V-day

CEBU, Philippines - Couple of weeks ago at the Tinder Box and it’s lofty bar upstairs, Z Bar (with art installation by world famous artist Kenneth Cobonpue), you couldn’t help but feel a twinge of déjà vu.

This was the second showing for the luxurious swimwear and intimate apparel line Vanita (from the elusive designer who gave us Victoria’s Secret), and this time with coverings from upcoming design diva Vania Romoff on her first.

Cebu’s crème de la crème, the likes of Mdme. Rosebud Sala and her bevy of socialites trooped to an unsubtle homage to the French Buodoir—from the models’ frizzed and upswept hair down to the underwear as outer-wear (take a bow, Madonna!). The coverings offered variations from the softest chiffons in light hues to animal prints to tailored jackets, ruffled skirts and yes, a voluminous ball skirt.

Back to the main event, Vanita’s intimate apparel had more obvious references like sensational satin, luxurious lace and sheer stretch tulles that offered a bit of gleaming skin. Instant hits were the corsets with U-shaped seaming at the torso.

Like most high end lingerie lines, Vanita enjoys a bit of dreamy and subtle sex appeal, and this recent collection had that, too. There was a bit of naughtiness, too, in the form of a khaki peaked-shoulder and lapel double-breasted trench by Vania Romoff worn over lavender lace and net underlay, and minutely studded with beads that they resembled sparkling diamonds. Though, according to Aziza Mondoñedo of Vanita, the line isn’t the first to propose inner-wear as outer-wear, that doesn’t mean women aren’t excited and can’t wait to get their hands on them. On the other hand, a forties-ish purple corset paired with a peplum-ed slim skirt in leather with almost New Look proportions was a winner. Bravissimo!

M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu (0917 6302400 / 032 3162368)

Maquillage by Emi Ayag assisted by Martha Oppulentissima, Jing jing Manching, Rey Abella and Jude Gabato (THE FREEMAN)