funkymochi-mochi: Philippine Fashion Designers

Showing posts with label Philippine Fashion Designers. Show all posts

Friday, May 4, 2012

Robin Tomas Will Launch his Collection for Penshoppe

Robin Tomas is upbeat in a recent e-mail from New York. “There are a lot of things lined up in Manila,” he writes. This May, nearly three years since he debuted his eponymous clothing line in Philippine Fashion Week, is the launch of his capsule collection for Penshoppe, the casual clothing brand’s first-ever designer collaboration. Tomas will also dabble in costume design for the first time, for Atlantis Productions’ local staging of “Nine,” the Tony award-winning musical, in September. He arrives in Manila just as his Spring 2012 collection hits the racks at Myth boutique in Greenbelt 5. Tomas, who has lived in New York City since 2001 when he was a student at Parsons School of Design, still carries a Philippine passport, and comes home at least twice a year.

Penshoppe, which is aggressively upgrading its image with recent campaigns featuring Hollywood actors Ed Westwick and Zac Efron, approached Tomas following his win last year in a T-shirt design tilt that had his winning piece reproduced and sold at Bloomingdale’s. Penshoppe’s brand director, Alex Mendoza, knew Tomas from way back, when the designer still worked in advertising. “We’re in a level-up mode, and we felt Robin would be the right fit for what we need. This is part of our campaign for global recognition,” says Rocel Roque, marketing specialist of Golden ABC, Penshoppe’s mother company. “He’s very New York, his style is high-end, but he’s Filipino.” The Tomas for Penshoppe collection, 12 styles each for men and women, will hit some 30 stores across the country on the second week of May.

Designing for his compatriots has a “different fulfillment,” Tomas says over iced coffee on a sweltering afternoon a day after his homecoming. It echoes his statement in 2009 about wanting to launch his brand here for sentimental reasons. “I want to bring my clothes here, so it’s not just available there.” While his line, simply called Tomas in the Big Apple, is carried by three Manhattan boutiques, he says it excites him to see his clothes on Filipino women. “We consider ourselves blessed and lucky that Robin chose to work with us,” says Ruby Gan, one of the owners of Myth, which is carrying Tomas’ line for the second season. “He has a steady clientele that regularly looks for his creations, and he never fails them because you can count on him to deliver… And the best part also is that whatever he showcases in New York is immediately available here.” Tomas’ rise has been slow but steady. But whatever uncertainty he had from three years ago is now replaced with confidence and dogged determination.

“You learn to be resourceful,” he says when asked how an unknown designer can stay afloat in a setting like New York. The economy is sluggish “but New York is New York,” he adds. “There will always be people [who buy]… I also want to reach other markets. I want to highlight my Filipino upbringing plus my New York exposure; that’s my formula. I want to use the good points of being [trained] in New York and serve other markets.” He chose retail because “that’s the name of the game in New York, not couture.” But he wants to visit Manila more often so he could take on couture clients and, perhaps, dress up a few celebrities and socialites. “I’d really like that! Red carpet is more LA, New York not so much.”

This designer’s goal is to set up his own boutique here, and also make his clothes available in key Asian cities. He owns his business, but admits he’s open to working with an investor. Tomas, 35, chuckles when I point out that he’s finally out of his mom’s shadow. “Mom,” of course, is popular actress-comedienne Tessie Tomas. “She says people now refer to her as ‘Robin Tomas’ mom,’ in the same way my lola became known as ‘Tessie Tomas’ mom.” His grandmother, Laura Hermosa, was a popular radio talent. “I’m a happy son to see a proud mom,” he says. His early exposure to clothes and costumes is owed to his mother, but Tomas feels that carving a name in fashion is all his own. Having a famous parent, however, has its advantages: “It’s not just the fashion press here that covers me, even the show-biz press is interested.”

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Francis Libiran Gives Hello Kitty a Fierce Look

The creations of Philippine Fashion Designer Francis Libiran were featured in the 8th episode of "America's Nex Top Model" Cycle 18: British Invasion that was aired in the United States last April 25, 2012. Francis Libiran was asked to create Hello Kitty-inspired couture dresses for the show's top seven contestant's photo shoot challenge.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Manila Wear - Celebration of Philippine Fashion and Tropical Lifestyle

It was perhaps the first time in Philippine Fashion history that clothes and Fashion Accessories were bigger than their designers. Eyeing the global market, 21 of the country’s top apparel and accessories designers joined the recent “Manila Wear” show at SMDC Grand Showroom, Pasay City.

