CEBU, Philippines - Revolving around the mantones de Manila and a traipse back to the past had Philip Rodriguez flying to Los Angeles’ Vibiana armed with that inspiration. That evening was a delightful insight into the Philippine culture that most of the audience in attendance had ever previously been privy to.
“The first designer, Philip Rodriguez, really blew everyone away. It makes sense his background is in the family fabric business because each dress was unique in the fabric choice and exquisitely designed which made every woman (and some men!) want to wear everything that came down the runway,” brazenly declared critic Joy Kennelly as she previewed the exquisite collection. Sheer elegance and sophistication were the operative words as each was enthralled by the delightful visions of models in luxurious clothes that seem to permeate the very air inside the Vibiana, a Roman bath-house inspired structure.
Always with a predilection to his rich cultural heritage, Rodriguez, this time, sank his sweet tooth into the visual possibilities of the spiraling, fluid forms of chiffon and gazaar. Each work had so many special touches and the evening gowns were all a stand-out ruching, chiffon, layers, feathers, embroidery, fringe, ruffles, silk, jewels, beading, organza. It’s interesting to note the inter-play of textures and patterns of beading over chic silhouettes, modernistic touches despite its history laden past.
“It’s no wonder Philip Rodriguez is known in Asia and internationally as “Cebu’s Fashion Czar.” I’m positive his work will be seen on more Hollywood red carpets once the pictures from this evening are seen,” concluded Kennelly.
Bravissimo!