Bag to differ

We have all said our proper goodbyes and farewells to a season that has, quite sadly, come to its end: summer. Memories, most of them pleasantly hazy, have so lovingly been buried deep in a pile of receipts, used plane tickets, and empty bottles of tanning oils from trips to the beach or some exotic must-visit destination. While most have already traded in the then-requisite candy-colored swimsuits, immaculate white cover-ups, and everywhere-wear flip-flops for military jackets, rockstar shoes, and other dominatrix-inspired pieces, there still remains a few "summer survivors." We are talking about pieces that will stay visible in the style scene until, give or take, the year’s end: breezy numbers in light fabric, layers of vintage jewelry, and for the one-bag-fits-all gal, the wicker bag. Despite gray and gloomy days, designers and fashion labels are providing an interesting spin on these sunshiny pieces to fit right into the cooler months ahead.

Designer Yvonne Quisumbing-Romulo has always been one to play around with fabric, giving it interesting treatment. Her approach to design is "try anything, at least once." Embellishment, raw edges, patchwork, and interesting monochromatic color combinations are but a few of the things that make Yvonne’s design aesthetic distinct. This season, she continues to utilize light fabric for new fashion label Plank. Her style leans towards minimalist lines and crisp cuts in earthy hues. There is a certain quality of moodiness, mystery and gloom to her pieces that make them impossible to ignore. Catering to the individual who seeks both function and visual impact, her pieces for Plank are suited for any summer kitten still nursing a hangover from endless days spent wearing the past summer’s barely-there pieces. Consider Plank a serum for summer’s end.

Vintage continues to make it to the most arresting fashion editorials since it first made its comeback in 2004. Talk about longevity. Style-savvy individuals have looked to their grandmother’s bauls for heirlooms, chains, cameos and just about any piece that can spruce up even the most ordinary number. With rock, grunge and London’s punk subculture adding attitude to the collections of major fashion players like Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, and king Karl Lagerfeld, chunks of metal, layers of chains, and other eye-catching hardware have become elements that truly define the season. A fondness for irony – prim and proper meets irrational and rebellious – is what these jewels are all about. Mickey See’s vintage jewelry for Pilar offers a wide array of chains, pendants, earrings, and charms that one can wear with just about anything. Composed of pieces that leave a strong statement, or serve as a fashion declaration of one’s character, Mickey See’s collection for the season is just what one needs to add a little more luster to a rather sluggish number.

Wicker bags or the basket case are most popular during the warmer months since they make for ideal carryalls while vacationing or enjoying a brief yet magical lull from a hectic week. Light indigenous material mixed with Western elements like nautical fabrics, superior leather trims, and printed lining make Kaliq’s collection a year-round hit to, lets just say, your quintessential basketcase. Not the kind of gal portrayed in films like Girl Interrupted or Prozac Nation, of course. We are talking about the active, ever-ready girl who runs around town from sun- up to sun-down. She gives high regard for all things practical. Hence, the need for a bag that will allow her to effortlessly stuff in all her must-haves. While not everyone is a basket case, we realize this particular set of brilliantly-woven jutes, leather, and cotton will certainly make one think twice about selling her soul to the devil just so she can get hold of the five-digit "it" hobo bag of the season.

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Plank and Pilar are located at the Independent Lifestyles Area of the Powerplant Mall, Rockwell. Kaliq bags are available at Robinsons department stores, Metro Gaisano, Market! Market!, and Rustan’s department stores.