Tragic romance

ROMANTIC notions are moving in that they entice emotional fascination. But what makes a story strongly irresistible is adding an element of tragic twist to it.

Think of Romeo and Juliet, Cleopatra and Anthony, Paris and Helen. These are tales that many cannot put down easily, what with a common trait: the overwhelming combination of love and loss.

One of the compelling facts about human nature is the predictability of getting hooked on touchy yet contrasting matters. And as interesting as mystical topics are, so are subjects involving romance and death.

Not only in terms of storytelling, but such a theme is also effective even when talking about fashion. So in line with the observance of All Souls Day, Live! presents an eccentric show entitled “Tragic Romance.”

It embodies the essence of dramatic beauty amidst the darkness of black or the glory in the absence of light. It is an interpretation of Halloween styling that keeps a safe distance from the cliché portrayal—gothic motif and the like.

“An unorthodox way of discussing Halloween,” was what designer Dexter Alazas intended for his newest collection of black beauties. He likes to put emphasis that it marvels on the charm possessed by what would otherwise be a mere sinister shade.

He allotted seven alluring numbers (we used five) to express how a woman can flow out with a “darker, stronger and bolder side.” And if only to underline the concept, reflected on these clothes are impressions beyond the superficial implication of dressing up for the Halloween.

Items included in the collection are palazzo pants, skirts paired with sensible tops, jackets and bolero—stuff that a stylish women can pull off every day without sweat.

Incorporating ingenuity with romantic tact, Alazas made the most of the opulence found in materials such as tweed and lace.

Simply put, the aim is to neither scare nor cause macabre sensation but to come out as pieces that radiate majestic as well as mysterious effects.

“If you look closely at the collection, every look is a picture of glam up,” shared Alazas of his set of chic separates. They also make a nostalgic notion in that they are somehow “reminiscent of old movies.” Not necessarily horror movies, though.

The concept of tragic romance is also not all about depressing ideas. A proof to that are the touches of green in some items that, at one point, pay tribute to some ecological advocacies the designer upholds, while leaf appliqués in black and gray prints give away “hint of life but in a darker way.”

As the designer puts it, these are outfits that exude too much elegance to be brought to simple costume parties. Instead, complemented with the right attitude and confident bearing, a wearer can well be an epitome of sensuality and boldness venturing through and lauding the darker side of fashion.