Angkorian Aether a calming journey of senses fashion watch quartet 2011 featuring OJ Hofer

CEBU, Philippines - Standing as a creative avenue, Fashion Watch Quartet continues to be the much-awaited series that bring to the fore fresh new talent through an exciting fashion event. This year marks the revival of Fashion Watch Quartet. The much raved about fashion series is back for good, amped up and better than ever!

With a roster of homegrown and international talents, fashion forward Filipino craftsmanship rises to the surface. Held last June 2 at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La, renowned Cebu-based designer Oj Hofer brought forth his new design inspiration for the holiday season to a full-capacity, well-heeled audience.

Oj Hofer’s collection for Fashion Watch Quartet was inspired by Devatas and Apsaras—supreme beings and celestial women carved in bas relief within the ancient walls of Angkor Wat.

“In the summer of 2004, I travelled to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to see the temples. The grandeur of Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world caught me in awe,” Hofer said. Representing the peak of classical Khmer Architecture, Angkor Wat holds a royal portrait gallery of almost 1,800 women realistically rendered in stone relief.

Hofer’s colorful and poetic collection echoes the visual transition of the atmospheric hues in Cambodia. “ From dawn to dusk, colors and textures reverberated with palpable energy, making Siem Reap highly spiritual. I remember Vishnu Blue at sunrise, the vivid greens of statuesque Sugar Palm trees against terracotta grounds at midday, and auric horizon illuminating saffron robes of ubiquitous monks at dusk.”

For the Holidays, Hofer offers precisely tailored bomber suits in metallic brocade and faux leather, roomy tops and sartorially short shift dresses in tropical wool. He shows skill at soft draping with body suits that have draped funnel collars and billowy seamless pants. For evening affairs, he provides a line of fluid chiffon gowns pleated and draped in an unusual manner. Silk tassels adorning the shoulders and cascading to the floor emphasize movement and sensuality of these dresses. 

All of Hofer’s shapes and silhouettes are colored in a pungent, spicy palette. “Hoping to capture the olfactory flavor of that trip, I painted ANGKORIAN AETHER with colors of peppercorn brown, Cardamom grey, Paprika, Saffron, Cayenne, Clove, Dried Rose, Bay Leaf green, Turmeric and so forth…,” he revealed.

Oj was able to confer the ancient designs of Angkor Wat to modern interpretation with simple elegance that is very familiar in his own masterpieces. Right after the show, ladies got a fill of his well-tailored works of art as well as delicate, soft draping at the post-show buyers’reception. Wide belts with hammered brass buckles and armor-like neck, chest, and back accessories provided by Noreen Tseng were also a big hit. These conversation pieces provided a certain edge and completion to the whole collection.

“ANGKORIAN AETHER is really special. It took seven years of percolation before the seed of inspiration took fruition. Surprisingly when I finally worked on the theme, most of the key pieces were sold even before I could complete the entire collection,” disclosed the artist.

Art inspiring art, Oj wonderfully took the audience on a journey of the senses through ANGKORIAN AETHER. (Credits: Photography – Alex Van Hagen, Accessories – Noreen Tsen and Shoes – Monica Fig)(FREEMAN)