PEELING back the layers of the design story that Puey Quiñones tells on the runway is always half of the fun. “During high school, I wanted to be a designer. But I thought if I want to be a designer, [sic] you have to be rich. I thought it was a lost cause,” he tells bloggers. With this season right now, we need very little convincing —especially that his first venture in ready-to-wear clothes, with details that are almost impossible to assemble, can turn heads. Or, like fashion designer Miuccia Bianchi Prada, “almost painful to think of.” She is reported to be overly fussy about each detail of her design.
Quiñones considers fashion design as his first love. Bergamo has hired Quiñones to lead the latest collection of the line, given the assignment of meeting both ends, so to say: his design philosophy is described as “practical” and “global” and the boutique’s edge, as simple elegance.
Eccentric at times—but because no one can wear garbs quite like he does (he is known for being able to pull off every color in the rainbow and then some)—he is usually spotted in the party circuit in his own couture pieces. But yes, his sincere dedication to his craft has won the nod of the Bergamo executives.
Though his creations are decidedly cutting-edge, Quiñones clarifies that he does listen to his clients and modifies his ideas into something that can flatter the wearer. He elaborates: “My client and I meet halfway. I develop a look and then the client tells her ideas. From there, we create something we both like.”
Really, who would not fall in love with a Barong he designed with intricate floral folds? If love means being beguiled with a work of art expressed through fashion, count us in as crazy in love.
“Normally, as designers, they always think of what they love the most. Or how they find true love,” thinks Roland Magalang, Bergamo’s vice president for operations, referring to where the collection attains the inspiration.
“[sic] If they think something is unique that people are wearing it in public, then they can use that as base. It’s their job to add a touch of simplicity and elegance of a rich young man.”
Ladies, send your men a handful of polo shirts with “tone-on-tone” embroidery. This set could be a bit edgy but offhand enough to match with denim or twill trousers.
A bespoke suit is flattering in single-breasted silhouette, sewn with two or three buttons and dyed in black, charcoal, or navy.
For RSVP occasions, slick is the key. The rule of thumb: A slim necktie (an acceptable substitute for bowtie) must be the only addition to the classic tuxedo. Loosen up a bit when throwing a cocktail party.
But in an ocean of trends, an indispensable gear has emerged. White linen or cotton shirt can pull the gentleman through all his social agenda.
“These are designs, which you can wear to any occasion. Men should always have a classic style in his closet, basic colors and designs,” says Magalang.
All right, the Bergamo creative team draws inspiration from current fads before transcending them into fresh takes—a single merit once the collection hits the market.
Your own style might be just from Bergamo at Rustan’s in Ayala Center Cebu, or at the Banilad Town Center, but take it well from pop singer Cher, dear gentlemen: “Men are not necessities—they’re luxuries.”