CEBU, Philippines - At the recently concluded (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) M.I.C.E. CON 2011 hosted by our lady governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu’s pride, Beirut-trained Cary Santiago showed he was not one for embellishments. Not even of a functional variety—you’ll never see the twinkle of a bead or hook on his clothes. For this season. Not even a button slips past his watchful eye. The designer, who worked in the Middle East, catering to jet-setting princesses and sheikahs, began in hyper couture for women before branching into men’s attire several seasons ago. He has a near fetish for the unbroken line. He’s similarly austere about color. Black, white, and gray, beige, crème, bone and taupe; long, loose, and often layered: that’s the Cary philosophy.
For pre-fall, the designer has envisioned a “very classic, luxury women’s wardrobe.” It’s a streamlined and sinuous take on those classics, one that betrays his training. His meticulously woven, below the knee-length dresses are set high on the waist and worn with an elongated, voluminous jackets and pea coats. Men’s wear was a trio of strong-shouldered tuxedo jacket with satin shawl collar inset, the merest suggestion of a lapel. Long dresses in jersey and silk crepe skirts with asymmetrical panels round up the collection. There are pieces here that the gallerinas of the world will no doubt be keen to add to their racks of museum pieces. And if it occasionally feels a little romantic, there’s the consolation of two wedding dresses, both with cathedral skirts and pleating than stylishly ran helter skelter, perfect for the modern brides. Bravissimo!
Credits:
M.A.C.>Models Asociation of Cebu (0917 6302400)
Directed by Engr. Junjet Prinor
Styled by Ramoncito Dodong Bandibas
Maquillage: Ramil Solis and Emi Ayag assisted by Jude Gabato, Jingjing Manching, Rey Abella and Martha Opulentissima