Billed as a celebration of Philippine design and tropical lifestyle, the show was the main feature in Manila FAME’s fashion component. Each Philippine Fashion designer presented a five-piece “tropical wear” collection that combined creative uses of indigenous materials and techniques with imported fabrics and components for the high-end world market. Apart from doing away with conventional ramp in favor of raised platforms, where models either stood or sat still, the organizers, led by New York-based designer and event curator Josie Natori, simply allowed the items instead of their designers to speak for themselves.

Promotional materials for guests and buyers at the entrance were flyers containing the designers’ sketches and brief info about them and their collections. Many in the audience familiar with their work were also left guessing as to who did what, as most of the designers had to work outside their signature looks and comfort zones, incorporating local fabrics like dyed piña and abaca with more conventional ones like cotton and jersey. Rajo Laurel even juxtaposed native fabrics fashioned into coats, wraps and tops with sequined and tailored pieces.

Other designers such as Joey Samson and Randy Ortiz incorporated Philippine-style embroidery and beadwork in their collections. The show also featured the works of accessories designer Gerry Sunga and Arnel Papa, and shoe designer Maco Custodio. Apart from following Natori’s guidelines, Ortiz’s main considerations were pricing and producing viable pieces. He used embroidery to help the country’s artisans and to make each piece look “expensive,” he said.

None of the designers was confined to indigenous materials, silhouettes and techniques. “The main point of this undertaking is not to do a Filipiniana collection, but to advance Pinoy fashion that would appeal to a global market,” said Ortiz. Not a few went for looser yet contemporary silhouettes. JC Buendia, who used mostly abaca and cotton, and Dennis Lustico, also followed Natori’s color forecast by dying their fabrics in such bold shades as saffron, egg-yolk yellow, turquoise, avocado and lemon.

“I’m quite comfortable doing tailored pieces,” said Buendia. “The real challenge for me was working on new materials I’m not very familiar with.” While Buendia drew inspiration from how well-heeled denizens of gated seaside communities dress, Lustico, who also did tailored and draped separates using piña, cotton and abaca, channeled luxe ’50s beach wear. “For me, respecting material like piña without compromising the draped and twisted look, which was part of my vision, was the challenge,” said Lustico.

Samson, who did away with color, had a different set of challenges to deal with in fashioning updated versions of the barong, using various textures, materials, and treatments like embroidery, beadwork and suksuk. “I’ve always found it difficult to work with colors,” he said. “It’s a good thing they allowed me to stick to a neutral palette.” None of them seemed to mind that the show did away with the usual introduction of designers. There was also talk that the designers were first asked to do seven pieces, but Natori allegedly stepped in and brought down the number to five.

It was a fashion exhibit more than a show, as guests were encouraged to see up close the pieces on live mannequins. As each cluster of models wearing a designer’s collection exited a platform after 10 minutes or so, another group entered the scene. This presentation went on for almost two hours until it was time for Natori to introduce the designers. The other designers: Inno Sotto, Vittorio Barba, Cesar Gaupo, OJ Hofer and Jojie Lloren for apparel; and Pepito Albert, TC Alvarez-Sibal, Jun Artajo, Joel Escober, Lulu Tan-Gan, Adante Layesa, Joyce Makitalo and Patrice Ramos-Diaz for fashion accessories.

In a press conference held days before the show, Natori expressed her desire to reintroduce the Filipino fashion aesthetic first to a global market. It is hoped that the branding effort will eventually benefit not only the evening’s designers, but will also trickle down to the country’s weavers and artisans. She encouraged designers to focus on pieces that would appeal to the high-end resort market.

“I’m not saying we shouldn't do suits,” she said. “But I believe it is in resort wear where we have the materials and design edge to be noticed globally.”

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Philippine Fashion Designers Take London

London was bedazzled, to say the least, when top Philippine Fashion Designers showcased the best of the Philippines in front of the royals and the movers and shakers of this cosmopolitan city. The Ayala Foundation together with the London-based organization Prospero World presented an ambitious philanthropic event dubbed “The London Philippine Fashion Show” to raise funds for the projects of Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education or CENTEX at the historical Victoria House in London.

Guests present at the event were Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece and his lovely wife Princess Marie Chantal. Members of the organizing team were Mercedes Zobel and Gloal Foundation for Humanity founder Jacqueline de Chollet. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president and chief operating officer of the Ayala Corporation welcomed the distinguished guests and organizers to the event and presented a brief but meaningful picture of the Philippines. He also stressed that any philanthropic support will best be maximized in areas of education, art and culture, environment and sustainable environment which are the core advocacies of Ayala Foundation.

