Global garb for the citizen of the world

MANILA, Philippines - The times being what they are, the time of the reclusive, genius designer is a thing of the past — now we have global mavericks who take inspiration from different parts of the globe (from as far away as India, to as close as the graffiti-streaked back alley of your village) to create for the men and women who thrive in the “now.” 

There is something remarkably Asian, and therefore remarkably global about the be-patterned collection of Arnold Galang who seemed to gather inspiration from other Southeast Asian countries by means of cut, color, and pattern. Everything fro the spicy hues of cinnabar, grenadine, freesia, cobalt, and cactus; to the tunic and sharply defined silhouettes; and even to the weave-like patterns matched with grid and kaleidoscope patterns, create some sort of happy mix, an “amalgamation of complex yet colorful themes” as he calls it, one that celebrates diversity and unity.

Another take Asian-fused collection is that of Jun Jun Cambe’s, this time giving a glimpse of his own India. With a repertoire of unconstructed silhouettes that range from literal translations of Bollywood-esque ensembles to beautifully crafted pieces in crinkled silk, toile, silk and organdy and subsequently adorned with complex embroidery and beadwork; Cambe takes a campy theme and deconstructs it into wearable eveningwear.

M Barretto turned to urban military and graffiti culture in his menswear offering for Holiday 2012, furthering his resolve this year for more street wear-inspired ensembles that would match his keen sense in tailoring. This time he took on two looks — uptown and inversely, downtown — to show how the aesthetic can be versatile, ranging from rugged to preppy, and then to polish. Polished, after all, is what one can expect from Barretto, but his exploration of street does not disappoint, in fact, the deviation is hardly felt, and instead the clothes seamlessly melded into a tight and cohesive collection of wearable menswear separates.

At first glance, the collection of Ronaldo Arnaldo may seem very sharp and futuristic, what with the metallic sheen and the striking introduction of a sudden splash of purple; but what he seems to be really addressing is the need for a new kind of tailoring for the modern woman. His intentions of dressing a powerful woman is evident at every turn — from the asymmetrical cuts, the mullet skirt, the layering over pants, and even the use of the patterned silver accent. All of these elements contribute to create new silhouettes and new cuts for the woman in charge.