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

Glamour is a Tumble of Crystals

The House of Laurel is always brimming with new designs, not only by the proprietor, Rajo Laurel, but by his discoveries as well. Yekky Balingit is one of those artisans collaborating with Laurel. His accessories have caught my eye last year for their “ethereal glamour,” crystals and unstructured knots in pastel and subdued hues.

A visual and graphic artist by day, Balingit teamed up with his photographer-friend, Melson Bolongaita, to produce a refreshing yet haute couture take to his wearable art.


Style Kit: What was on your mind when you shot this pictorial?
Yekky Balingit: The editorial “Second Skin” is my friend-photographer’s portfolio. He asked me if I can lend my accessories for the pictorial, not knowing it was (top model) Ria Bolivar that he asked to model. I did the layout and I was pleased to see everybody loving it. And since everybody now is going along with the trend color-blocking, we (the team) went across to a different lane. We wanted a very subdued and fresh editorial.


SK: What materials did you use and why?
YB: I used the same materials, German-Russian crystals with cut beads and this time around I tried to stay away from the fabric being the vital part of each piece. Raw and somewhat like rough and unrefined will always be my aesthetic, balanced by the glitz of each crystal.

SK: How long did it take you to make these?
YB: It took me two to three months to make the whole collection, and each piece can take up to three nights. I only do it in the evening as I am a visual and graphic artist by profession. I also make one piece per style.


SK: Why necklaces?
YB: It debuted in a year when statement jewelry and chunky accessories began to take centerstage with the likes of Vera Wang and Bea Valdes as inspirations... and I do love necklaces. It sums up your personality without even saying a word.

SK: Do you make them yourself or do you have a staff?
YB: Everything goes through me. From the sourcing of fabrics, buying of supplies, and down to the last stitch—it is by me. I wish to have a staff someday and hopefully soon.


SK: How is your work process like?
YB: It starts with a color palette. For House of Laurel, they give me a direction for the upcoming collections. Then, I source for beautiful fabrics and make a trip to my suppliers for the crystals and beading materials. From there, each color is assessed as to what style fits, then on to stitching each crystal.

SK: How did you get into House of Laurel?
YB: I got lucky. The end of 2009 was magical. Rajo Laurel and I met up at a bar in Manila and I was really surprised that he reads and adores my blog. Christmas came and I tried selling my first five pieces and, luckily, I sold one. It was a fulfilling day. As a blogger, I uploaded my experience and he loved it. He offered to sell my necklaces in his store... I was thrilled! I set up a meeting with him the next year, and, as they say, the rest is history.


SK: What did Rajo say about you and your work?
YB: As Rajo stated, “It is a paradox of the raw and the refined.” Rajo has been a friend and a mentor, I would say. He opened a very wide door of opportunity for me. He always reminds me how he loves my pieces and constantly encourages me to push through and try things out.

SK: Why the name ‘Miadore?’
YB: Miadore came from parents’ nicknames Mia and Ador. It is my homage to them. I named it after them because they’re my family and this venture is so special for me. Actually, my cousin just told me...The “E” can stand for my real name, which is Erik. Kind of unconscious I would say. It also sort of signifies the meaning “I adore” which is what I want my clients to feel for my pieces.


*For inquiries, call or text Yekky Balingit at 0915-8685958 and/or send an e-mail to bjbace@yahoo.com or visit his facebook page.


Photography: Melson Bolongaita
Assisted by: Roel Valesco
Model: Ria Bolivar
Styling by Kim delos Santos
Makeup by Kraig delos Santos
Hairstyling by Mong Amado
* Special thanks to House of Laurel, Mich Araullo, Rica Rico, Dookie Ducay