Chic Press

“A FREE press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.”

Take that from Albert Campus, a French pied-noir author, journalist and philosopher.

If anything, his statement certainly speaks a lot about the significance of freedom and the press.

Needless to spell out, this is not talking about an action word but a noun of particular meaning. It could be referred to as the Fourth Estate or the section of the mass media industry or the journalists involved in it.

Apparently, there is no better time to put the press in the limelight than now when the local press is celebrating Cebu Press Freedom week, now on its 18th year.

Talking about the press will inevitably call for more discussions about the freedom it entails. Freedom of the press has usually been described synonymously with the freedom of expression.

With that very contention, Live! takes part in the celebration through a display of fashionable items fit for the phrase, “dress to express, not to impress.”

On that note, two zealous designers—Ivan Belocura and Ryan Dumago—bid their works to illustrate how the press can live up with the rigors of media coverage while still looking chic in their work clothes. Hence, the title of this feature is “Chic Press.”

Chic Press can be taken in two ways. The first has already been mentioned, that is to dress to express. Second, it is a sartorial display that aims to get a, well, chic press that can be translated as “stylish praise.”

Ivan envisions an ideal look characterized as clean and well fitted, regardless of the kind or type of outfit. Moreover, he sees it as just right for a member of the press to wear something that would readily convey “(sic)honesty and credibility to the audience watching them.”

With that notion in mind, he designed a formal ensemble of blazer and trousers for men. The details on the lapels and the pleated shirt are meant to lighten up a serious and sincere visage.

Ivan used a light wool material for the suit and pants—a fabric fairly suitable for the local climate. The blazer is fully lined with black satin taping on the shawl lapel, while the inner shirt, made of natural cotton, sans the tie, comes up with a less formal but commanding effect.

On the other hand, Ryan takes a different, and rather classy, take on the female press. He likes to think that striving to present a dashing look does not necessarily hamper the effort to maintain an image of integrity. Therefore, one of his offerings is a cocktail dress that is made of organza and satin, plus a splash of pearls.

To make a fine matching partner, he also crafted a sassy suit for men using silk and satin. With a blue checked inner top and some blue linings on the tux sleeves, it allows the wearer to exude a somewhat subtle, but recognizable air of distinction.

With all these examples of garments, as seen fit by this week’s designers, the press can actually exercise a new form of freedom in the sense of choosing how to present themselves. Now, cheers to freedom of the press!