The Bold and New

Design is an evolutionary process of constant rebirths- this is a mantra of more than a handful fashion designers. The consistency of the art of creativity in fashion is unending. Ideas form refreshing masterpieces that define a look, feel, mood, moment and thought sometimes all rolled into one. Each designer is borne with a style identity that embodies the aesthetics of ones innate or adapted sensibilities. Thus creating and fashioning a piece or a collection they can call their own.
Recently, a fresh breed of aspiring designers graduated from the prestigious School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA). These promising young talents have braved the local scene to present a now perspective into the future of Philippine fashion. Each design showcases a glimpse of the contemporary and marks their individual point of view of what style is all about. A fresh and hopeful insight of what is to become of local fashion--cheers to all.

Look of Style Final 10

After months of searching all over the Philippines and gathering all entries, Look magazine recently announced their selected finalists wherein they will present a 3-5 pc collection on their anniversary event on October 4 at the Rockwell Tent.  The LOOK of Style Final 10 are the following:

1. Barbie Alvez
2. Nino Angeles
3. Shine Casino
4. Andy Brian Esplanada
5. Geof Gonzales
6. Joshua Guibone
7. Noelle Llave
8. John Mark Magallanes
9. Pinky Magalona
10. Mark Tamayo

Noelle Llave.

Pinky Magalona.

Joshua Guibone.

Mark Tamayo.

Barbie Alvez.

Nino Angeles.

From the 10 finalists, three were students from the esteemed School of Fashion and the Arts namely: Niño Angeles (winner of Cinderella's Designers Competition 2008), Mark Tamayo ( winner of the Manila FAME/CITEM Eco-Pinoy Fashion Design Competition 2009) and Noelle Llave (one of Preview Magazine's 10 Designers to Watch Out for in 2010) who also happens to be part this author's style team.  An exciting competition to watch out for and definitely an insight on the future of Philippine design.

Blessing in Disguise

From left to right:  Associate styists Rudolph Leonor, Reg Rodriguez,Mikka Velasquez and Donna Gonzales Lim with the author(center).

Every Friday is work in the paper mill at the port area where this author humbly takes part in closing one of the sections of a leading newspaper. But last week, the author had to cut short his stay because of a promise to his team to attend the SOFA(School of fashion and the Arts) Graduation Show at Manansala in Rockwell.  Braving the traffic was no easy task most specially during a Friday rush hour where the streets of Manila become an uncompromising labyrinth of traffic. With barely a stroke of luck, this author found his way to the mall after more than an hour of traveling in and out of sardine packed roads.  After finally meeting up with everyone, we headed to Manansala to see the show.  When we got to the venue, we saw on her way out was Preview's EIC Pauline Juan.  We were uber fashionably late and barely had a glimpse of the collection--the place was super packed.  Well, this author had an idea of what they were anyway since one of his associate stylists Mikka Velasquez ( a designer who's part of the first batch who graduated from SOFA) did a shoot for his column Multiple Choice in the Allure section of The Philippine Star which is coming out in a couple of weeks.  Congratulations to the second batch and to SOFA!  This new breed of young designers will hopefully add more color to the world of Philippine fashion.  When the show finally ended, we rushed for the elevator to try to avoid the maddening crowd going down.  As soon as we got out, we couldn't help but take a group photo since it's a rare occasion that all of us are complete after an event (normally the author would miss out on the night outs).  Nevertheless, its something that happens on a rare occasion and tonight was one of those. Loving this time off work when our eyes wonder to check out what's happening out there... the possibilities are endless.

From left to right:  Rudolph wearing a white tee and pants both by Topman, custom made blazer by belt by SM, bag by Vivienne Westwood and shoes by Zara; Reg wearing a blouse by Zara, skirt from Bangkok, watch by Pacific Blue, accessories by Anagon collection, a gifted bag and booties by Parisian; Mikka wearing a top by icandy, printed pants by F21, bag by Dorothy perkins, shoes by Michael Antonio;  and Donna Gonzales Lim wearing a dress used as top from Bangkok, skirt by Zara and shoes by H & M.

The author wearing white v neck shirt by Uniqlo, Military trench by Zara, pinstriped
trousers and lace up shoes both by Joey Samson, bracelet by Firma and white
 framed glasses from Edit(Singapore).

Style file.

Thank you so much to all you readers who visited or even followed this blog.  Started this online journey early this year and couldn't even imagine it would get this far.  My sincerest gratitude for those who really pushed this author in doing it most specially to one of my dearest friends Katrina Holigores and Tita Rosary Ysmael.  Life is indeed full of inspiration and endless imagination.  This blog aspires to be a source of information and continue to be a medium in bringing relevance to Philippine fashion.  Thanks to the universe for gifting this realization, it is truly more than a blessing.  

