WATERFRONT Cebu City Hotel and Casino highlighted Cebuano talent as it presented the first-ever Cebu Style Week with a two-day fashion show last July 4 and 5. During the second day, colors of the rainbow dominated the runway as it presented “Pride,” a fashion show which featured collections of fashion designers from Clothes for Life worn by top models and Cebu’s personalities including Mandaue City Treasurer and lawyer Regal Oliva, social media personality Alem Garcia and Eat Bulaga’s BakClash 2019 finalist, Karren Songbird, to name a few.
Humberto Villegas’ three-piece collection was inspired by the pride flag to express the message of acceptance and equality. “The final look was inspired by the red from the Pride Flag, which originally represented ‘life.’ I wanted it to express a life free from judgment, prejudice, and that any wearer of the piece could flow and dance through life, as any member of the LGBTQIA+ community should,” he shared.
Edwin Alba also took inspiration from the flag, shown in retro glam fashion. “I took the canary yellow color dominantly over the colors of the pride flag since LGBTQIA+ people are happy people,” he shared.
Alejandro Godinez Jr.’s work gave an ‘80s vibe to the runway, tinkering with neon colors with balloon props for a playful spin. “Growing up during that time, I was amazed by the neon colors,” Godinez said.
Meanwhile, Rei Escario’s was a nod to the ‘90s. “I was inspired with my colorful childhood memories of the ‘90s; how fashion and music was connected and greatly influenced by each other,” he said.
Mel Maria’s was a collection inspired by the African prints “Ankara,” that involved cuts and patterns which focused on circular motions to create flounces. “The pieces were inspired by very different ideas, but when put together aims to present a cohesive collection hence, it’s called ‘Circle of Life,’” said Maria.
Edward James Castro’s collection dubbed “Valley of the Dolls” was inspired by the Barbie doll. “I spent the best years of my childhood, lost for hours in the fantasy. This eventually influenced the career path I chose, from paleontologist to fashion designer. As a tribute to that memory, the collection is rendered in signature Barbie cotton candy pastels,” he shared.
Axel Que’s was all about the Mexican culture. “Mainly the Goddess folklore La Muerte,” Que said. “I’m always fascinated about the Mexican art and culture, the vibrant colors, prints and details.”
Using polywool blend, nylon and glitter, Mike Yapching’s was an eye-catching ensemble titled “Ripple.” “I took inspiration from water: droplets creating ripples merging against other ripples creating curved radial concaves, how the wind creates lines on calm water, how light reflects and bends making a web of lines,” he recalled.
“Red is my dominant color for love and celebration. Shunning society’s stigma on same sex love is my toast for celebration,” said Wendell Quisido about his pride collection, inspired by Mater Dolorsa depicting that love comes in many forms.
Marichu Tan’s was a vividly colorful presentation in lace, tulle, feathers and crystals for that festive vibe. “My inspiration is the Latin Festivities; the vivid colors of their costumes having so much life and energy,” she shared.
Philipp Tampus’ was called celebrations. “It’s my inspiration as well: celebration of colors, cuts, gender freedom and expression. My colors are vibrant and happy colors. It celebrates all gender, that anyone and everyone is untitled of its own way of dressing in any occasion,” he said.
Co-presented by Oro China, Diagold, Oro Galleria Fine Jewelry and Livetech, this was a way to put a spotlight on Cebu’s long list of talents in the creative industry. That night, a whole other energy was felt as fashion combined with music and everyone in high spirits filled the room which in itself, showed people’s love and support which is what that night was all about.
Edward James Castro’s collection, dubbed “Valley of the Dolls,” was inspired by Barbie. “I spent the best years of my childhood, lost for hours in the fantasy. This eventually influenced the career path I chose, from paleontologist to fashion designer. As a tribute to that memory, the collection is rendered in signature Barbie cotton candy pastels,” he shared.
Axel Que’s was all about the Mexican culture. “Mainly the folklore goddess La Muerte,” Que said. “I’m always fascinated about the Mexican art and culture, the vibrant colors, prints and details.”
Using polywool blend, nylon and glitter, Mike Yapching’s was an eye-catching ensemble titled “Ripple.” “I took inspiration from water: droplets creating ripples merging against other ripples creating curved radial concaves, how the wind creates lines on calm water, how light reflects and bends making a web of lines,” he recalled.
“Red is my dominant color for love and celebration. Shunning society’s stigma on same-sex love is my toast for celebration,” said Wendell Quisido about his Pride collection, inspired by Mater Dolorosa, depicting that love comes in many forms.
Marichu Tan’s was a vividly colorful presentation in lace, tulle, feathers and crystals for that festive vibe. “My inspiration is the Latin Festivities; the vivid colors of their costumes having so much life and energy,” she shared.
Philipp Tampus’ was called “Celebrations.” “It’s my inspiration as well; celebration of colors, cuts, gender freedom and expression. My colors are vibrant and happy colors. It celebrates all gender, that anyone and everyone is untitled in its own way of dressing in any occasion,” he said.
Co-presented by Oro China, Diagold, Oro Galleria Fine Jewelry and Livetech, this was a way of putting a spotlight on Cebu’s long list of talents in the creative industry. That night, a whole other energy was felt as fashion, combined with music, and everyone in high spirits, showed people’s love and support which is what the night was all about.