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.

Different Strokes

Iconic Filipino designer Rhett Eala painting fashion in various points of hues.  Strokes of genius come alive in a palette of both vivid and bold as it tickles the imagination. A piece of clothing is a blank canvass and through the designer's artistry it is transformed into a fine masterpiece. Nothing but admiration can be given to this ingenious artist who's passion for fashion brushes anew in local ready to wear. Classic silhouettes are painterly reinvented in beautiful dresses and gowns every woman would want. The simplicity of clean lines with masterful embellishments and details transform the simple to extraordinary. Art successfully presented in luxe fabrication creates a seamless and modern design perspective. The new collection channels the union of both feminine and sexiness in refinement.  The freedom of creative energy channels the artist's lifestyle and sensibilities into contemporary impressions in extraordinary creations.

Facétieux

Manila based French photographer Romain Rivierre holds his first exhibit in the Philippines entitled Facétieux held at A _Space in Makati city.  The talented artist  presents a visual narrative of black and white and colored portraits of some of Manila's popular personalities.  Raw candid moments captured by the brilliant eye through the lens reveal a narrative sense of realism in every photograph.  Echoing his purist sensibilities of the artform, the photos successfully present a candid take on various facets of a personality.  Untainted by commercialism,  the photographer's collective portraits presen a strong point of view invisible under the spotlights.  A simple but amazing exhibition of an artist truly a league on his own.

The iconic Pepe Smith.

Fashion and TV personality Tweetie de Leon Gonzales.

Iconic "Walk this Way" Carlos Celdran.

Terry Gilliam ,director: Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, Monty Python, 12 Monkeys, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

Fashion designer Rhett Eala.

The crowd.

The man of the hour - Romain Rivierre.

Radar MNL's EIC Izzy Gonzales and managing editor Alex Pierson.

The author(5th from left) with makeup artists Jopie Sanchez, Jewelmer's Rose Talaman, Celine Aguila and Penelope Uy and Tanya Escaler Rivierre.

Bright Ideas (taken from Allure, Philstar

Men’s fashion has taken a big leap in the local retail scene. What better way to welcome this change than to have a style-setting collaboration series that features the country’s foremost designers at SM MEN’S FASHION.

In-house brand Main Street takes a new spin with the iconic artistry of RHETT EALA. He reinvents the classic menswear with his traditional silhouettes that have taken a modern tailored appeal in current shapes and forms. His contemporary lines and construction are defined in sleek, tapered and slim-fit wardrobe essentials.

The designer also brilliantly recreates the denim into stylish and functional pieces such as blazers, jackets and polos for day-to-night dressing. Cool casual to dressy ensembles define trend-based looks that are not only stylish but are also fashionably relevant. Bright hues are added to a range of mod neutrals to help update the classic palette.

The “swagger-like” look of Main Street is a successful fusion of sporty-street influences seen in its latest and innovative collection. Moving forward, the noteworthy collaboration of both brand and designer creates a higher standard in the world of local menswear RTW. Undeniably, it gives a brighter perspective for SM MEN’S FASHION in fashioning the times.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol • Creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Makeup by Ria Aquino • Associate styling by Mikka Velasquez • Model: Sm Men’s Fashion’s Hideo Muraoka • Main Street is exclusively available at Sm Men’s Fashion in all SM Department Stores • Shot on location at the MacArthur Suite of Manila Hotel

SM Men's Fashion: Rhett Eala for Main Mainstreet

SM Men's Fashion continues to sizzle this summer with another designer collection--Rhett Eala for Main street.  The executive label moves forward with swagger like looks ala Mr. Porter. Beyond the stereotype dressing, modern cuts and forms refresh traditional pieces into the extraordinary.  Style fitting silhouettes reinvent the old into the new. Eala infuses current brilliant trendsetting ideas as the collection seamlessly echoes style in the detail. Timeless neutrals and contemporary hues paint these up to date wardrobe essentials into the season's current must-haves. The outstanding collaboration has taken the brand with a visionary perspective of menswear dressing. SM Men's Fashion is revolutionizing a big movement in promoting local designer retail and braving fashion frontiers forward. 

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol, styling by Mike de Guzman and Geo Palmiano, makeup by Bobby Carlos, hair styling by Mark Familiara, modeled by Rafael do Prado. Wardrobe by Rhett Eala for Mainstreet at SM Men's Fashion.