Furthermore, Zobel de Ayala highlighted another important detail that evening beyond raising funds for CENTEX. “Tonight, we also present to you the creativity and craftmanship of Philippine Fashion Designers that is truly world class.” Zobel de Ayala declared with pride. The select-Filipino designers who participated at the event were jewelry and Fashion Accessory designers Wyn Wyn Ong, Joyce Makitalo and Celestina; fashion designers Cary Santiago, Michael Cinco, Josie Natori, Rajo Laurel, Frederico de Vera, Jasper Garvida, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan Gan, Mich Dulce and London-based designer Lesley Mobo.

Among all the participating designers only Wyn Wyn Ong, Lulu Tan Gan, Michael Cinco, Mich Dulce and Lesley Mobo made it to the event. “I felt so proud of being Filipino as I watched the works of our designers. Filipino talent is world-class!” Bea Zobel Jr. proudly declared after the show. Lulu Tan Gan and her daughter Jessica were to me the best dressed ladies of the evening. They were of course wearing their signature knitwear that creates a modern look of the Filipiniana. Michael Cinco and Cary Santiago’s haute couture collections were the crowd favorite. Princess Marie Chantal remembers vividly the details of Cinco’s white dresses and Santiago’s black column dresses when we had a short chat.

This event was indeed a triumph of the Filipinos in London. A true moment of Pinoy Pride in a global stage.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Happy Andrada as Miami Fashion Weeks International Emerging Designer of the Year

This is a great news for Philippine Fashion pride, Happy Andrada is taking Filipino talent farther across the globe to greater heights. As a young Philippine fashion designer, Happy continually surprises and amazes the Fashion world with her talent and creativity. In the USA, Happy recently won Miami Beach International Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer of the Year 2012. Happy bested hundreds of entries from 25 different countries. Certainly that is a reason why Filipinos everywhere should be happy!

Happy inspires Filipino pride and is on a winning streak and her multiple achievements such as;

Swatch watch Enter the Dragon Competition 2012
Fashion Design Council of the Philippines Smart Choice Winner in Weaving the Future Competition
Grand Prize winner for Swatch watch My Rabbit story 2011
Inspiring Young Filipino Entrepreneur by Go Negosyo last 2010
represented the Philippines in Art & Fashion Week (Toronto, Canada)
Top Styl Designer event (Czech Republic)
Fashion Art Exhibit (Netherlands)
Animax featured designer in Toy, Games & Comic Convention (Singapore)
International Fashion Art Biennale (Korea)
Fashion Design Competition (Japan)

To toast to Happy’s recent victories, a party was held in her honor, which coincided with the fifth anniversary of Fashion ART (F*ART), a store she co-owns with her sister, Viva. This celebration was a fun-filled night of fashion, art, music, photography and poetry. There were poetry readings and performances by Kooky Tuason, Marty Tengco, Charms Tianzon, Raul Roco Jr., andRichard Tuason. Live music flowed throughout the evening by Deejay Poblete, Noah Zuniga, Jeff Pagaduan, JP Hernandez, and Diwa de Leon. Comedian Stanley Chi tickled the funny bones of guests. This event was hosted by Frida Nepomuceno. Happy’s newest fashion collection was photographed and mounted on walls by lensman Darrel Pobre.

F*ART is a store conceptualized by creative sisters, Happy and Viva, who want to give space for Filipino talent to bloom and grow. Viva and Happy are amazed with what Filipinos can do. They believe in Filipino talent. They encourage others to be proud of what Filipinos can do. Since its onset in 2007, F*ART has consistently been a place where young, fast rising Filipino fashion designers and artists showcase the best of what they have to offer. F*ART has upcoming activities: Opening exhibit of “Tattoo My Colors” by Katrina Pallon and Raul Roco Jr. on April 14, Art Talks on April 21, a live art session featuring Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Manila on April 28 and Meneer Marcelo’s art workshops in April and May.

Happy is known for her unique detail work, specialized craftmanship, and her groundbreaking style. Making every design her masterpiece, Happy is a perennial show stopper at the Philippine Fashion Week since 2006. To date she has already had more than 50 Fashion Shows. To top it all off, as Happy promotes her personal best of Filipino fashion and art to the world, she is gaining a steady following of loyal customers who spread the word on how she helps them look their best. When her customers are happy, that makes Happy even happier.

