FDCP Competition: "Weaving the Future" RTW Finalists

A collection of a fashion designer begins with a sketch patch.  From points of inspiration, gathered thoughts through strokes of pencils and pens begin to form in this blank canvas where the entire process of creation begins.   After a long search, The Fashion Design Council of the Philippines' (FDCP) WEAVING THE FUTURE design competition recently announced the finalists for the APPAREL Division.  The lucky designer hopefuls are Benjie Pascual Alvarez, Concordio Sison Sajorda, Jr., Genesis Bundalian Alcantara, Harold Victor Galgala Dominguez, Marian Villanueva Andrada, Mark Archibal Cagadoc Tamayo, Nino Dominic Melo Angeles, Noelle Marfori Llave, Pristine Joyce Silao De Guzman and Roland Rense Hernandez Alzate.  Below are the submitted sketches of each designer for the above mentioned.  Can you guess who's design will weave into the future of Philippine fashion? 

Benjie P. Alvarez.

Genesis B. Alcantara.

                                                          Harold Victor G. Dominguez.

                                                                                          Marian V. Andrada

.

                                                                                       Mark Archibal C. Tamayo.

Nino Angeles.

Pristine Joyce S. de Guzman.

Roland Rense H. Alzate.

Noelle Llave.

Concordio S. Sajorda Jr.

The FDCP is composed of the country's unwavering brilliant designers namely Edwin Ao, Ivarluski Aseron, PJ Aranador, Avel Bacudio, Vittorio Barba, JC Buendia, Joey Enriquez, Ramon Esteban, Arcy Gayatin, Len Nepomuceno-Guiao, Oj Hofer, Gerry Katigbak, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Anthony Nocom, Tippi Ocampo, Dong Omaga-Diaz, Randy Ortiz, Frederick Peralta, Joey Samson, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Jerome Ang, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Joel Escober, Gerry Sunga , Cary Santiago and as well as their Advisory Board Members: Lulu Tan Gan, Josie Natori and Cesar Gaupo.
Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition is presented by FDCP together with PAGCOR, in cooperation with benchPINOYlab, with SM and The School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) and powered by PLDTmyDSL & SMART.

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.

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.

Parisian PFW 2011 catalogue

In the recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week (PFW) 2011, the presentation of the latest collections wasn't just all about mens and womenswear.  Since more than a year ago, the only notable shoe and bag brand creating a strong presence in this bi-annual fashion extravaganza is Parisian.  The fashion forward brand showcased a platform of trendsetting shoes and bags apt for the season and the months to come.  From brights to muted neutrals, metallics to prints, the on the radar appeal is moving towards a direction currently in line with what's happening global fashion.  This movement towards the style frontline was evidently seen in their impressive collection at the SM PFW show. Like any other important international showcasing,  thier must-have pieces can be seen closely in their informative and well put-together catalogue. Platforms, wedges, pumps, slings with a whole lot more, the legendary shoe brand that has expanded to bags as well recently is true to the mantra of the institutional department store "We've got it all". 
SM's Parisian is frontlining a display of uncompromising style that's taking local shoe brands competent with international standards in terms of style and design.  Aside from their contemporary fashion, these items are fairly priced so anyone need not worry on having a trendy new pair season after season. Shoes "Made in the Philippines" have truly come a long way and Parisian is definitely something Filipinos can be proud of. 

Parisian is exclusively available in all SM Department stores nationwide.  Photography by Xander Angheles, Styling by Gio Palmiano, Mikey de Guzman and Luis Espiritu.  Associate stylists Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales Lim, Rudolph Leonor, Mikka Velasquez and Noelle Llave.  Makeup by Bobby Carlos, makeup assistant Ria Aquino and hairstyling by Emar Cabilte.

Front Row

Philippine Fashion Week officially started yesterday and it seems like everybody in the local industry is eagerly waiting for the unfolding of each collection.  From designer to retail, all eyes are awaiting who will be the newborn stars of the season.  One major show everybody shouldn't miss is the one of SM Department Store which is scheduled today at 530PM at the SMX convention center.  The retail giant who's presence in the industry for more than three decades has contributed to the shaping of the style landscape in the Philippines, is holding its firm ground as the leader in moving the world of retail fashion forward.
In house brand Parisian is all set to unveil their season forecast in chic shoes and bags.  The number one local shoe retail brand is stepping ahead and leading the way with the latest in shoe fashion.  This season, inspiration is taken from A-Listers, celebrities, stylists, industry insiders and editors--all of which are personalities you see in the front row.  Breathing style into their lives, these tastemakers are the movers and shakers in the world of fashion who are the epitome of style and what it all stands for. Watch and see what they are wearing as Parisian presents their much awaited Fashion Week collection--a style-stepping view of life in the front row. 

