Glam and Urban

Sparkling glamour was indeed in the air, as designers Lyle Ibanez and Yvonne Quisumbing showcased their holiday 2011 collection with sprinkles of glitz and shimmers.


For New-York based Filipino designer, Lyle Ibanez presented strong yet feminine styles with the “Urban Warrior” in mind. Soft silhouettes that are structured in shape and pattern are further softened with texture play: “I used a lot of silk tulle, sequined stretch tulle, double-faced satin, cottons treated like leather, and even faux fur.”

From his first batch of black ensembles that are reminiscent of Milla Jovovich’s movie roles, to his second half of liquid sparkles and tulle combinations, Ibanez’s works are for the independent ladies who are still very in touch with her feminine side. Always on the go, Ibanez chose free-flowing hair that’s sleek and straight. “Hair, I believe, is very crucial to the total look. It can make or break the story that you want to tell your audience,” says Lyle. To achieve this, Runway hair expert Borge Aloba had the models’ hair blow-dried and flat-ironed. Subject to extreme heat, these models’ locks were given extra treatment with L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 hair care line that delivered shinier and smoother hair almost instantly, making the models’ hair runway-worthy.

Who doesn’t enjoy seeing the sunset by the beach? This is where Yvonne Quisumbing got her epiphany from: “I was amazed how the sun affects the sea at sunset. From this scene, I decided what color and fabrics to use – fabrics that are sheer, light and delicate. The silhouettes, I thought, should look and feel comfortable as well.” A combination of dusky colors and ocean waves brought about her collection of soft silhouettes in red orange and dusty hues of gray, beige and pinks. Soft chiffon, organza and satin heightened the serene mood with flowing styles and cuts that speak of graceful fluidity. Further accentuating the light and airy look were the models’ hair, which were styled with soft curls that perfectly matched the theme of the dresses.

L’Oreal Paris first Filipina image model Anne Curtis graced the show, the first of the many at PFW, as the designers’ first face and grand finale. “I highly believe in talented Filipino designers and talents and I only trust L’Oréal’s expertise when it comes to my finale runway looks.” shares Anne.

*photos taken from Stylebible.ph

My Fave PFW Pieces - Part 4

It’s been a while since Fanny Serrano showcased his works, and it’s definitely a welcome surprise to see a refreshing set of printed and voluminous dresses on the runway.  The set of colorful, floral headwear is not one to be missed, too!

Martin Bautista employed the use of his staple choices of light and fluid fabrics to create another dramatic collection that “floats and flows like the air and water.”  Voluminous skirts and long dresses are further highlighted with the models’ walks.  Each turn, each step and each swing of the arms accentuated the serene movements.”

A powerful yet feminine color combination of pinks, reds, and blacks was utilized by Kermit Tesoro in his interpretation of the human body.  “Bombarded with patterns and details derived from a dissected human cadaver, each piece is inspired by the dark identities of the character Dr. Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs.”  A graphic depiction of what lies underneath our bodies can be seen through Tesoro’s clothing and shoe creations.  His ultra platform shoes with sculptured heart and vein heels are simply amazing.

Turtles take centerstage as Yako Reyes takes us into the life cycle of this animal.  One can feel the relaxed vibe as Reyes translates this mood into his collection of light and easy cuts.  Inspired by species migration, he infused some of the pieces with cropped tops so as to clothe the wearer for the cooler weather.  His three-handle bags are highly-recommended as well.

The biker chick gets a futuristic makeover with Oz Go’s series of geometrical and architectural designs.  “Inspired by modular structures, I have created a selection of pieces in predominantly black, white and gray, using fabrics such as cotton, satin, twill and denier. I have opted to use a three-dimensional silhouette to add dynamism to the pieces.”

*Photos taken from stylebible.ph

My Fave PFW Pieces - Part 3

Veejay Floresca pushes you to the limit with these arousing creations. A mix of lace, chiffon, tulle, and sheer fabrics, with black as the color hero, Floresca’s collection invites you to bring out the confident and sexy woman in you.

