Fashion Week Holiday 2009

Fashionable enough? Shoes I wore during a show

I wasn’t able to see much of fashion week this time. I went to a few shows as I was going around Metro Manila looking for furniture and home accessories. Nonetheless, here are some collections I saw during Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2009.

Inspired by Siem Reap. I was told by Beautiful Things blogger Khaz that designer Don Protasio works in Cambodia as a curator. It seems that the culture and style of Cambodia has inspired his collection.

Black Domination. There was a lot of black at least during the shows that I saw. So I guess it’ll be a black holiday season. Above are dark and dramatic designs of Anthony Ramirez and Veejay Floresca.

Sanya Smith in Jerome Lorico

Fashion is Ageless. Menswear showed a wide range, including fashion for the more mature clientele and the emerging fashion-forward market. Above are ensembles by Tonichi Nocom and Bang Pineda.

Geek Chic. One of the more colourful collections I saw was Odelon Simpao’s happy preppy designs. He added interest in the classic style approach through bright warm colors and unexpected details.

Chastity Trunks

Personal Pick. Now, these are wonderful. I wouldn’t know what to put in this bag but I want one. And the shoes! They’re just major. Designs by Jerome Lorico.

The Philippine Fashion Week ran from May 26 to June 3 at the SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

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Lost in Fashion

We got lost in Fashion.

Last night, with a hundred designers presenting in one show, we couldn't keep up with whose fashion was whose in Metro Magazine's Metrowear 100. But we really didn't mind except for the bloggers' dilemma of captioning photos with the proper credits. I was sitting next to fashion blogger Khaz of Beautiful Things and a friend from the Inquirer.

The designers were grouped in segments (e.g., resort Wear by Cebu designers) with each presenting one ensemble.* So models came out as the designers' names were respectively flashed on the screens at the sides. It was just crazy looking center then forward then to the sides. And at times it seemed that models moved forward while the names didn't.

Anyhow, we still got delightfully lost in fashion. And I certainly found some favorites.


Robot Chic. This is my favorite look from everything that night. The frame butterfly sleeves were interesting enough. Then, the stylist covered the model's eyes and contrasted her light skin with very red lip color, building a strong android look.



Tess Pasola-ish and Givenchy Feel. This earth-tone dress reminds me of the paper sculptures of Tess Pasola. The silver dress with a large gathering at the back somehow evokes the drama and class of a Givenchy dress.


Jacket Du Jour. I personally like this jacket, but I don't think the wide, pointy shoulders will work with my wee frame. Perhaps, just the front and back details for me. :)


Metrowear 100, in celebration of Metro Magazine's twenty years, was held at the Manila Hotel Tent City.

* * *

By the way, have you noticed some changes in the Foblow's design? Nothing drastic... but I'm gradually adding some features and upgrading the look a bit. What do you think? Do send me an email or post a message.


*Except for the Dean of Philippine Fashion Ben Ferales who had six ensembles.

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From Rags to Bags

Le Rosette Tote

(Standout newspaper outfit by Jojie Lloren)

Retaso or excess fabrics from production plants usually find their way to former landfill Payatas, and are made into rags by the women of this depressed community. Last night Rags II Riches, a project that aim to help the women of Payatas, unveiled the second designer collection of bags "upcycled" from these fabrics.

An exhibit was set up at The Gallery of Greenbelt 5, Makati City. Amina Aranaz-Alunan designed this summer collection defined by rosettes, stripes and nets. The pieces were fused with other indigenous materials-- a signature of Aranaz.

Aplaya Basket Tote

(Gown by Melanie Lim)

Exhibited along with the bags, newspaper ensembles were produced by Dong Omaga-Diaz, Jojie Lloren, Avel Bacudio and students of the School of Fashion & the Arts. Indeed a gorgeous piece was Lloren's (first photo). Upon closer inspection, one could even see a zipper integrated to the design. (I think it may even be wearable by a girl with a high level of finess.)


And the best bag for summer, especially if you plan to hit the beach in style, is this blue, white and orange striped tote (photo below). Feels nautical without being constricted to bold bands of blue and white. (The sandy hue of the mall flooring and the greens placed on the side just add to the beachy feel of the bag. )

Best Bag for Summer

Remarkable bags from scraps, aren't they? Who would have thought these are made from the same material as your rags and doormat?

Find out more about Aranaz at http://aranaz.ecrater.com/ and http://aminava.blogspot.com/.

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Eat your heart out, Naomi

Guess who's wearing these foot-high pumps?

It's no top model. It's designer and School of Fashion and the Arts student Kermit Tesoro. Even in a semi-sober state, Kermit can rock these heels he designed himself.

Yes, he can also contort, do karaoke and even jump in these pumps... without falling.

Related Entries:

Kermit Tesoro in Fashion Week Spring Summer 2009

Shoes and design in Design Dream

More fashion in Style Spectacle

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On and Off Runway

More shots on and off the runway from the recent Philippine Fashion Week.

Black Cowl. Dax Bayani shifts to black this season for his spy-inspired travel wear.


Umbrella dress by Happy Andrada




Bonggang Bonggang Labandera. Inspired by subtle textures and the traditional women's wrap when doing laundry, Ceige Cagalawan abandons crystals and loud prints (except for his bag).

Brightly colored stockings on and off the ramp


Ready-to-wear show finale


See you next year!

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Fashion Week Spring Summer 2009

Rhino-like grid headpiece by Kermit Tesoro

It's Philippine Fashion Week again. I wasn't able to attend as much shows as I did during last season. Still, I was lucky enough to see imaginative and refreshing collections. In general, a lot of collections were hits rather than misses (i.e., those with pieces not apt for the season). Here are a few photo highlights.

Cotton Candy Whimsy. Youthful designs and new shapes from Kenneth Chua.

Personal Pick. Cuffed shorts by Pier Lim.

Little Cute Dress. Philip Tampus opens the Project Runway final show with a color muted but highly detailed collection. One of the crowd favorites was this baby dress.

Unzip to Transform
This convertible ensemble may very well make Aries Lagat win Project Runway. But we have yet to see as Philip gave quite an elegant show.

Goldfishes and Jellyfishes

I am not sure if these are the inspirations for their collections. Nikko Sonico's had fin-like ruffles and a goldfish palette, while Regine Dulay's pieces and parasols evoked images of graceful jellyfishes. Much like jellies, they were extra exquisite when they were hit by the light.

Fashion Week runs until October 29 (Wednesday) at the SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia.

More to follow. :)

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