Twin Peaks

CEBU, Philippines - One balmy night, hip station Y101 gathered its friends and guests for an anniversary party hosted by none other than the chic Jude Bacalso in Mondrian-inspired shirt. The poolside at the Marriott even sizzled with excitement as big names in fashion — Cary Santiago and Jun Escario, unveiled highly anticipated collections that didn’t disappoint, The former’s invitation announcing “Back to Luxury” in his usual high pitched tone triggered a distant memory of decades ago when Linda Evangelista reigned supreme. That was back in the eighties, the decade out of which Santiago’s intensely laborious outfits popped like…well, like peacocks in full regalia, all decked in luxury of course. One piece looked like it was molded into the body like a translucent glass sculpture of whisper thin organdy. A white ruffled coat paired with a big tie brought Sheena Easton to mind. Or like angels bedecked in bolts of chiffon (so floaty and dream-like) yet the models’ hard-edged styling suggests otherwise.

Jun Escario’s forward thinking line of silver grey made for a more up market association, in a haphazardly draped dress with a black hose and wood carved high high heels so stiff it was scary looking at the models like the glass runway that traversed the pool. A bustled dress with a tight calf-length black hose that flared into a kick-pleat and a uni-shouldered dress with ruffles cascading down the back were a little Greek-goddess like, a lot forties starlet…and avant garde on top of it all. This sort of sensibility makes the brief show an eye opener for thet things to come, so both are on the right track.