Friday, October 24, 2008 Formal lesson By Clint Holton P. Potestas
THE men should also know best.
Or perhaps it could be a hand-me-down wisdom—as when Donatella Versace suggested to Prince Charles of Wales the components of the so called power dressing.
Where to find a strong example in the local scene? Vying for the first Mr. Cebu title were 16 candidates last August. David Chai Tangalin was declared Mr. Cebu 2008 in the pageant created by Bong Cago Bantilan of BCB Productions.
The gentlemen showed various types of formal wear: from colored vintage ensemble to the trusted black and white tandem.
The power dressing, indeed, that Donatella was talking about.
Or perhaps their style could have been handed down by the members of Cebu Fashion Designers Alliance, namely, William Manahan, Ray Kuan, Protacio Empaces, Rinante Manabat, Wendell Quisido, and Marichu Tan who dressed them up for the pageant.
Crisp, white Mikado was William’s choice of fabric for David. Adding to its vintage appeal is the black piping on the lapel and on the pants.
“I chose white for him to [give the] look [a] classic [touch] and at the same time, modern and hip. Inspired, yes, but it’s a secret,” he says.
Edwin, on the other hand, dared to push the limits of masculine sophistication. He used unusual details on the lapel, and sewed covered buttons on the back of the coat. But despite its embellishments, he subdued the ensemble with cream and brown combination.
Subtle elegance is what suits should be made of. And only two accessories are acceptable: a bow tie and a necktie. For strictly formal affairs, Marichu advises the men to opt for a bow tie. And for business functions, a necktie is appropriate. Although the necktie is more prominent in today’s society, the bow tie is making a comeback with fun-formal events such as dinner, cocktail parties and nights out on the town.
“It’s not about advantages, but it’s more on appropriateness,” shares Protacio.
The innovation of power suits includes the liberation from the black and white combination. They can now be in any (bright) color. But the timeless (and trusted) fabrics for suits are wool, cashmere wool, and Mikado.
Marichu, however, says that “overwhelming details” can sweep the elegance off the suit. A man, for her, must keep his subtle elegance.
In an interview with Cody Williard on Fox Business, fashion director of Elle magazine Nina Garcia enumerated men’s style essentials: a haircut, a cuff link, a watch, and a good tailor. “I could never forgive an ill-fitting suit.”
