Fashion Watch: JC Buendia

Clean lines and impeccable tailoring ruled the Makati Shangri-la lobby lounge as the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines(FDCP) president JC Buendia presented his Fashion Watch Summer 2012 collection.  Inspired from the first ladies such as Jackie O, the alluring display of all that is ladylike style channeled utmost simplicity in elegance.  The mode of casual chic in sophistication was observed and captivated the audience in the most delightful feminine affair. Perfectly well made day to night pieces in outstanding construction evoke the chicness of both style and comfort.  Void of all the shiny, shimmering and blinding embellishments, the designer's noteworthy pieces is a tribute to the classics. The new master of simplicity ingeniously incorporated indigenous fabrication such as Silk Abaca(a material similar to Pina which can be found in the province of Catanduanes) and using Aranaz bags as accents created a contemporary  look that seemingly gave a hint of fashion forward Filipiniana. Seamless and impeccable style marks a high note with no fuss, frills and all the complications.  JC's  new stylish alternative for event dressing offers a chic perspective of what fashion in the now.

Completing this season’s Fashion Watch are Francis Libiran and Dennis Lustico (September 29), OJ Hofer and Jerome Lorico (October 6), Joey Samson and Len Nepomuceno (October 13), Ferdi Abuel and Norman Noriega (October 20), Lulu Tan-Gan and Ito Curata (October 24) and Ivar Aseron and Philip Rodriguez (October 27).
Media partners The Philippine Star, Preview, Style Bible, and Star World, together with distinguished designers, and models, along with Patrick Rosas and team as the force behind hair and makeup, Grace Molina as Project Coordinator and Director and Manila’s Prince of Fashion himself, Inno Sotto as Creative Director, make up the famed Fashion Watch as it shows off the industry’s homegrown talents.
As Fashion Watch Quartet makes its comeback, it continues to raise the bar for how today’s fashion show series should be. Fashion Watch 2011 is at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fashion Watch 2011 is presented by Olay, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Philippine Star, Preview Magazine, Starworld and Stylebible.ph in cooperation with major sponsors BMW and Metro Pacific Investments.

Fashion Watch: Patrice Ramos Diaz

Fresh, young, casual chic is the statement presented by Patrice Ramos Diaz for her 2012 Spring/Summer Fashion Watch collection held at the Shangri-La Makati.  A different perspective from all the formalities, the optimistic take on informal dressing brings forth the rise of modern sportswear.  Practical pieces in slouchy silhouettes were seen in a range of trendy ribbed crew neck shirts and leisure wear type dresses.  Fashion plays as color experimentation touched on basic neutrals such as grey, black and white with a pop of bright. Reinventing casuals and the art of dressing down is chic with a more laid back, unpretentious feel of street wear dressing.  Sportswear seems to be making a style comeback in this visionary narrative of Patrice Ramos Diaz. The look which has been on hiatus from the fashion world for years is slowly finding its way back into the trendsetting arena(check out Alexander Wang's Spring-Summer 2012 collection ). Complimenting the pieces were must-have accessories by Joyce Orena and shoes by Melissa. Upbeat music and youthful energy with a free spirited vibe was felt  throughout the show.  Patrice Ramos Diaz's successful showcase of her endearing artistry defines with clarity that evolving design can bring out the child and youth within us.

Fashion deigner Patrice Ramos Diaz with Accessories desginer/fashion
 journalist Joyce Orena.

Completing this season’s Fashion Watch are Francis Libiran and Dennis Lustico (September 29), OJ Hofer and Jerome Lorico (October 6), Joey Samson and Len Nepomuceno (October 13), Ferdi Abuel and Norman Noriega (October 20), Lulu Tan-Gan and Ito Curata (October 24) and Ivar Aseron and Philip Rodriguez (October 27).
Media partners The Philippine Star, Preview, Style Bible, and Star World, together with distinguished designers, and models, along with Patrick Rosas and team as the force behind hair and makeup, Grace Molina as Project Coordinator and Director and Manila’s Prince of Fashion himself, Inno Sotto as Creative Director, make up the famed Fashion Watch as it shows off the industry’s homegrown talents.
As Fashion Watch Quartet makes its comeback, it continues to raise the bar for how today’s fashion show series should be. Fashion Watch 2011 is at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fashion Watch 2011 is presented by Olay, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Philippine Star, Preview Magazine, Starworld and Stylebible.ph in cooperation with major sponsors BMW and Metro Pacific Investments.

