Whimsical takeoff

WHEN the air starts to smell of sweet laurel, pairs of persistent feet must be on their way to trudge through the proud stage. Hail graduation day!

Save for those so called themselves “Octoberians” (i.e. graduating in October), the third month usually brings in the celebration of achievements that in turn marks the beginning of amazing journeys. Perhaps it is called March because it is when students, with heads held high, reap the fruit of their labors by marching up the dignified platform. Just thinking.

Now that the big day is near, all graduating students must be itching to walk in single file. But before getting too excited, the would-be graduate has to make sure of some things first: pass the final exams, comply with all course requirements, settle all bills, fit a toga and master the graduation song!

Wait, did we miss anything? But of course, thou shalt not miss the ball or miss a shot at what could be the most memorable school experience for a student. If only to give a boost to a person’s interest, Live! presents a collection that confirms just how gratifying it is to glam up for a graduation ball.

A talented designer in the person of Lemuel Rosos pours his dreamy acumen into a collection he fancies calling as “Whimsical Dreaming.” To perk that up, this show is duly retitled as “Whimsical Takeoff,” also to impress upon the promising essence of commencement.

Rosos has taken inspiration from “the insights and sound of Shakespeare.” As many would agree, Shakespeare has become an epitome of obscure wisdom, well embedded in his poetic exploits. It is not so surprising then that such spur is used to craft outfits that help laud academic triumph.

Five frocks for the ladies and three suits for the gents seek to make varied renditions of fluttering fashion statements. Each outfit shouts something like, and as Rosos puts it, “Watch me as I undergo metamorphosis and fly up in the sky.”

Stylish members of this set are illusion dresses that seem to “masquerade the looks of short cocktail numbers at first glance,” though closes look would inevitably reveal that the guises are actually evening gowns exuding tones of elegance.

Such miens are attained through an approach that is inclined towards deconstruction.

As Rosos puts it, “it is like marrying a simple cocktail dress with the silhouette of an evening gown that is easy on the wearability factor.”

To spice up each look, Rosos made use of bias cut and lots of lace cutouts that were all tactfully hand stitched. The results are tasteful ensembles that allow wearers to gracefully move about from “formal gatherings to chic slumber parties without losing comfortability.”

These outfits aptly exemplify Rosos’ ideal look to a graduation ball, which he deliberates as “really sleek suits for boys and whimsical frocks for the ladies.”

He made use of materials like stretch tulle, chiffon, lace, soft tulle and sequined cloth to help realize a look that is “all about transformation and transition.”

Rosos believes that “it’s the time when the youngsters enter an important threshold in their lives, when they parade themselves as young adults so that they should be all dolled up and armed to the teeth.” Apparently, he likes to be of help in achieving that effect.