Linear Perspective

Symmetry decoded.

Up and coming fashion designer Noelle Llave has finally launched her Holiday 2011 accessory line with a premiere collection entitled "Geometric Symmetry".  A graduate of the School of Fashion and the Arts(SOFA), the artist introduces geometric inspired cuffs and neck pieces in colorful and neutral tones in soft leather.  Distinct in unfinished appeal, the beautiful and raw approach to design displays wonderful incantations of form.  Artistic equations creatively rationalize an interplay of lines and experimentation of proportions. Hints of brilliance are executed in inventive and cutout shapes that mold each object of art. Global, modern and chic, these trend spotting accessories is something Manila stylesetters shouldn't miss. Check out the previous entries on this talented and emerging designer who'll surely be the next one to watch. 

Arm candy.

Put it on the wrist.

Unfolding soon is Noelle Llave's design breakthrough.

For inquries check out Noelle Llave on facebook or email me at noellellave@yahoo.com.

Photography and graphics by Fold Canela.

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.

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.  

Aranaz Summer

Design signature.

The heat is on as style begins to sizzle under the scorching sun.  Fashion unveils the latest chic pieces which are ready to hit the beach with all things sunny side up.  Hot and on the radar brand Aranáz recently had their private trunk show to present their Spring/Summer collection 2011 held at Hidalgo Place, Rockwell. The 59 piece collection, showcased export quality and design of distinct Aranaz trademark recognized all over the world. Indigenous materials fused with contemporary style result to quirky and playful expositions of fashion forward artistry.  One can't help but notice the wonderful hand-crafting and modern perspective incorporated in each designed piece.  A standout brand taking the lead in producing local fashion of global appeal Filipinos will definitely be proud of in the international market. The invitational event offered 15% off on everything plus a limited edition run of one-of-a-kind selection of clothes and accessories via Aranáz Ropas y Complementos.  Truly an invitation local stylesetters couldn't refuse.

Aranáz Complementos' bangles and clip-on in floral refinement.

Unique Starfish snakeskin clutches to give a simple ensemble that added punch.

Amanpulo black or white crochet beaded bags rate high on the style meter.

The trademark in an assortment of summer's ultimate finds.

The color to wear now in limited edition selection of Aranaz Ropas.

Sibling revelry.  Rosanna Aranaz and Amina Aranaz Alunan both beauty and brains behind the famed bags, clothes and accessories brand.

Aside from their fashion retail business, Amina Aranaz Alunan is currently the Executive Director for Communications & Admissions- School of Fashion & the Arts(SOFA) and is a pioneer and co-founder behind the internationally recognized learning institution which the author is involved in as part of the faculty.  In line with this, SOFA offers fun interesting workshops you might want to consider during the summer to quench your fashion thirst.  

Emerging Talent: Noelle Llave

Young fashion designer Noelle Llave is the new talent to watch out for.  We were shooting a couple of days ago at Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila and I was mesmerized by the amazing pieces the designer came up with.  A graduate of the prestigious School of Fashion and the Arts(SOFA), Paula ( as I fondly call her) delivered beyond my expectations.  I commisioned her to create a capsule collection (5 pieces) and accessories inspired by the Spring-Summer 2011 global trends to be featured in my fashion column Multiple Choice of the Allure section of Philippine Star( it comes out on Sundays). The idea was to infuse denim (classic fabric) with leather to form minimalist pieces that define the latest in fashion today. The result was a fantastical display of structured and linear masterpieces channeling the new directions of contemporary design.  What really blew me away was the ingenious and practical creation of accessories. 


Mad about leather.

The season's chic neutral finds.

The shape of things to come.

Roughly finished leather cutouts and scraps in updated tones were outstandingly formed into modern cuffs and neckpieces.  Chic, young and now, the uncoventional accessories present a fresh perspective with refreshing global appeal. Raw and unpolished, the look is an artistic insight on shapes, texture and proportion.  The designer's visionary point of view is an insight of brilliant design creativity in progress.  I will be posting the capsule collection as soon as the shoot has been published.  In the meantime, feast your eyes on these style worthy one-of-a-kind accessories that's definitely of-the-moment. 

The setting.

Sneak peek.

Photography by Mau Aguasin, fashion styling by Rudolph Leanor, makeup by Ria Aquino and modeled by Dindi de Leon(PMAP).  For more info you can reach Noelle Llave +639175023617