Runway showstoppers and showmakers
MANILA, Philippines - Ayala Malls once again inspired imagination as it staged the fourth leg of its fashion show series in the most bustling and exciting of its malls, the aptly named Market! Market! at the heart of Taguig City.
The thick Mother’s Day crowd, five stories strong, was drawn to the activity area as lights and sounds provided by Manila’s hottest female DJ duo, Deuce Manila, rocked the venue with the latest dance remixes. Pumped up and raring to go, the show’s host Grace Lee opened the show, greeted everyone with a special shout-out to all the mothers in the audience and promised them a night of style and entertainment.
And they certainly were entertained as Fil-Norwegian singer Markki Stroem then brought the house down with his signature pop-jazz sound accompanied by a frenzied bevy of hip-hop dancers.
Consistent with the evening’s already vivacious start, the fashion show did not disappoint as participating Market! Market! stores like Lee, Marithé François Girbaud, Wrangler, Skechers, Merrell, Payless Shoe Source, Samsonite, Barbie, Folded & Hung, Team Manila, Artwork, Petit Monde, Swish Clothing, Heatwave, Hip Culture, Freeway, Just G, Gingersnaps, Kikay, Celest, Unica Hija, Tomato, Get Laud, Celine, Wade, Jean Hill, Janylin, Silverworks, Maldita, Bayo and Plains & Prints bedazzled everyone with their summer-themed collections as color and print featured heavily on the runway. The stars were also out that night as matinée idols Dominic Roque for Marithe François Girbaud, Joross Gamboa for Wrangler, Rodjun Cruz for Folded & Hung, Edgar Allan Guzman for Team Manila and Steven Silva for Wade strutted across the catwalk to the deafening screams of their fans.
But the loudest cheers were reserved for the tiniest of them, the infinitely adorable Ryzza Mae Dizon who walked with other mini models in the kid’s fashion segment. The noontime show darling, in a mostly pink ensemble for Barbie, cha-chaed down the runway and charmed everyone with her signature toothy smile.
Markki Stroem returned to close the show to rousing hits from Maroon 5 to David Guetta as the models streamed out for an encore and left everyone on their feet, dancing. It was certainly a night of inspiration and imagination, one that’s true to Ayala Malls’ aim to bring fashion and style closer to the community.
Trend report: Market! Market!
Teen-friendly looks in color-friendly apparel made news on the runway.
Smart cut
Draped, bias-cut, A-lines: Figure-flattering frocks make the most out of your body, while smart accessories (innovative luggage, sleek jewelry, sculpted heels) draw the eye.
Epic Pales
New iterations on denim are emerging — from streak-less washes to pale chambray (as seen on the dude’s jacket), while light and neutral-colored footwear continues to be popular.
Pitter Pattern
Micro prints, florid full-on florals, light paisleys and African tribal patterns were some of the many motifs to emerge on the runway.
Off to the Laces
A summer staple, lace — in eye-catching eyelet, fine crewelwork and the French style — appears in pencil skirts, skater dresses and hip-skimming tunics.
Plaid mad
Hipster appropriation be damned. Plaid, checks and anything resembling a schoolgirl uniform showed up in preppy ensembles and lumberjack-inspired costumes.
Summer fever
Juicy hues in orange, yellow, red and blue make a case for the summer uniform: colorful, carefree and cool.
Urban myth
Sneakers, all-black uniforms, camo: coded elements of the urban youth, brands put a fresh spin on the trend, pairing it with pop-bright sneaker wedges or unexpected denim colorways.