  
Photography by Xander Angheles, fashion styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., Makeup by Bobby Carlos of Max Factor, associate styling by Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales Lim, Rudolph Leonor, Noelle Llave and Mikka Velasquez,  Assistant makeup artist Ria Aquino, hair styling by Edimar Cabilte.  All shoes and bags by Parisian exclusively available in all SM Department Stores nationwide.

Big and Bold

Have you had enough color overload this season?  Well, think again but this time it's the men braving the style frontiers and are going all out bold with a statement.  Catch SM Mens Fashion unveil their fashion forward collection with the season's brightest at Philippine Fashion Week to be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia tomorrow May 11 at 7pm. Trendsetting the latest must-have looks in global runway appeal, the big step to the future of menswear retail is about to unfold. Watch the style blinding presentation and don't miss this milestone. See you there! 

Photography by Frank Hoefsmit, fashion styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., Makeup by Bobby Carlos, Associate stylists Reg Rodriguez, Rudolph Leonor, Donna Gonzales Lim, Mikka Velasquez and Noelle Llave, modeled by Hideo Muraoka, Nathaniel Kiefer.  SM Mens Fashion is available in all SM Department stores nationwide.

Bold Move

Seeing these pictures would probably remind you of a hip brand the youthquake would surely love.  Well, think twice and you'll be surprised to know this brand has been around for quite awhile and is currently undergoing a style change.  Moving with the times, the retail legend am talking about is Pierre Cardin.  In Manila, known for their menswear line well-suited for the man on the streets, the new take is reinventing corporate with casuals in a youthful spin.  Old ties are loosened up with a variety of cool casual pieces beyond the stereotype boardroom dressing.  Incorporating the current trends that matter, the fashion forward look is bolder than ever.  The old-new brand is set to take their classic style to the forefront in the season's most wanted hues. Change is inevitable and in fashion with it comes reinvention. With a load of brights matched with denim or the ever dependable khakis, these sharp casuals are must-buy essentials for the modern man's wardrobe this summer.  

Bright on.

Bright and easy.

Forward bright.

Photography by Sara Black, styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Precious Medina, Hair styling by John Valle, associate styling by Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales Lim, Mikka Veasquez and Noelle Llave, modeled by Renan of Mercator. Shot on location at Punto Fuego and special thanks to Mawi de Ocampo.  Pierre Cardin is available in all Cinderella stores nationwide.

Style Origin 5: Alabang Town Center (clothes selection and fitting)

My team and I had to go to Alabang Town Center (ATC) early this week to choose the clothes for their Style Origin series.  From Makati it was a 12 minute drive via the new skyway( until Alabang-thank God) and as soon as the mall opened, it was like a 50 km race to the finish line.  The show will be participated by 36 brands (both foreign and local) in a showcase of their latest collections. We got a direction from the organizers who specifically wanted a cohesive "weekend wear" look geared towards the malls customers.  Nothing too high fashion or flashy, everything in style is fittingly super laid back.   Everything on this side of town is a bit slowed down compared to the pumping pounding pace of the city.  It was a good feeling realizing that once in a while it's nice good to take things slow.  But time passed quickly and we had to speed up things because we needed to rush back to the city for a shoot for Philippine Fashion Week.  So there you go!!!  


DAY 1:  Clothes Selection

Mikka wearing a long striped dress by Get Laud, bangle by Tory Burch, shoes by
CMG and bag by Longchap.

Rudolph wearing a white tee and belt both by SM, blazer by Mundo, pants by People
Are People, shoes by urban Outfitters, sunglasses by Emporia Armani and bag by
Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Paula wearing a top and necklace both by by F21, dress by TPRHP and clogs by
Kaye Morales for Schizo.

Donna wearing a white tee

Reg wearing a vintage top, shorts by Peace Love fashion and wedges by Parisian.

Erin wearing at top by F21, jeans by Lee, bag by Vieta and flats by Parisian.

The author wearing sunglasses by Balenciaga, white v neck top and linen trousers
both by Uniqlo, white shoes by Everybody Needs A Pair and forest green lambskin
bag from HK.

Day 2:  Fitting

Back to ATC for all of us for model's fitting which started at 1pm.  We had to divide ourselves because the stores were all around the mall.  To make things faster, we had 6 brands each and made sure the stuff to fit were right.  So far this is the biggest cast of models for the series with a total of 40 and this doesn't even include the kids.  It was unusually humid that day and running like headless chickens didn't make it easier--ended up having ice cream to make us fee better--ha ha ha! Here is a glimpse of how things went during that day.

Jasmine Maierhofer at the Collezione store.

Lance Howard in perfect fit.

Miko Raval wearing print on print.

Marx Topacio at the Ralph Lauren store.

Fatima Rabago and Marie Ann Umali stops for a shot.

Strike a pose with Dindi de Leon, Girlie Benitez, Irish Ong and Ana Sideco. 

Style associates Donna, Noelle and Mikka at work.