For the chic and conservative lady, Xernan Orticio’s collection is her best bet for clean and crisp power dressing. “The repertoire features tailored evening dresses in conservative yet sexy silhouettes in relaxed nude and nougat off-white hues, accentuated with gold embellishments and crystals, and layered with unstructured jackets and vests.”

Although her pieces are not for the faint of heart, one can definitely appreciate the mastery of her craft and her attention to detail. Futuristic in theme, Happy Andrada’s clothes employ indigenous fabrics such as piña, piña silk and abaca silk for three-dimensional designs.

Egypt meets sci-fi wonder with Kenneth Chua’s figure-hugging collection.  “With the added twist of python leather accessories and metal fixtures, the result is a collection that celebrates today’s forward-thinking females.” We also love his black-painted Legos as accessories—ingenious!

Luxurious, draped fabrics seemed to be Emi Alexander-Englis’s story for this season, which meant for easy, comfy pieces that can even make for loungewear. “Spandex acetate, two-way stretch satin and power knits in ink-like hues of gray, black, and blue create poetic imitations of the ink stains on fabric.”

*photos taken from stylebible.ph

My Fave PFW Pieces - Part 2

Quite known for his magic with printed fabrics, Eric delos Santos took it up a notch higher with quilted, Asian-print textiles that are made for both day and night wear. Brightly-colored, flowy dresses were presented as the second half of his collection, with fringes and colourful, floral embroidery as his accents. Truly, dresses befitting of the girly and glamour girl.

Jerome Salaya Ang never ceases to take you on a mythical journey. Booties that mimic a bird’s beak, red-washed hair with roses, and face prosthetics add to this captivating collection of tie-dyed fabrics and strip-cut tulle. Ang plays with drapes for an added touch of femininity and fluidity on an otherwise set of dreamy prints and structured bodice.

Color and the roaring flapper era describe Sassa Jimenez’s collection. Intricate embroidery and beadwork, matched with either shift dresses of the ‘20s to whimsical and exaggerated bubble skirts kept our eyes locked on every piece that came out. Chiffon, silk chiffon, organdy and dupioni silk are regal choices for her animated designs.

Bo Parcon used gold-colored safety pins as the protagonist of his latest collection. Enhanced with gold embroidery on black mesh fabrics, each piece is designed for the strong and sensual woman who enjoys the glitz and glamour of the fashion world.

Stylish desert nomads are Don Protasio’s muses, with brown and gray as his colors of choice.  “My latest collection features pieces in loose, tent-shaped silhouettes—a fashion homage to their roaming and traveling.”  Light layering in shapeless yet flowing pieces make these very versatile and wearable.

Visit me next week for the second half of my faves :D

*Photos taken from stylebible.ph

My Fave PFW Pieces - Part 1

Coverage of PFW started Day 5 for me, as I had to focus on Forever 21's fashion show.  So, let me share with you 20 of my favorite designers and pieces:


Who would have thought buildings can serve as Melvin Lachica’s inspiration?  He successfully executed his vision through long and flowing gowns, that, as worn by models, evoked towering skyscrapers:” I created paper toile embellishments with jersey and chiffon in colors of stone sand, gravel, and blocks, using these as accents alongside geometric and linear patterns that take cues from textile and fashion engineering.”

Tina Daniac veers away from her past collection of figure-hugging minis, as she presented her current set of gothic royalty seductress looks.  “Deviating from loud pieces and gaudy embellishments, I used soft fabrics like wool, in muted colors, such as black, gray, and white, to create simple yet structured ensembles with a detailed finish.”

Deconstructed tailoring is what came to mind when Marlon Rivera presented his collection. He played with black by giving it different textures and layers with his choice of fabrics such as rough wool, vinyl, faux leather, flannel, knit, and power mesh. His combinations yielded tailored pieces with surprising, unfinished hemlines.

