F2 Bridal Brigade

At the launch of F2 Friends in Fashion at the Paseo Marina in Ayala Center Cebu, designers Protacio, Marichu Tan, Edwin Ao, Ray Kuan, Ren Manabat, Wendell Quisido and Jude Elardo were ecstatic over the warm reception that their bridal ensemble received. What with esteemed colleagues Philip Rodriguez, Arcy Gayatin and Salvador Malto along with chic socialite Mdme. Teresin Mendezona, seated comfortably at the front row and welcomed each piece with a knowing nod and an appreciative smile. Not to mention the ubiquitous denizens of the fashion demimonde who showed up to lend support.

Models from M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu, who coincidentally celebrated the agency's tenth year anniversary, sashayed down the asymmetrical ramp strategically positioned at center of the exhibit of ten chic images of the latter's top models and beauty titlists. Protacio unveiled wedding gowns that reeked of romanticism with neo-Victorian touches in the bolero and gigantic bows. Young aesthete Edwin Ao showed a minimalist nude jersey gown and tuxedo-inspired wedding dress. Enfant terrible Ray Kuan dished out two versions of modernistic bridal dresses in various stages of de-construction. Nostalgia loving Ren Manabat donned his models with the most feminine gowns bedecked with huge cabbage roses, lace, illusion tulle and pearls. Drama was Wendell Quisido's operative word as his models came into view in a fully embroidered (and cut-worked) bouffant gown and a serpentine gown with fitted bodice with his signature pink ribbons. Lady designer Marichu Tan's merry mix of eastern and western influences was very evident in her ostrich feathered Japanese inspired gown complete with an obi sash and headpiece and a serpentine bridal dress with a pillbox hat. New York based designer Jude Elardo shipped a 50s inspired gown with a heart-shaped bustier and bouffant skirt with a most dainty satin band.

The F2 Friends in Fashion designers obviously knew what they were doing as options were presented for the Luxe Wear and Haute Couture line. Offered, as the name suggests for the former, was a more affordable gown with the style factor intact while the latter was all about all-out glamour for the blushing bride. Bravissimo!