Friday, September 21, 2007 Elegance, rediscovered By Clint Holton P. Potestas
WHEN two or three fashion people are gathered together, the conversation eventually turns to the question of elegant icons.
In a game of “mirror, mirror on the wall,” certain key figures are sure to be paraded for inspection. But elegance, for Albert Arriba, starts from a tasteful pick of clothes and a gracefu movement.
“Elegant beads would really attract me as a designer. Gusto man gud ko ug kanang bongga gyud ang design,” Albert explains.
“It’s a modern concept.”
According to him, it is a state of mind, a physical manner of presentation that only came into existence when women took the attitude of elegant, yet experimental dressing.
Arriba’s style ingenuity starts with the personality of the wearer.
Then, it expands to the garment execution. “And what I like about fashion is that I always have the freedom to experiment with the style and pattern.”
He adds, “Well, of course, I work with the client.”
Classic is the taste. He’s keen on details, which could last a lifetime. Trends, he considers but they’re of little emphasis, thus: “Fad just comes and goes. You can’t rely on them for longevity.”
The temptation to overdo clothes will continue to intrigue him. But the designer stressed that one shouldn’t exchange style for comfort. He advises: “You should impress yourself first.”
Albert’s high-end picks of clothes (well, to almost anything in life) could be genetic. Take a lesson or two from Dora, The Explorer: arriba in Spanish means “up.”
But he says it’s pure dedication in the craft and openness to possibilities. With this, up he goes.
