BTS as Project Runway Season 4

Manila is all geared up for next year's Project Runway Philippines Season 4 in March 2015.  15 aspiring design talent from all over the country will compete to be proclaimed as Philippine fashion's next to watch.  Recently this author worked with the production team, host and judges to produce the teasers and print materials for the show.  Great time to reconnect with people who I've known for quite sometime.  Fun and laughter filled the set in a free flowing exchange of heart filled energy.  An insight is their noteworthy longevity and the embodiment of true professionalism.  Here are the behind the scenes of oustanding moment all in a days work.

Project Runway Philippines Season 4's fantastic four:  Rajo Laurel, Apples Aberin, Tweetie de Leon and Jojie Lloren.

Shadow play on the set.

Jojie Lloren is first come first serve.

Tweetie is printastic in Ivarluski Aseron.

Wardrobe choices from Rhett Eala, Ivarluski Aseron, Rajo Laurel and Jun Escario.

Glam up in startling accessories from Joanique.

Four play.

White wonder with Apples.

Change set up.

Director on the set.

Rajo in his element.

Waiting game.

Twin setting:  Tweetie and Jojie.

The author with the girls behind the scene.

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.

2 in 1

Something big is happening this November for fashion designer Rajo Laurel.  Adding more feathers to his cap, in the next few days he will be launching his latest collaboration with SM-- Rajo for Parisian slated on November 9 6pm at the SMDC Showroom in MOA.  The second event is the unveiling of his Russian inspired Holiday 2011 collection called Russe on November 12 9am onward at the House of Laurel.  Two great things in store for all fashion followers out there that you shouldn't miss.

Light and Shade

Manila's menswear retail fashion scene is taking the big leap style-forward.  Wharton by Rajo Laurel is taking gray matters seriously with his Holiday 2011 collection.  Entitled "CHIAROSCURO", the latest from the designer brand emphasizes on modern neutrals(gray) with hints of muted tones such as blue and plum.  Masculine detailing through the use of gross grain ribbon is presented in impressive blocking.  Fabrication displays a surface play with texture on both light and shade. Giving the cut-out like illusion, the refreshing pattern appeal is a refreshing take in styling the modern man.  Evidently chic are the inventive faux suspenders that highlight these pieces which can practically worn from day to night. The man about town is trendy and cool with these holiday must-have that make a subtle statement of contemporary menswear.

W by Rajo Laurel is available in all major SM department stores.

Fashion Relevance

The Philippines is a vast landscape of creativity.  The richness of our arts and culture is a testament of outstanding and remarkable talent in the country.  The local fashion industry is one facet that has triumphed international competitions and have brought accolades to this growing nation. Leading and honing young design talents to a promising future is the highly reputable Fashion Design Council of the Philippines(FDCP). Since 1998, the FDCP has produced the Philippine Fashion Design Competition (PFDC) aimed at mentoring potential talents in preparation for various design competitions all over the world. 


This year, with the leadership of their current president designer JC Buendia, the FDCP unfolded the latest edition of the PFDC entitled “Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition” last June 29 at the Mandarin Hotel, Manila.  Through this competition, the council encourages fashion with a purpose-- discovering new talent to create design with social relevance.  With that in mind, this initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihood for regional communities through design.  Furthermore, this creates awareness and promotion for the development of products made from indigenous weaves, materials and crafts. 


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.

Designer Rajo Laurel with model donning his Pintados inspired gown made
from hand-painted tattoo techniques with wood and shell beads. PINOY CHIC!

Designer Gerry Katigbak with model donning his Pina fiber creation inspired
by the Barong Tagalog.

Designer Jerome Salaya-Ang with model donning his electric pleated creation
in dyed Pina fiber.

Designer Tippi Ocampo with model donning her Jusi mini tuxedo dress with
bell sleeves accented with mother of pearl discs & paillettes.

Designer Joel Escober with model donning his Jute fabric creation with
distressed details on the neckline.

Celebrity Ambassadors Uber model Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, bag designer
Amina Aranaz Alunan and Phil Star columnist Mons Romulo.

Designer Frederick Peralta with model donning his illustrado inspired
ensemble of Pina trapeze top with ruffled bell sleeves over mikado silk
palazzo pantsuit.

 Lulu Tan-Gan's creation is a 30's inspired handcrafted "Pina & Knitwear" 

for the jet set.

Hindy Weber-Tantoco's pina masterpiece creation reflects architectural
femininity with old-world romance.

For those aspiring a career in design and who want to partake in this endeavor, the mechanics for the competition are as follows:

1)  The Philippine Fashion Design Council has two divisions: Apparel and Accessories (fashion and home décor). For Apparel, applicants must submit three (3) design entries each consisting of a 3-5 pieces collection for the modern day man or woman while Accessories Division applicants must submit three (3) one-piece design entries for home or fashion all true to the theme “Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition” 

2)  A Developmental Business Plan must be submitted along with the design entries for the judges to gauge the social impact of the applicant’s entry. The plan consists of the following: PEOPLE: Who and how many will benefit?  PLANET: What are the organic materials? PROFIT: How much profit can be expected? POSITIVE INFLUENCE: What is the overall impact you hope to achieve with your plan?

3)   Applications will be screened according to the following criteria: Originality and excellence in interpreting the theme “Weaving the Future” (35%); Marketability (20%); Execution and workmanship (20%) and Social Impact (25%)

 Finally, entries will be trimmed down to the top 20 finalists, hailing 10 best entries for each division.  Each finalist will then be paired with a Social Entrepreneur, a Livelihood Officer and Community Representative that will ensure that the Business Development plan can be executed. Finalists will be enrolled in an extensive mentoring program headed by FDCP’s own Dong Omaga-Diaz and Jojie Lloren. The School of Fashion and the Arts will also facilitate a customized training module for all finalists during the Mentoring Phase of the competition. Winners will be announced during the Finals Night, to be held at PAGCOR Grand Theater in November 22, 2011. 

FDCP Members Rajo Laurel, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Randy Ortiz, Tippi Ocampo, JC Buendia, Gerry Katigbak, Vic Barba, Tonichi Nocom, Frederick Peralta and Jerome Salaya-Ang.

Interested applicants may send their complete and filled-out PFDC Application Form with a scanned copy of all required materials to weavingthefuture@gmail.com on or before August 1, 2011. Application Forms and Guidelines are available at www.pldtwatchpad.com and may be requested through mobile number +63949-688-5230.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.