause
This fashion event featured the funwear and eveningwear collections of the Young Designer's Collective and Fashion Inc. Held on June 28, 2014 at the Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu - then Miss Philippines Earth 2014 Jamie Herrel (who won the title of Miss Earth 2014 by last November) donned the creations of designers K Miranda and Humberto Villegas. Spearheaded by the Mega Cebu Program, the show was a fashion-cum-fundraiser - through a silent auction of the leisure suits, cocktail dresses and formal-wear pieces that were presented during the show. It raised funds to provide educational support to different LGUs in the province.
Glitterati 4: Designer Denim
Cebu's teenage personalities modeled the urban-inspired creations of designers Bree Esplanada, Exur Lopena and Mike Yapching in the July 24 iteration of the "Glitterati" fashion show series, held at the Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu. The pieces presented nodded to the aesthetic ideals of simple-but-provocatively unflustered designs - predominantly toned by soft shades of amethyst, powdered neutrals and darkly romantic grays.
The "Cebu in the Bag" Fashion Show
The red, black and white collections of Cebu's highly sought-after couturiers headlined the show at the Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu on June 13, 2014. Featured were the creations of designers Edwin Ao, Albert Arriba, Protacio Empaces, Jun Escario, Arcy Gayatin, Oj Hofer, Ren Manabat, William Manahan, Yvonne Quisumbing, Philip Rodriguez, Cary Santiago and Marichu Tan-Geson - with vibrant raffia dresses, form-flattering maxis, deep v-neck fineries and sleek tuxedoes as the core highlights.
Gear and Glam: For Your Eyes Only
Striking explosions of color and timeless styles proudly stood as the hallmarks of last year's iteration of the fashion and classic car show series - where the creations of the Fashion Council of Cebu shared the spotlight with the car collections of the members of the Performance and Classics Enthusiasts, PACE. Held on October 9 at The Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu, the James Bond-themed "Gear and Glam: For Your Eyes Only" was a class of its own - as it outshone the flair and pizzas of previous Gear and Glam editions.
Style Origin: High Street Fashion and Mensweek Fashion Show
On August 2 and 3, the final leg of Ayala Malls' "Style Origin" series for 2014 took place at The Gallery of the Ayala Center Cebu. Featuring the creations of the country's top designers, the fashion event featured a number of local personalities who modeled the collections of the country's favorite local and international brands. Celebrities Jeric Teng, Kris Lawrence, Sam Milby, Drew Arellano and Iya Villania-Arellano were also in the two fashion shows.
The 3rd "Green Fashion Revolution"
On October 18, the student-designers of the University of the Philippines Cebu emerged as the champions of the year's "Green Fashion Revolution" intercollegiate fashion design competition - with the student-designers of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University and the University of San Carlos respectively placing 1st and 2nd runners-up. The eco-conscientious competition aimed to celebrate talent and creativity of Cebu's young designers - as well as espousing the "reduce, reuse and recycle" philosophy. It is an annual event is spearheaded by the Aboitiz Foundation.
"Kasalang Filipino" 2014: Bridal Fashion Show
Intricate embroideries and form-flattering designs were the hallmarks of the show, where the bridal couture creations of Cebu's up-and-coming designers met with the timeless markers of endearing cachet designs. Featuring the creations of designers Jose Abelida, Edwin Alba, Danny Booc, Brendon Cenon, Rei Escario, Lord Maturan, Jonas Navarro, Manuel Tumaque, Elmer de Venecio and Humberto Villegas - the show's presented pieces were steered by elegant elements of draping and balanced use of fabric volume; complemented by artful embellishments and sophisticated embroideries.