Fierce at Fifteen

I barely made it to the Metrowear show last week. Looking for parking was hard, lining up to get in was even harder. The humid weather didn’t help, too!  But, despite all these, everyone (including me) was in good spirits and looking forward to the show that awaited us.

Last year’s Metrowear gave me a sensory overload of sights and sounds worthy of a concert. Thanks to famed fashion director Robby Carmona, who brought in live music via choral group, singers, and even a violinist.  “Of course, there will be a comparison with all we did last year... this even should be better than last year, no less.  It’s a perfect collaboration... Metro and us both share ideas to make it truly memorable for everybody,” shares Carmona.

And it was, indeed, another night to remember, with three established groups celebrating their 15th anniversary: Young Designers’ Guild (YDG), the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Carmona’s company, Saga Events.

Although the waiting time was pretty long—there were so many awards by the sponsors that I stopped counting—the first collection by YDG made up for it. The group’s president, Louis Claparols, wowed the crowd with tribal-Aztec meets spacegirl outfits. His gown, as worn by model Girlie Benitez, and a body-con cocktail dress, as modeled by actress Maricar Reyes, are tops on my list.

Regine Dulay’s dresses were all about ropes and knots, in different color combinations, 
that give a modern and ethnic feel.  I wonder how long it took him and his staff to make them. 

Eric delos Santos went for rugged with his choice of knitted fabrics in multi-hued blues. 
His trademark drapes in unexpected places are always a pleasant surprise. 

Ferdie Abuel worked with a single shade of muted mocha, highlighting it 
with pleated drapes and twists that showcased modern femininity with a bit of fun flavoring. 

Of course, who could ever forget the late Brian Leyva’s exceptional work?  The group’s exhibit ended with Grace Tagle walking out in 
Leyva’s creation of the terno suit, made with one-centavo coins.  Amazing work that we hope will inspire a new breed of designers.

As expected, live music was a staple as provided by electro-punk rock band Pedicab, DJ duo The Diegos for the YDG. For the second set, Jet Pangan and The Philippine Opera Company gave the musical “backdrop” for the FDCP with Vic Barba opening in his collection of metallic bronze, pleated, shift dresses, with matching bronze-colored hi-cut sneaks. Known for structured suits, JC Buendia surprised us with a pair of loose jersey pants that’s appropriate for both corporate wear and nights out. His all-white ensemble, with white sequined hot pants, is a keeper, too!

Ivarluski Aseron challenged himself with soft cut fabrics this time, placing them in strategic places 

that offer a fluttering movement that’s delicately graceful; 

while OJ Hofer went for sexy seduction in 

a white, leopard-print, floor-length dress with power shoulders.

Jojie Lloren ended the show with little black dresses embroidered with roses, 

evoking a dark, Oriental feel.

With over a hundred creations that night, both the YDG and the FDCP proved that Philippine fashion is getting better and reaching world-class distinction.  Thanks to Metro magazine, who “has always been the venue for designers to show what we have to offer as individuals to the public,” shares FDCP board member Len Nepomuceno-Guaio.  Cheers to YDG, FDCP and Saga Events!

Photos by Charanza Billoflores