New Voice

The whole blogging community in the Philippines is a phenomenon.  Years back, this author had resistance to such and was constantly prodded by PR, industry people and friends to create a blog.  Maybe it was something new at that time and was hesitant to get into something unknown.  Filled with a lot of responsibilities working with the broadsheet (Philippine Star's Allure section), glossy magazine (METRO), teaching (SOFA) and fashion styling for advertising,  it was hard back then to start something that would entail a certain amount of time and devotion.  Through constant convincing from good friends, it was only on the first day of this year when my decision to start one finally happened.  Though the amount of workload still fills up my day to day schedule, this fairly new commitment is a fun fulfilling medium of self-expression that connects one to a vast universe of online social existence.
Was recently invited to a bazaar by Bloggers United(a prestigious organization of young and popular bloggers) and was amazed by the multitude of people who came.  It was a gathering of a whole new world of youthquake and testimony that the online universe is a powerful tool of communication.  Yes, the new force to reckon with is still growing into the millions of uniqueness united in a global platform.  
Voices can now be heard and streamlined with technology and its advances to the future.  From the simple to the complex of stereotypes, the strength of individuality is acknowledged in varying levels of substance or form, or both. Whether a story, observation, insights, visual narrative or whatever you may call it, everyone in this virtual world is worthy of something to say.  After all in this day and age where the progressive net culture ceases to exist, we have the right to speak our mind.

Modern communication.

Blog this way! (from left to right)  stylenarratives, thedressupdoll,miss donata and heyrocketgirl.

Bloggers United! Grabbed some photos from heyrocketgirl.

Who's the fairest of them all? 

Style sisters Jeanne Khe and heyrocketgirl.

Black and white by thedressupdoll Nicole Santos and Camille Crisostomo.

Serious fun.

Style Origin 9: Bonifacio High Street (BHS)

While half of the style team was in Davao preparing for Style Origin Abreeza show, the Manila contingent led by Rudolph Leonor and Mikka Velasquez had their hands full with the event in Bonifacio High Street (BHS).  The stage was set literally at the center street in BHS compared to the rest of the series which was all held in the malls.  With fourteen big brands participating, the second to the last of the Style Origin series adds up to the monumental success of this fusion of music and fashion showcase by the Ayala Malls.  Week after week, this mall to mall  tour is an ingenious concept of bringing style and entertainment closer to the general public.  It's a reportage of the latest collections available in the retail stores promoting awareness in global fashion.   Yes we've come this far, and after 12 shows, it just keeps on getting better.

Empty backstage.

Style Origin on the street.

A dash of FASH from Bianca Valerio.

Mico Raval at rehearsals.

The stage set up was on the road between Dimensione and Krispy Kreme in Bonifacio High Street.

Take your pic on these hot men.

Built for Speedo.

Furball.

Say cheese.

Girls and their stuff.

Mother may I?

Cute poochie.

Hair and makeup room.

Sofa Fashcom students Nicole Santos, Jeanne Khe, Teri Marcelo and Pamela Bassig strike a pose.

The Style Team (from left to right):  Teri Marcelo, Jeanne Khe, Rudolph Leonor, Mikka Valasquez, Pamela Bassig and Nicole Santos.

The Fashion of Communication

20 years in the fashion industry is no joke.  When this author started out in this business, the conditions were totally different and it was really hard to get in.  the business of gloss and glam was not just about talent, but a lot of perseverance, dedication, commitment and most importantly passion.  Living and breathing fashion is not all about what you wear--it involves high levels of thinking and there is so much creation process going on.  Recently, the author began teaching a new class at the School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA) called Fashion Communication.  The class is all about effectively promoting fashion via variety of multi-media mediums of communication.  The process involves extensive observation, research and analysis to produce factual materials in order to effectively translate information.  One of the mediums of communication is fashion styling for a fashion show.  The class is currently participating at the Style Origins-Bonifacio High Street show.  From clothing selection to fitting, they were able to experience the entire process of how things come about before the actual show date.  The girls took part in creating the look for the 8 piece segment of one of the major brands participating--TOPSHOP. The objective is to showcase, creatively form and communicate the current collection of the brand via the fashion show. The girls were so pro- active and you can see the sparkle in their eyes when we were putting the pieces together.  

The inspirational look.

One of the bag pieces.

Topshop's 8 piece collection. 

The next style generation(from left to right)-Teri Marcelo, Pamela Bassig, Nicole Santos and Jeanne Khe.

Today is a big day as these students become stylists/dressers for a day as the Style Origins Bonifacio High Street (BHS) unfolds at 6pm.  Break a leg  girls, you can do it!!!  Unfortunately the author is currently in Davao getting ready for Style Origins Abreeza which happens tomorrow.