Happy sells her Ready To Wear line at her website www.happyandrada.com and showcases her creations at F*ART Fashion ART located in 24 J. Erestain cor.K-1st, Kamuning, Quezon City

Friday, March 30, 2012

Philippine Fashion Update - The Summer Like it Hot Sale

Do you want to witness a Philippine Fashion right before your eyes? Catch a relaxing shopping experience with friends at M café of Greenbelt mall (beside ayala museum) on March 31 from 3pm-7pm. Have coffee or tea while you check out the latest items and great bargains from indie Philippine Fashion Designers of Code-limited.com. By the way Code-limited.com is an online shopping mall where one can buy Filipino designed items in a secure and convenient way right to your doorstep.

The Summer like it hot sale event is perfect chance to meet some of the designers of Code-limited.com and to buy the latest looks and find great bargains.Items are locally designed and made from water lily bags of Jacinto and Lirio, leather bags of Sinude, chic and glamorous look from Amour wear, sizzling new summer looks of Cocomo swim and resort wear, Erzulie’s plus line, locally crafted jewelries of Vida and accessories by Le Plume.

Entrance is free

Brands:

Amour ladies wear, Cocomo swimwear, Erzulie plus line for women, Jacinto and Lirio’s water lily bags, Le Plume accessories, Sinude leather goods, Vida jewelries, and Antonio luxury shoe line.

Date: March 31, 2012 (Saturday)

Where: M café, Greenbelt 4 (beside Ayala museum)

Time: 3pm-7pm

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Saluyot dresses and talahib bags on Bagong Habi, Salinlahi Fashion Show

Natural tropical fabrics from all over the Philippines got their time in the spotlight at the “Bagong Habi, Salinlahi: Cutting Edge Philippine Textiles” fashion show at the InterContinental Hotel Manila. Spearheaded by the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI), the show featured fabrics made of native Philippine plants, from old standards like piña, abaca, and banana to newly-developed fabrics made from water hyacinth, saluyot, and maguey. The fabrics were also dyed using natural plant sources: mayana, guava, mahogany, achuete, indigo, talisay, and coconut husk.

Fabrics from all over the Philippines were there to represent local cultures and craftsmanship, including piña and jusi from Aklan, hablon from Iloilo, and inaul from Maguindanao. Philippine Fashion designers, industry bigwigs and textile industry stakeholders attended the event. On display were garments using the eco-friendly textiles, from cocktail dresses to office uniforms, and even bridal wear. As models came down the catwalk, an audio-visual presentation showed step by step the manufacture of the fabrics. One process they undergo is enzyme treatment to eliminate itchiness and produce a softer drape. “Bagong Habi: Salinlahi aims to iron out all misconstrued perceptions towards indigenous fabrics that they are impractical, itchy, uncomfortable and drab,” said DOST-PTRI director Dr. Carlos Tomboc. Thanks to this process, the fabrics also no longer need to be dry-cleaned but can be laundered in the regular way.

“Bagong Habi: Salinlahi is all about making new, innovative and world-class textiles and a showcase of designs for different facets of life, said designer Anthony Cruz Legarda, the show’s creative director. “It is synergistic—it was made possible through the collaboration of individuals who are passionate about our own culture, natural resources, and great talent in manufacturing.” The PTRI also helps promising designers with their craft. One of them is 22-year-old Kristal de Guzman, who has found use for the lowly talahib. “I was driving home to Laguna when I saw it on the road and thought, ‘Hey, why not use it for the fabric?’” she said. A student of Fashion Design at the School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA ), de Guzman knew that the PTRI provided technical weaving assistance to designers. She contacted the institute, from whom she learned talahib is not suited for yarn manufacture. However, it can be incorporated into the fabric through hand-weaving.

With PTRI’s assistance, de Guzman wove the talahib and interlaced it with polyester threads. The fabric was used as the main material for handbags. The bags were also trimmed with detailed wood carvings from Paete. De Guzman’s design made it to the finals for the accessories category of “Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition”, a show led by the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in November.

Philippine Fashion Designer Josie Natori Goes Free-Spirited and Nomadic Chic

Talk about art and fashion colliding nicely on a fragrant Valentine’s Day afternoon. I’m talking about Josie Natori’s press preview where she unveiled her Fall ‘12 ready-to-wear collection inspired by Tibetan serenity and held at the Rubin Museum bathed in graceful Himalayan art. “This Philippine Fashion collection has been an evolution for us,” said Natori speaking to reporters after the show. “Natori has always been about East and West. I’m always inspired by exotic places.”

In this case, Natori took her audience on a style journey to Mongolia, a tiny frontier nation bordered by Russia and China. Twenty-five models showcased Soviet- and Asian-themed elegance via layered jackets embellished in faux fur and textures that contoured the body. Natori, whose fascination with Mongolian nomads and their unique customs, defined her ensemble such that “they’re easy pieces to mix and match.” Mongolia may be the central theme of her stunning collection, but the embroidery that embellished some of her clothes was Philippine-made.