Fashion Watch: Joel Escober

The new old comes to life at Fashion Watch presents Joel Escober Spring/Summer 2012 at the Shangrila Makati.  Inspired from the globally celebrated Studio 54,  the collection was a presentation of modern glamour as seen in breathtaking  feminine gowns in fabrics and kaftan-inspired design in tulle and chiffon. Captivating sheer sophistication was evidently displayed in bright and neutral pieces highlighted by origami detailing.  The new interpretation of of disco is channeled through the use of modern elements such as plastic zippers, stones and crystals.  Escober's contemporary design perspective in classic silhouettes is a refreshing take from the stereotype 54 look. The young designer has successfully fused the charm of decades past into pieces that are relevantly forward.  The old becomes new in a beautiful and flawless collection significantly real fashion for real women.

                    

Completing this season’s Fashion Watch are JC Buendia and Patrice Diaz (September 22), Francis Libiran and Dennis Lustico (September 29), OJ Hofer and Jerome Lorico (October 6), Joey Samson and Len Nepomuceno (October 13), Ferdi Abuel and Norman Noriega (October 20), Lulu Tan-Gan and Ito Curata (October 24) and Ivar Aseron and Philip Rodriguez (October 27).
Media partners The Philippine Star, Preview, Style Bible, and Star World, together with distinguished designers, and models, along with Patrick Rosas and team as the force behind hair and makeup, Grace Molina as Project Coordinator and Director and Manila’s Prince of Fashion himself, Inno Sotto as Creative Director, make up the famed Fashion Watch as it shows off the industry’s homegrown talents.
In cooperation with major sponsors BMW and Metro Pacific Investments, and presented by Olay, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Philippine Star, Preview Magazine, Starworld and Stylebible.ph, Fashion Watch 2011 is held at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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.

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

People of the Year

Grand entrance.

Every year, Stargate Media Publishing honors extraordinary individuals who have achieved monumental success in an industry and  making a difference in the lives of Filipinos. This tribute is culminated via an event called People Asia's People of the Year (something like Time magazine) Last Monday, the People of the Year event was held at the grand ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel (The former Westin Philippine Plaza) in Pasay city..  People Asia is the only magazine in the Philippines that was able to gather all at the same time the four highest ranking heads of state namely President Noynoy Aquino, Vice- President Jojomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Head of the House of Representatives Speaker Sonny Belmonte.  The strictly invitational grand occasion was well-graced by Manila's diplomatic, business, society, fashion and lifestyle sector.  

Faces.Faces.Faces.

The 2010 “People of the Year” awardees are:

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile 

Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj

Globally renowned fashion designer Josie Cruz Natori

Broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez

Acclaimed furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue

Floral architect Rachy Cuna

Collezione's fashion designer Rhett Eala.

Actor and YES Pinoy Foundation founder Dingdong Dantes

Musician Ryan Cayabyab

Architect Felino Palafox Jr.

Fr. Rocky Evangelista of the Tuloy Foundation.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and CEO Jaime Bautista.

People Asia's special recognitions:

Mr.Thierry Tea, president and CEO of Eurocopter Philippines, who mobilized 

helicopter rescue missions during typhoon Ondoy and Ms.Raissa Dawn Laurel, 

bar blast victim who exemplified optimism in life.

The first big event of the year was a night of blinding flashes as everyone came in their best fashion.  It was a parade of both local and foreign designer wear that created a feast for the eyes.  

Photographer Joan Bitagcol in a black long sleeved turtleneck top by Margiela, black dress worn as
a skirt by Industria, black lapel by Joey Samson, shoes by Costume National and vintage bag by Romeo Gigli.

Ivar wearing gray coat and black tapered pants both designed by him,  black long 
sleeved polo by Tween and black leather shoes by Rachel Comey. 

Photographer Sara Black in a black dress and stocking both by
H & M and peeptoe heels given by a friend.

Fashion stylist Corine Alegre in a black dress by Alexander Wang, printed
 heels by Emilio Pucci, wine colored clutch by Gucci.

The author in a navy suit by Joey Samson, long sleeve pinstripe polo
by Zegna and viscose bowtie by Lanvin.

The formal dress code, the fine table setting, excellent food and special performances of entertainers made the event special. I had a brief moment when i almost broke into tears when Raissa Laurel was being awarded.  She is truly a survivor and great example of optimism to the many.  Her positive outlook in life has touched a nation by giving her this all deserving moment in time 

Seeing double.

Flora

Shining through.

From left to right:  Allure's Associate Editor Bum Tenorio, Ivar Aseron,
the author, Corine Alegre and Joan Bitagcol.

And on a high note after saying all our goodbyes and just when we were about to get into our cars  to leave Sofitel, this flashy moment was just waiting to happen.

Freeze Frame (from left to right):  Jerome B. Smoothe, People Asia's Tatum Ancheta, photographer Niccolo Cosme, Ria Reyes, Tom Yeung, Marie France's  NJ Torres, photographer Sara Black, fashion stylists Bea Constantino and Pam Quinones, fashion designer Ivar Aseron, photographer Joan Bitagcol, the author, fashion stylist Corine Alegre and photographer Mark Nicdao.