WATERFRONT Cebu City Hotel and Casino presented the first-ever Cebu Style Week. The two-day fashion show was in partnership with Oro China, Diagold, Oro Galleria Fine Jewelry and Livetech, and was created to put a spotlight on Cebu’s creative talents.
Kicking off the two-day fashion show was “Freedom” featuring the designs of FIDA Cebu’s (Fashion Institute of Design and Arts Cebu) graduating students and alumni: Mara Dado, Killy Tampus, Rachel Rama, Odessa, Sheena Si, Orville Biongcog, Jeanom Ursua, Jules Gadingan, Percie Requiero and Johanna Tan.
Held last July 4 at the hotel’s Atlantic Hall, this was also in celebration of America’s 243rd Independence Day.
Dado’s collection was inspired by the Taj Mahal, using crisp lines to translate it to the pieces. Tampus’ showed a throwback to the ‘80s in subdued form. Rama’s was about pieces that project women empowerment and complementing every woman’s various pursuits. Meanwhile, Odessa put focus on geometry and symmetry as seen in the angles and lines on the collection.
Si’s was a denim ensemble that also had influence on the movement of water shown through the textures. Biongcog’s was a tribute to the designer’s dearly departed assistant Ernn Tampus, Jr. Ursua’s was about the modern-day youth’s relentless fight for freedom of one’s identity.
Gadingan’s was inspired by the LGBTIQA+ movement blurring the line between gender and clothing. Requiero’s was a showcase of designs that takes one back to the Renaissance period with a modern fairytale twist. Lastly, Tan’s collection sits between hyper real and ready-to-wear.
It’s long been known, the limitless talents that lie in the Queen City. Through Cebu Style Week, it aims not only to showcase these talents locally but also globally.