Manila Wear 2014

Why Manila Wear? One of the more relevant issues of Philippine fashion is design translation into the contemporary. Culture and tradition is reinvented and transformed into modern creations fitting for the times.  This branding initiative aimed to position the industry in the global resort/tropical market is a visionary  step in showcasing local artistry at its best.  Lead by international fashion icon Josie Natori, it umbrellas the countries more established and seasoned designers in showcasing artisanal creations made from fusion of both basic and Philippine materials. A reflection of the beauty of Filipino talent and sensibilities, the insightful movement is a progressive and optimistic approach on style relevance in the local industry. This collective of outstanding artists aims to present masterpieces defining the current  nowness of style individuality and more significantly promoting cultural preservation. Manila wear is fashion forward with a strong design statement of better things to come.

Rhett Eala.

Rhett Eala.

Avel Bacudio.

Avel Bacudio.

Ivar Aseron.

Ivar Aseron.

JC Buendia.

JC Buendia.

Cesar Gaupo.

Cesar Gaupo.

Rajo Laurel.

Rajo Laurel.

Dennis Lustico.

Dennis Lustico.

Randy Ortiz.

Randy Ortiz.

Lulu Tan Gan.

Lulu Tan Gan.

Check out Fashion Philippines' Manila Wear's last day of exhibition at the 60th Manila FAME Level 2 SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila.

SM Men's Fashion: Ivar Aseron for Coco Republic

As part of Style Narratives' SM Men's Fashion designer series, next on the list is Ivarluski Aseron for Coco Republic. Dressing up for summer has never looked so sleek and polished. Though dapper may not quite describe it, the distinctly swagger appeal has moved Coco Republic into the forefront of local resort wear fashion. The in house brand known for its tropical/island look successfully fused with the clean lines, structural aesthetics and modern forms of Aseron. There is a certain nowness in its design reinvention that channels the definitive style essentials of what menswear is today. The presence of cool and modern hues such as neutrals combined with hints of color rethinks and updates day to day dressing. Strong influences of Tailoring hits the sandy shores and beach with style and elegance channeling European sensibilities that we all adore. Gone are the days where the surfer dude look shows off board shorts reaching the ankles, polo shirts as loose as a tent and eye sore tourist trap prints.
SM Men's Fashion's inspirational take on resort wear through Ivar Aseron for Coco Republic is an innovative venture into relaxed sartorial proportions which Filipinos should more than just think about.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol, creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Bobby Carlos, hair styling by Jaime Sy, modeled by Daniel Matsunaga and Zaydan Timpani. All clothes by Ivar Aseron for Coco Republic at SM Men's Fashion. Shot on location at Matinloc shrine, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Special thanks to Ms. Trish Tagle.

A different kind of weave

Last week the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines announced the finalists in both accessories and RTW for their "Weaving the Future" design competition held at JUMP--the new hub at the 4F SM Megamall.  Philippine fashion goes beyond all that flash as it steers towards developing consciousness in the style landscape by integrating the building of livelihood for fashion and supporting these communities.  Through these efforts, promotion of both talent and indigenous materials are achieved so as to support their significance and relevance to the future of local fashion.  Hand in hand, the event was graced by both media and fashion insiders to further this noble endeavor.  The bigger picture here is really for the industry to collectively work as one team in the hopes of building a brighter future for artists, suppliers, communities in the world of Philippine fashion.  And yes, fashion does have a cause.

The venue.

The crowd.

Fashion designer's Ivarluski Aseron and Tippie Ocampo with Stylebible's Isha Andaya.

Fashion stylist/director Lotho.

Style Weekend EIC Liza Ilarde Cuenca and Look magazine's EIC Mel Cuevas.

Designer Vic Barba.

Designer's Avel Bacudio and Randy Ortiz.

FDCP President JC Buendia.

Crowd control.

SOFA's Amina Aranaz Alunan gives a short talk.

The twenty finalists in both RTW and Accessories categories with FDCP President JC Buendia and Amina Aranaz Alunan.

The Fashion Design Council of the Philippines(from left) Randy Oritz, Joey Escober, Gerry Katigbak, Tippie Ocampo, Amina Aranaz Alunan, JC Beundia, Tonichi Nocom, Dong Omaga Diaz, Vic Barba, Gerry Sunga, Avel Bacudio and Ramon Esteban.

Picture Play with designer Ivar Aseron, Look magazine's Mel Cuevas, designer Tonich Nocom, the author and  Style Weekend's Liza Ilarde Cuenca.

The author in a printed blazer by Joey Samson, v-neck top by Uniqlo, pants
 by Zara, glasses by Firma, shoes by Margiela and convertible tote by Celine.

