The punk phenomenon

CEBU, Philippines - The only way the model can watch her step or breathe is through the gaps of the pattern of the embroidery.

Or else, she must strongly rely on her intuition.

Albert Arriba takes a 360-degree turn when he rendered a punk-themed collection on a runway show in October 2013— earlier than the Philippine Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2014’s announcement of the trend’s triumphant entry.

Perhaps, it’s the same intuition he wants the girl in this outfit to adopt. Because after more than three decades in fashion design in Cebu—and a considerable number of years in Vidal Sassoon Salon in New York—he still begins with his gut-feel.

A certain kind of gut-feel that instructs him to innovate, especially in a turf already dominated by Alexander McQueen.

So what now?

You can dissect his superpowers for clues. Arriba has expensive taste. In lieu of the usual red plaid, he structures his concept with metallic lace embroidery. You can say another dime is spent when he decided to match the mask with the body.

Being too compulsive has its returns. Arriba is a fine-tuned sewer and cutter, so he clearly understands that the devil resides in the details. Of course, the mask is not intended for anyone’s wardrobe. However, its his beacon of his creativity, his summary of the entire idea.

No wonder why he cut through the edges for a scallop effect, pasted metallic spikes, and chopped off a few inches on the hem, allowing a fresh stand on the serpentine silhouette. All by virtue of good taste: not too flashy or too beauty pageant-like.

“Can I try the mask on?” I inquired.

“Your head,” the designer replied, “is too big, my dear.” (FREEMAN)