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Sunday, April 24, 2005
RP's Fashion Week
By Jinggoy Salvador
IT WAS the most attended fashion event ever conceived.
The fashion capitals of the globe host their fashion weeks luring the buyers, the powerful fashion editors who can make or break their collection as well as their careers (think Vogue's Ana Wintour) and the fashionista clientele who can afford the ultra-expensive haute couture.
From Milan to Paris to New York, the fashion houses and the rising stars of the industry congregate and let their clothes talk on the ramp.
In the past years, the highly talented designers of the Asian region have started their Fashion Weeks as well. And the not to be outdone by the rest, The Philippine Fashion Week was conceived, thanks to the hardworking Espino siblings.
Now, the fashion designers of the country can gather and show their creativity in one venue.
It was in the initial year of this major fashion episode that created quite a stir in the chic circle.
However, this year's event created a different buzz. The participation of the country's leading craftsmen has been weaning.
Depending on how you view this either this gives a chance to the up and coming artists to sparkle or the affair totally looses its glamour, the show must go on... and it did.
With a bulk of invitations for an entire week of happenings (courtesy of Dodgie B.), my official carrier, Air Philippines, flew me to Manila to get a glimpse of this one-week affair.
My anticipation was high mainly because the list of designers, young and senior, on the invitations was quite impressive and a good number of Dabawenyos are joining this fashion highlight.
Some of the designers' works I have seen and familiar with and some names are new. This country indeed is overflowing with talent.
The formal launching took place at the Ayala Museum and the runway shows debuted at the Glorietta Activity Center. The next series of shows was then held at the NBC Tent at the Fort Global City.
Every night for the past week was "In Fashion." The list was long, designer after designer after designer, the models strutted and sashayed on the ramp. From the avant garde to the glamorous, from casual to formal wear, color, cut and creativity took to the runway.
Like any other shows, the creative will stand out.
The southern artisans are truly a force to reckon with in terms of inventiveness and vision. The details are always stunning and still remain highly wearable.
Jun Escario's jersey drapings in mocca and aquamarine hues and Yvonne Quisumbing-Romulo's chiffon and leather patching in earth tones were stunning.
Other designers played it safe, no new silhouette emerged from some senior designers, some went over the top, some award winning designers came up with nothing new, only recycled "signature" designs or failed attempt with a new look.
Maybe this is why one writer called this the Fashion Weak. Just the same, the leading guild of the industry is doing mentorship a great service.
Training and knowledge is passed to the next generation. After all, the Philippine designers are making a mark in the global race of fashion. We may be weak now but the recent years have shown that the East is arising.
Hail to the Philippine Fashion Week. May it bring the Filipino designer to the global scene!!!
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (April 24, 2005 issue)
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