Iconic

When a fashion brand's logo becomes a national trademark, it becomes an icon.  With the endless brand names in the Philippines, one has risen above the rest by imprinting and reinventing the country's map as the mark in local retail fashion--Collezione.  The brand in recent years made a glorious comeback through the brilliant design incantations by designer Rhett Eala as he redefined the look of modern sportwear.  Undoubtedly, the successful comeback has created a platform exploring new territories and covering vast borders in the world of retail. 
The author and his style team recently had the greatest of pleasure working with Rhett Eala and Collezione/Due in a recent fashion show unfolding their Holiday 2011 collection held at The Peninsula Manila.  The whole theme for the show worked around the inspiration of travel to the cold weather mountains and global landmarks.  A jetsetting appeal of fashion for the modern traveller in trendsetting style. The look was to channel the current feel of glamour fused with one of the biggest trends of the season-grunge.  For women, the take on grunge was uber  stylized in an all glammed up look with precious one of a kind pieces by accessories designer's Nicole Whisenhunt and Joanique's Malour Romero.  For men, layering was channeled in a play of modern fabrication and the season's best hues such as green, blues, purple, charcoal, grays and modern neutrals.  Menswear took a new spin with unique detailing, forward designs and form.
The oustanding experience was unforgettable and the cohesive fashion narrative was a product of overflowing creativity and synergy.  One of the best show's the author and his team has ever done, it was a playground of delight with good energy and a whole lot of fun.  Something for the books, a noteworthy moment in time and a lifetime memory of work with an icon in Philippine fashion.

Isn't it iconic?

Precious pieces by Nicole Whisenhunt.

Bejeweled skull caps by Rhett Eala.

Fancy footwear sponsor.

The author takes a photo.

Azkals rack.

In the mood.

Rehearsal in the mountains.

Raise your hands.  Director Jackie Aquino.

Take a cue.  Director Jackie Aquino and the Azkals' Anton de Rosario, James Younghusband, Phil Younghusband and Nate Burkey.

Behind the seams. Director Jackie Aquino and designer Rhett Eala.

Scene to be scene.

Azkals' Anton del Rosario.

Azkals' Nate Burkey.

Two of my favorite models:  Fatima Rabago and Nat Keifer.

Zaydan Timpani strikes a pose.

Under the table.

Model Michelle Panemanglor's crowning glory.

Sleek chic.

Look up Vanessa Matsunaga.

Close your eyes Valerie Weigenmann.

Joanique's Malou Romero prepares the jewelry.

Young husband materials Phil and James.

Designer Rhett Eala an hour before the show.

The Younghusbands instructed by backstage princess Poly Laurito.

Azkals' Phil Younghusband takes the cue from  Poly Laurito.

Designer Pablo Cabahug in translation.

Erin Zulueta behind the curtain wall.

Giggles here and there with Pablo Cabahug, Ornussa Cadness, Ria Bolivar and Grace Tagle.

A moment of laughter. The author with Jasmin Meierhofer, Pauline Prieto and Ria Bolivar.

Break a leg!

Final touch on Jasmin Meierhofer.

Glam grunge in full gear with Melanie Angeles, Ria Bolivar and Michelle Panemanglor.

Orange fever with John Spainhour.

Final stand.

All smiles.

Awaiting curtain call..

Final walk.

A walk to remember.

Designer Rhett Eala with the Azkals.