“All the embroidery is made in the Philippines,” she said. Even the necklace with a semi-precious stone she wore to the preview and the models’ handbags are Filipino-crafted. “About 50 percent of what you saw today are made in the Philippines. I am very proud of everything about the Philippines,” she proclaimed. In November, Natori opened her first Philippine boutique through Rustan’s.

“We had a very successful lingerie and lounge-wear collection launching and they’ve been so welcoming. And with my sneak preview of this RTW, Rustan’s responded immediately. We’re now opening two more shops in March,” she revealed. Natori said her clothes are perfect for the lifestyle in the Philippines.

The models came down through a winding staircase. Not an easy job if you’re wearing tall, flimsy heels. The models would constantly look down to make sure there was a step to catch their feet. Falling down on one’s face is one thing – it’s been done before — but rolling down the stairs would be a novelty no fashion house could risk. The unflappable Natori thought an art gallery venue was “just perfect.”

“I believe nothing in life is an accident. I don’t know how it came to be, I’m just glad we did it here,” - Josie Natori

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Fashion with a Vision - Philippine Fashion for a Cause

The Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines (FCCP) presented a fashion show dubbed “Fashion with a Vision” in support of Philippine Fashion designers. The show features designers Dita Sandico Ong, Patis Tesoro and Malu Veloso with the special participation of the graduating class of UP Diliman BS Clothing Technology batch 2012.

The event was held last Feb. 7, 3 p.m. at the Main Lounge, Manila Polo Club, McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati. “Fashion with a Vision” was headed by its president Nene Leonor and the FCCP fashion show committee core group is composed of director-in-charge Rose Marie B. Lazaro; chairs Karen Macasaet and Tessie Rodrigo; co-chairs Lulu Castaneda, Letty Hahn, Chloe Romulo-Periquet, Rosita Lesaca and Glecy Mojares. Proceeds of the show will go to the scholarship program and other projects of the FCCP.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Abreeza Runway Preview 2012 Presents Davao Elite Fashion Group

Dreams do come true not as a matter of fancy. There is the belief in capabilities, an outlook that sees good challenges rather than defeating obstacles, a steely tenacity to stay the course, and faith in a God of immense goodness. The recent Philippine Fashion show at the Abreeza Mall’s Activity Centre (in partnership with M Magazine represented by Ian Garcia) staged by the Davao Elite Fashion Group’s popular designers namely Popoy Barba, Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Edgar Buyan and Emi Englis capture these elements as shown in their creative couture pieces. Their clothes mark their path and leave footprints worth following. These are only five of the original 12 designers who comprise the Davao Elite Fashion Group (DEFG). These talented fashion designers are acknowledged as the most established ones in Davao City whose professional portfolio and experience in the highly competitive field of fashion have been noticed locally, nationally and even internationally.

Fashion is a language expressed in different ways. Each designer brings his own artistic conception to life, and similarities not withstanding, there is that particular touch that makes each designer’s collection unique. Of course, the designers’ muses, themselves, who are strong, confident, successful, and respected women in Davao society, inspire these designers to create fashion while, at the same time, giving them the power to feel like they own the clothes. A noted Dodjie Batu and Aztec Barba muse, Davao’s ever fashionable crocodile queen Jackie Garcia-Dizon says, “Dodjie and Aztec have the ability to create beautiful and easy pieces that flatter my assets while at the same time, concealing the undesirables which I consider a must!

Philippine Fashion Designer brothers Popoy and Aztec Barba of Patahian have been vocal to one and all that they like the women they dress to look important. “Power is so sexy on Davao’s society women,” both claim as they looked towards the direction where the mother-and-daughter team of Maridol and Bea Lopez Gonzales were seated.

At the Abreeza Runway Fashion Preview held last January 17, 2012, Aztec Barba, Popoy Barba and Emi Englis showed the same body skimming silhouettes, the recognizable Halston-influenced fluid jersey dresses and svelte clothes, this time with the added drapes in every imaginable form, that make women feel sexy in an effortless and light way. As Emi Englis would put it, “There is a lot of hard work and technique involved in creating the sophisticated-minimalist collection I am showing the fashionistas tonight.” The Popoy Barba, Aztec Barba and Emi Englis collections shown were utterly simple and chic that you’d think they’re the antidote to fussy haute couture dressing. The lithe models did their signature catwalk on the runway like they were modern, exotic versions of Greek maidens complete with the “voodoo doll make up” by Otoi Mercado.