Jian Lasala presented loungewear in geometrically-cut patterns: “This season, I have transformed dreams and sleep-induced adrenaline into a cosmopolitan affair. My collection, titled Gravity, features sleepwear-inspired garments transformed into chic and elegant evening ensembles.”  Cool hues accentuate the chill vibe of each piece with figure-flattering styles that show off the confidence of the wearer.

 Check out the back detail :D

Mike Lavarez deftly employs shredding to showcase his set of stretch cotton wear.  “Loose dresses, cropped bottoms, and layered shrugs are embellished with hand-cut details and patterns that feature a dated take on the classics.”  Basic hues of black and gray, plus pale pink, were his colors du jour that speak of the cool, casual chick.

Stay tuned for the next quarter of my top 20 ;)

*photos taken from stylebible.ph

PFW Attendees Part 2

Arrived just in time for the PFW show scheduled on Sunday.  Bang Pineda and Buensalido's Niko Pedro were able to save me a front row seat.  I just had to take a shot of our shoes, from right to left: me in Virtual Mae (Versace-esque platforms), Bang Pineda in platform oxfords of his own design, and Michael Cinco's Louboutin's.

On our way out to grab a bite, we bumped into Pokwang, who was in head-to-toe Kermit Tesoro

Bang and Ali in "accidentally" matching ensembles

We decided to eat at Itallianis, and guess who picked the same resto? the Mega team who were seated outside

...and the Preview team

I've never eaten wearing lots of rings (from Forever 21), it was a bit difficult, I must say ;)

Bang and Ali informed the waiter that it was Joel's birthday, so we got a complimentary cake :D

Back at SMX: Jigs Mayuga (love his studded collar and metallic blue oxfords)

Inquirer's Cit-Cit Sioson in an Eric delos Santos

Myrhh Lao To and Chalk's Kate Paras

JP Singson in Unisex clothing line

These cute interns for Stylebible.ph who are in charge of taking shots of stylish people

The Mega team, always dressed with the same look/theme in mind

Garage's Rey Ilagan with designer Ziggy Sevilla

It was a Sunday, and I have work the next day since I have a regular job. 

So I opted to go home right after dinner, and just followed Stylebible.ph on Twitter for the Mamengo coverage.  I will post about that soon :)

PFW Attendees Part 1

My first official coverage day for PFW was last Saturday... kinda late, I know!  Here are some of the people I bumped into :)

Angela Alarcon, Suki Salvador and Meryll Yan of Mega

Andre Chang and Daryl Chang

Vince Uy

Anna Canlas and Eugene of Preview

Me with Jerome Salaya Ang (his works are amazing!!!)

Martin Bautista (another lovely collection! :D)

Jigs Mayuga

Me with Jenny Yrasuegi

Adrian Concepcion of Garage

In between people shots, I took a photo of the festive band as provided by Ipanema

And checked out their showcase outside the PFW function rooms

and we continue with people shots: Designers Regine Dulay and Sassa Jimenez

Eric delos Santos with ANTM Claire

Stylist Matt Gozun and me again

Lourd Ramos, the hair and makeup guru who did our Forever 21 show, with friend

Overflowing drinks by L'Oreal

There was a makeup booth inside the L'Oreal lounge with makeup guides used for the shows

Model Albert Adrales with a friend

Stylist and designer Bang Pineda with designer Stacy Rodriguez

Stylebible.ph Jae Pickrell

Model and host Vicky Herrera

Stylist and director John Lozano

Stylist Rachelle Que

JP Singson



Karl Leuterio and Kookie Buhain



Miguel Paulo and Yekky Balingit, both accessory designers



Yekky makes the most glamorous (yet raw) neckpieces
His creations can be purchased at Miadore, or here.
This necklace below is the first that has a more masculine feel to it.

Will post my PFW fave pieces soon :D