One of the biggest fashion spectacles and most-awaited fashion extravaganza in the country today, Manila Fashion Festival once again opens its runways to the country’s most-celebrated fashion veterans as well as designers to watch.
Ronnie Cruz, founder and CEO of Art personas, shares why they started organizing the Manila Fashion Festival. “We have a lot of great talent but most of them have to go out to get recognized. Now, this has to stop,” he said.
For Spring/Summer 2016, 31 designers are set to showcase their upcoming collections. Asian Dragon gives you the rundown of what you missed if you weren’t able to attend the first two days of the fashion event.
DAY 1
CHRIS DIAZ
Opening the show was Chris Diaz and his ‘Stoked’ collection. Resort-ready numbers in billowy silhouettes paired with the designer’s signature embellishments were toughened up by denim pieces. A covetable sea of blacks, whites, blues, and occasional pops of citrus hues, all in a romantic-meets-cool aesthetic, came down the runway. Whatever plans you have next summer, let Chris Diaz give you the freshest sartorial options for both day and night.
MILKA QUIN
The second collection to go down the runway is Milka Quin’s fresh and fruity 12-piece show. The Project Runway Philippines 3 winner’s collection this season is homogenous, only playing around three colors: white, gray, and muted yellow. From collared shirtdresses to twist cropped tops and pleated bottoms, Milka Quin’s ‘Paradox of the Silent Circus’ collection will surely be a hit for the trendy and feminine.
NIÑO ANGELES
Floral prints take centerstage at Niño Angeles’ show entitled ‘Un Jour’. With a clever mix of clear-cut tailoring and deconstruction, the contemporary collection gave summer staples an enjoyable spin.
RENAN PACSON
Renan Pacson’s collection is a great climax to the show, donning reggae-slash-rugged aesthetics. Dominated heavily by black, the collection is all about comfort and no non-sense—even the models went down the runway barefoot!
JOHN HERRERA
John Herrera’s collection evokes thoughts of the sea, which inspired his ‘Bioluminescence’ collection. Scale-like laser-cut details superimposed body-hugging and skin-revealing numbers in neon brights echo the vibrant marine life.
DAY 2
FINO LEATHERWARE
Home-grown brand Fino Leatherware goes all out for its runway debut. Paired with the perfect all-white canvases from Joey Samson, the brand’s S/S 2016 handbag collection concentrates on fruity colors—a huge departure from the brand’s usual palette—and Filipino traditions-inspired bags for every need and occasion.
HAPPY ANDRADA
It’s always nice to see designers try something different. This season, Happy Andrada takes a complete turnaround from her usual and surprised the crowd with a set of black and white and Piña frocks. The collection was clean, wearable, and minimal yet interesting—the perfect pieces to don to get noticed without having to go overboard.
ODELON SIMPAO
Balancing out Happy Andrada’s monochromatic collection was Odelon Simpao’s. White and black trimmed with the primary colors red, blue, and yellow give Simpao’s collection a vibrant vibe. Color blocking and linear details on sportif pieces are your perfect picks to spice up your summer style.
ANDROGYNE BY SEEK THE UNIQ
Androgyne brings back fun in fashion by means of easy, his-and-hers clothing. Modern fused with Eastern and local woven details put one theme in everyone’s mind: style in comfort. It also didn’t fail to raise the roof; the pieces went down the runway with personalities and influencers from the fashion and social circles.
ARLEEN SIPAT-SUTTON FOR AZUCAR
Arleen Sipat-Sutton put her collection at the other end of the fashion spectrum from Androgyne. Femininity and sophistication were oozing from the pieces on her S/S collection, comprised with gowns and dresses in muted-colored lace accentuated with appliques. These are the pieces you’d want to wear in your most formal gatherings this coming season.
MIA ARCENAS
Another showstopper was Mia Arcenas’ huge S/S 2016 collection. Dividing the collection in two, the first collection was nothing but spring/summer. Long and flowy dresses and jumpsuits in bold prints and colors are the perfect pieces to pack for your next summer trip The second collection was more sophisticated, comprised of gold and shimmering dresses fit for a night out.
AVEL BACUDIO
Closing day two was fashion veteran Avel Bacudio and his all-black collection. Sheer dominated as his pieces go down, highlighting the female and male forms. Simple in aesthetic but intricate in craftsmanship, this Avel Bacudio S/S 2016 is all about being romantic yet daring.
