Friday, March 14, 2008 Bright solution By Clint Holton P. Potestas
SEASHELLS, seashells on the seashore—something bright is on the shore. And with it, salvation is at hand for summer girls with ample curves.
“It’s a very pitiful thought that full-figured women cannot wear swimsuits,” points out swimwear designer Salvador Malto. “That is the very essence of my existence because I do custom made swimwear and I can hide the body part they want to be hidden.”
Just like the world’s major fashion capitals (New York, Paris, and London), the colors he uses tend to be on the bright side: the various hues of fruit colors (aahh… the sight of summer).
Malto’s designs have seemingly unlimited execution, drawing inspirations from bold colors and prints. He says, though, that he has retained the basic swimwear cuts: “What else can we do about it?” The wearer, however, could either accentuate it with cover-ups, or retain its conventional look.
Other possibilities could be earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. Draping is also a reliable technique to hide unflattering zones.
He suggests: “Sarongs and cover-ups are must-haves for (summer) accessories.” Lycra fabric is a widely used in his collection.
The Cebuano fashion industry has a restricted number of swimwear designers. And this need has encourged Malto to start his beachwear line. “I got interested in it because no one was doing swimwear at the time when I started… So, it’s really a great niche to have,” he says.
No matter how stylish the outfit may look, personal ease must be a priority.
“Comfort should be the main consideration in choosing the perfect beach wear… and it should suit the weather in the Philippines,” he adds.
Malto solves your swimwear woes in his atelier at 0606 Governor M. Cuenco Street, Banilad.
