Season’s Best

CEBU, Philippines -   We’ll probably be satisfying our sweet tooth on Christmas Eve, like icing-crazed kids who meander through the desserts in the counters, finger licking the spilled toppings, ever needy for the next bite.

It’s a gift to yourself.

After the reign of the body-hugging sheath dress—either in delicate lace or crocheted patterns—girls, it’s time to breathe.

Thanks to Cebuano fashion designers Protacio and Rey Santos who’ve recognized the clamor for reformation.   

In the case of Santos (who’s opening his atelier tomorrow), he made easy-to-manage separates: loose tops matching draped skirts.

It’s a charisma he owns, as seen in the asymmetrical draping in most of his skirts, too careful not to devour you with layers of fabric. 

Protacio, on the other hand, is a fashion engineer. At his recent show in China, he sent runway models in quilted floor-skimming numbers and callado (a traditional embroidery technique) skirts, so yes, farewell to lace.

This is how fashion eats dessert. In lieu of sparkling red, green, purple choices, Protacio takes a sweeter shade of pink against gray and black through his greatest strength.

“I wanted to do embroidery because it’s part of my strength. I wanted to do Filipino motif without making the collection look tropical, so I did an ‘Adelfa Motif in a Night Vision’. In that way, colors become muted, making flower prints look more appropriate as evening pieces,” he said.—(FREEMAN)