Even Emi Englis’ comfortable shirt that night was designed to coordinate with his runway collection done so stylishly in black. This writer had to restrain himself from asking the respected and well-loved designer cum Philippine Women’s College-Davao Fashion Design teacher for the wearable work of art to take home to add to his two other Englis pieces.

It was such a welcome treat in this first fashion show for the Abreeza Mall (and for Davao City for that matter) for the new year that Dodjie Batu and Edgar Buyan (now sporting his sinabunutan look) opted to show their men’s collection. As the hunky male models strutted on the fashion ramp, mind you, but the fashionable ladies, matronas, and Jongjong Carriedo in the audience were very attentive, indeed! Interesting to note was that there were more men of varying ages in the SRO crowd watching the fashion event.

In their true fashion spirit, both Dodjie Batu and Edgar Buyan showcased bold and even irreverent menswear. It’s a fusion of the traditional with the colourful unexpected which sums up what dandy dressing in Philippine style is all about. It’s fashion for the brave, radical ones. It is fashion for today’s self-indulgent, young males who don’t give a damn about what others will say! And it’s their enviable youth and six-pack abs with matching bulging pectorals and biceps which give them that privilege to do so.

“The Abreeza Mall’s Runway Fashion Preview 2012 was the first and biggest fashion show that we had in Davao City so far. The collections were taken from what the DEFG designers presented in the Philippine Fashion Week in Manila last year. And due to the fashionistas’ demands, we are happy and grateful to have been given the opportunity to share our collections to our fellow Davaoenos at the Abreeza Mall of Davao City,” said Emi Englis.

Sharing their talents as well were makeup maverick Otoi Mercado, Hairzone Salon and Spa Professionals by Angelo Falconi, and Salon de Rose. Other participants included Chimes Specialty Store as represented by Renren Villena, Soul Lifestyle, the Maze, and Mags fashion store. Rancheros provided the nourishment.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Lito Perez Sets His Continental Ilustrado-Inspired ‘barong’ in Historic Pila

For this special shoot that pays tribute to Kasuotang Pilipino, Lito Perez, president of the 30-year-old Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines, brings back the high-style luxury of Barong Tagalog as worn by the elite ilustrado class in the Spanish era. “They were men of cosmopolitan style,” notes Perez of Camp Suki fame, “who traveled frequently abroad, usually in Europe, and were up-to-date on the latest in menswear and male grooming.” Thus, the “new” look of Perez’s barong designs reflects strong continental influences.

“It’s inspired by the stately silhouettes the European aristocrats wore at the turn of the century. The collar is high and standing to give the wearer a dignified appearance; the embellishments rich and elaborate; and the fabric elegant as our piña,” says Perez. To contemporize his Philippine Fashion collection, Perez tapers the barong close to the body, and uses colorful shades of piña embellished with embroidery and beadwork. For a metallic black piña barong, for instance, he uses white lace embroidery to accentuate the cuffs, with mother-of-pearl stones for buttons.

On a yellow piña with amber silk thread embroidery on the bodice, Perez uses a burst of matte gold beadwork on the collar and on the loose, buttonless cuffs. The perfect setting for the colonial-inspired collection is the historical town of Pila, Laguna, famous for its grand period homes. According to Philippine historian Dr. Luciano Santiago, Pila is the only town in the country that is formally recognized as an important historical site by the Church and the State.

In 2000, the National Historical Institute of the Philippines declared the town plaza of Pila and its surrounding colonial houses a historical landmark. The town has 35 well-maintained, turn-of-the-century structures, of which 28 are ancestral. In 2002, the Diocese of San Pablo proclaimed the parish church of San Antonio de Padua de Pila as the Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony. It is the first Antonine church in the Philippines and was built by the Franciscans who arrived in Pila in 1578 to spread the Catholic faith. This shoot was done in Vic del Mundo’s unique Asian-tropical garden home in nipa and buli, and in Dr. Mesiton Rivera’s turn-of-the-century ancestral home.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Michael Cinco Does Eco-couture for Tyra Banks and Dresses up Royals’ Pets

Michael Cinco, another Dubai-based Philippine Fashion designer, was featured twice on the popular America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) last year—as guest designer in Cycle 16 early in the year, and as finale designer in the last quarter’s Cycle 17 ANTM All-Stars. After about a decade in the Gulf, Samar-born Michael, a fine arts scholar of the University of the Philippines, is moving into the international limelight. He shares how he got on the ANTM show.