Rebirth

Started my day with a wonderful note from the son of one of my associate stylist Donna Gonzales Lim who's name was Carlos.  The happy smile and the cutest greeting from an innocent child made my heart melt.  Nothing can be so true and pure you can tell the universe was embracing you with its warmest hello.  After picking up Donna, we headed all the way to Quezon city for a preprod and met my other associate Reg Rodriguez at a client's office.   Work finished early so decided to meet up with friends in Makati to have late snacks/early dinner to semi celebrate my Bday.  On my way back, the traffic was horrible and still had to drop off Reg and Donna in Promenade(Greenhills).  As soon as they were dropped off, the minutes turned into hours.  The traffic was starting to be quite upsetting and of all days, it had to be the most important day of my life.  After an hour and a half of endlessly counting hair on my head(or what's barely left of it), finally arrived at Joey Samson's atalier super late and apologetic. There waiting was Fashion photographer Joan Bitagcol and fashion stylist Corine Alegre together with Joey. Hate being late, embarassed to keep people waiting for almost an hour and didn't know how to redeem myself with the situation. So decided to just shrug the irritation off my shoulders and decided to just go on with the flow and enjoy the remains of the day.  Joan and Corine started getting into a petty fight because the former wanted to show me something before heading out to eat while Corine was as famished as ever and didn't see the need for any delay.  So I decided to check out Joan's work in her studio(which was just next door) so we could proceed and get it done and over with since I figured it would only take a few minutes.  As I headed upstairs and tried opening the door of her studio.  SURPRISE!!!  

My day began with a sweet note from a three year old child.

Touch of love.

Ready to fire.

This is the unforseen moment.

Tic Toc Tic Toc.  Everyone was there since 330pm and I got there by 5pm.

Just wanted to run away but couldn't escape.

Security blanket.

More than a million smiles.

Overjoyed.

Needed a hug.

One by one.

Light of my life.

The moment of truth. All 40 cupcakes.

Suprise!!! Am one who hates surprises.  Maybe because of the fact that you don't know what's going to happen and in another aspect its probably the control freak in me not piloting a situation.  But this one takes the cake and will go down in my history as one of the most touching and memorable moment in my life.  This author had a neverending overwhelming mix of emotions seeing everyone in the room filled with smiles and the warmest of greetings.  My knees were shaking, heart palpitating and a sudden rush that made me almost run out the door (unfortunately there were people behind me and my effort became futile).  Couldn't believe such a thing could happen, didn't even have the slightest clue of anything.  Everyone who was there(and was supposed to be there) were the ones who are important in my life.  Each and everyone of them have become soulful marks of experience that have filled my days with so much meaning and being. 
 

Knights of the round(?) table.

Ladies in waiting.

My bunsos.

Tres amigas.

 
The word "happy" is an understatement.  I cannot even begin on saying how grateful and humbled I am that no amount of words can come close to describe the feeling.  There was also a surprise video presentation which my siblings, mom and nephews from abroad participated in.  Then the most dreaded thing happened, I broke into tears. Definitely, an unforgettable  defining "moment" of truth crossing over years that passed by, a tapestry of worthwhile experiences, the driving force for once existence and a step into a life of new beginnings at 40.  Yes, every moment counts, and no matter how big or small it is, everything is priceless.

A child at heart.

Belat.

What is?

Moment.

Can you feel my heartbeat?

The culprits.

What did you say?

Just a smile away.

Startled.

Giggles.

Last action hero?

Jump for joy.

Twin hearts.



Gotcha!



Peace be with you.

Cheers!  Welcoming the year with an enlightened heart and an optimistic outlook in life.  Yes, there's no better way to start the year but with a good surprise.  Change is always good and for the better, one can never count the ways.  Doubts, fears and inhibitions begin to fade while the beckoning of new chapter signals a breath of fresh air to the coming days, months and years ahead.

Bottoms up.

Fashion designer Louis Claparol's smile from ear to hear.

Associate stylist Rudolph Leonor and Metro magazine's creative director Patrick Ty.

Fashion photographer Sara Back and Associate stylist Reg Rodriguez.

Associate stylist Donna Gonzales Lim and fashion stylist Corine Alegre with designer
 Louis Claprols and fashion photographer Joan Bitagcol.

Style files (from left to right):  Look magazine EIC Mel Cuevas, Corine Alegre, Sara Black with YStyle's Bea Ledesma (standing) and Patrick Ty.

Lancome's Pia Reyes with Max Factor's Bobby Carlos.

Mel Cuevas with fashion designer Joey Samson.

Stylist Geo Palmiano and Adfolio's Lora Antenor.

The author with Mel Cuevas.

Huggies with SM's Ayen Florendo.

Three's Company.

More huggies with up and coming photographer Mau Aguasin.

Close for comfort with photographer Sara Black.

Heart of Palm.  With fashion photographer Joan Bitagcol and designer Joey Samson.

Better late than never.  With stylist Mikey de Guzman.

The originals with Mau de leon(in green).

Diamonds.  With Metro Wedding's Trish Juico and Mel Cuevas.

All time favorite.

Art and beauty. With Pia reyes.

Zashikins. with Trish Juico.

Life to the max.  With Bobby Carlos.

An eye for design.  With Ivar Aseron.

Lets make magic.

Lucky charm.  With Mary Grace Caison.

Prized Possesion. The author with Donna, Rudolph, Reg and Mikka.

Thank you for the surprise most specially to those who planned it well (actually too well).  The euphoric feeling dragged on and coudn't even sleep that night.  In life, one doesn't need to look far into the horizon to find blessings, sometimes the most beautiful things in life are up close and personal. And with that, they serve as inspiration to continue the passion of creating and recreating, service for others and purposeful existence of being.  Thank you guys you know who you are.