“One of the producers of ANTM Cycle 16 is a Filipino. His name is Michael Carandang, and he contacted me via Facebook. I submitted my designs and he showed them to Tyra Banks. My clothes were made out of recycled materials. [My episode was] shot in a landfill by Nigel Barker.” “Tyra Banks asked me to create haute couture pieces from recycled materials for ANTM. After that shoot, I found out that I could use things that we usually throw out as beautiful ornaments on couture dresses that look like expensive gemstones.” He has worked with recycled materials such as rubber bands, broken mirrors, and garbage bags. “I recycle them into fabulous haute couture pieces. I want people to be aware that they can create beautiful pieces from garbage,” he expressed.

Michael’s second ANTM episode was shot in Greece. It also featured the Filipino clothing brand Bench and international model, Georgina Wilson. “I was so happy when I learned that other Filipinos were in Greece for the shoot. The ANTM staff was in awe of Georgina Wilson’s beauty… It made me so proud to be a Filipino.” “To be chosen as the final runway designer like Roberto Cavalli and Vivienne Westwood is one of the biggest achievements in my career,” he added.

“I stayed for almost a month in Greece. We did the shoot last June. Aside from the final runway, I did the clothes for the motion editorials and the shoot with the remaining finalists directed by Tyra Banks. They asked me to create the designs for the six remaining finalists. The clothes were done in two days… I was so inspired from the place that I made the designs for my collection in my Red Cross Show in Shangri-La Hotel Makati last October, my solo show, and Slim’s show in Philippine Fashion Week, also last October.”

Michael has been in the Middle East since 1997. “Dubai is a melting pot in the Middle East. You usually experience racial discrimination anywhere in this world. Most of my clients are women from the Gulf area. At first I had clients who had doubts about me because of my nationality. But the moment I am able to convince them with the beautiful creations I make for them, they become confident. “Women in Dubai love haute couture. I think the best flagship stores by the top designers in the world can be found here. They travel a lot and most of them are educated abroad so they are updated with the latest trends in fashion,” he commented.

“My dream is to dress up Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett in a red carpet event,” he said when asked who his dream clients may be. Cinco is now the creative director of Michael Cinco Haute Couture in Dubai that specializes in wedding gowns and evening dresses. “It’s a dream come true,” he says. When asked about the Philippine fashion scene, he replies: “It’s going global.”

Cinco also designs other clothes apart from wedding or evening gowns. “I have clients from the royal family who love exotic animals as their pets. One princess asked me to dress up her leopard pet in animal print, another one asked me to make a cat suit for her python, and yet another client inquired if I could do crystallized clothes for a chimpanzee,” he reveals. “I don’t know if I’ll still be “normal” after that,” he jokes.

"Dream great dreams. Believe in yourself and in God. Believe that impalpable dreams do come true.” - Michael Cinco

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Meet the Aspiring Top Designers of Philippine Fashion

As the challenges in MEGA’s Young Designers Competition 2012 begin, let’s take a look on each of the Philippine Fashion designers that will battle for their mark in the industry.

Nikita Agatha boasts of being able to do anything from scratch. She picked up her flair for fashion from her grandmother and mom who loved dressing her up when she was little. She considers Sari Yap, editor in chief of MEGA Magazine, as the judge to please, urging Nikita to carefully think of her designs. She cites Alexander McQueen as her idol for his out of this world construction of outfits that women can wear.

Dino Bancoro recently started as a fashion designer sharing that the pieces he presented during the audition were his first ever creations. Through YDC, he hopes to learn more on pattern making and sewing since he has yet to formally study fashion design. He admits that he still needs polishing but is proud to say that he has the vision and creativity that would amaze people.

Hazel Cargado is a registered nurse. However, after graduating and passing the board, Hazel felt lost. Eventually, she decided to go back to what she really wanted. After finding a fashion design school in Manila, she quickly grabbed the opportunity to learn. Through YDC, she hopes to find her personal directions in design.

Mara Chua has a motto that anything and everything can be inspiring. He believes that to be successful, talent is not enough. He sharpened his technical skills in pattern making and learned sewing through a seamstress who made his clothes. He cites Rei Kawakubo and Bjork as inspirations that allowed him to expand his horizons and stretch his aesthetic.

Kirby Cruz wants to represent his feelings through his designs. His goal is to have an identity that makes his pieces unique. As a fresh fashion graduate, he feels the need for the right exposure and he believes YDC is the best venue for him. He loves the design of Hussein Chalayan and Alexander McQueen since Kirby is fascinated where these designers find their concepts and ideas.

Ched Dalogaog is a fashion instructor at one of the top fashion schools in Manila. He tells a story with his creations, incorporating pop culture and considering the modern women who will wear them. He believes his edge is his understanding of color, textures and fabrics that other designers take for granted. By joining YDC, he hopes to establish a brand that he can introduce to MEGA, hoping to also be acknowledged in the industry.

Corleen Duero specializes in constructing basics but still adding a touch of style. Hailing all the way from Surigao, Corleen is proud to represent the south and hopes to be a designer who can bridge fashion and design from Manila to Mindanao. He admires Issey Miyake, always remembering the quote of the designer, “These clothes are no wrappings, you can understand them the way you want, you can wear them the way you want.”

Oz Go’s designs dwell on futuristic and experimental looks. At a young age, he discovered his affinity for fashion when he became obsessed with drawing her mother’s wedding gown. He took a course in fashion design and eventually mounted a show during Philippine Fashion Week. Being the younger brother of singer Rachelle Ann Go, he is proud to mention that they still share the same room and creates outfits for her to wear.

Robin Gundran is the youngest member of this year’s competition. At 18 years old, he showed his creations and wowed the judges during the go-see. He received negative remarks from a lot of people who did not believe in his passion. However, he turned this into his motivation. He knows that with perseverance, he can show his detractors that he can get past them, and achieve fame and success.

Ann Lorio is an industrial engineer from Cavite who wanted to shift to fashion design. Despite her parents’ initial doubts on her dream, she travelled to Manila and worked to buy a sewing machine. After seeing her passion, her parents eventually showed support to her. With her background in engineering, Ann attacks a design starting with the structure. As a YDC contestant, she wants to learn and make her mark as a designer.

Cristian Mallabo believes that God has a purpose why he’s alive and in the competition. His mother attempted to abort him but he survived. For as long as he can remember, he’s had a passion for clothes. He was motivated when friends and family started to ask him to create party clothes for them. He wants to be known as a designer who can brave through any challenge and hopes to win in order to give back to his aunt and sisters.

Porfi Medina thinks of fashion more as a form of activism and advocacy. When he was in elementary, Porfi’s grandmother opened a dress shop. At that tender age, he would observe the fabrics and sewing, starting his dream to become a fashion designer. He views his craft as a form of expression, translating social issues and its relevance into ensembles. He wishes to convey a message on pressing issues in society with every design he makes.

Renan Pacson simply wants to make his family proud. He initially took up Hotel and Restaurant Management but eventually found his calling in fashion. He studied Clothing Technology and was lucky to have the support of his parents. Luckily, he was accepted not based on his audition pieces, but based on how he packaged himself. His biggest challenge is to find his signature aesthetic and intends to find this in YDC.

Ismael Palma tried his luck during the auditions for the first season of Gen M: YDC but did not make the cut. At that time, he still did not know how to sew so he took his failure as an opportunity to improve. He decided to learn more about sewing and developing his designs. He was accepted this year and shares that whatever the judges say, he will keep in mind and apply.

Erica Panlilio hopes to dress up Katy Perry because of her fun playful personality. She started looking up and imbibing the stylish attitude of her grandmother when she was young. During the go-see, she had a major setback because the judges thought that she had a styling problem. Still, she was chosen to be one of the finalists and she believes that through YDC, she can grow and become a top designer.

Ram Silva designs for a cause. He intends to help the dying weaving community in Panay and Iloilo. During the go-see, judges were surprised with his mix of native materials to create a modern look. He keeps in mind the advice of Sari Yap, EIC of MEGA magazine, that what other designers learn outside in six months to a year, they can experience and learn in YDC in two months.

Mary Ty is inspired by YDC alumna Furne One, hoping to be as successful as him. Mary has never joined a fashion competition because of her fear of rejection. She tried her luck by joining Philippine Fashion Week but did not succeed. Edwin Ao, another YDC alumna, urged her to join the upcoming YDC. Her quirky comments amused the judges and are sure to liven the intense challenges for the YDC hopefuls.

Geoffrey Zordilla has always wanted to study fashion design. Initially, he had to struggle with his parents’ disbelief. Still, he pursued his dreams and is currently a fashion design student. He is enthusiastic to experience YDC’s challenges and to learn how to mingle with fellow designers. Nature inspires him, feeling relaxed and comfortable in its serene environment.

Support and vote for your favorite Philippine Fashion designers through the online poll and the auction of their creations at www.Megastyle.ph. Keep watching the MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012 every Saturday, 7 pm on ETC, with replays every Sunday at 10 am.