Here comes BDG!

(Part 2)

Uptown/Downtown continues its feature on the collection of the Bridal Designers Group-Philippines (BDG) with the association’s second batch of members.

Joel Bautista

Joel Bautista obtained his BS Biology degree at the De La Salle University-Manila and went on to obtain a degree in Medicine at the Our Lady of Fatima University-College of Medicine.

Bautista then finally decided to pursue his passion in fashion design, which he has been doing for over two decades now. He  attended Slim’s Fashion and Arts School and the Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) and took up the basic courses to enhance his fashion skills.

For this wedding gown, Bautista created a Swiss organza strapless white gown  with electric pleating details covering the strapless top and back area. The gown is composed of silver metallic appliqués as embellishments encrusted with crystal cut beads and rhinestones. A bouffant skirt is likewise accentuated with a well-embellished metallic appliqués on the sash that is emphasized on the waistline.

(8845 Sampaloc St., San Antonio Village, Makati City.

Tel. Nos. 758-1353 and 0915-3186939. )

Susie Bonaobra

Renowned for her intense attention to detail, creativity and excellence, Susie’s design motto is “elegance in simplicity.” Her gowns are usually simple in terms of cut and fabric but are complemented by intricate and detailed beadings.

Her solo shows include Elegance in Simplicity in February 2004 at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Grounds in Forbes Park and in August 2008, she launched her 12th anniversary fashion show Bonaobra: 12 Years of Glitz and Glamour at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila’s Ruby Ballroom.

Bonaobra creates a soft and delicate tulle and lace gown in silver ice blue. A sheer halter top is followed by a series of embroidered lace patterns. Soft tulle cascades down the skirt with crystals and beads as embellishments.

(Stall LGG-08, Phase 5 (Soler Wing) 168 Shopping Mall, Manila.

Tel. Nos. 404-0570 and 0917-8939327. )

Manelle Munar–Chamian

Manelle Munar-Chamian officially started her atelier 13 years ago. A proud graduate of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, Munar-Chamian did extensive studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

Manelle describes her  design aesthetic as romanticism with a laid-back feel and with a touch of fusion. She celebrates femininity and believes that the brides of the future would lean towards more experimentation.  She forecasts that barely mint and powder blue will be color options that will replace the usual off-white or ecru gown. Laces and intricate detailing will still be very popular among the brides. Opulence will be prominent among fashion aficionados.

(E-mail manellechamian@yahoo.com.ph.)

Albert Figueras

Albert Figueras took up Marketing Management at San Beda College in order to pursue his dream of becoming a businessman. At that time, the thought of  fashion as the nature of his business never crossed his mind.

Figueras started in the ‘90s as a costume designer for dancers, television shows and movie actors. Figueras’ cousin encouraged him to try his hand at bridal. He enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to make bridal wear his primary line.

In this feature, Figueras used eggshell-colored French lace on the bodice and sleeves that matches the sheer Sabrina neckline. The gown is cut at the waist with a light circular bias georgette flowing skirt. A thin belt with an embellished covered button accentuates the waist.

(1129 Antipolo St. Rizal Village, Makati City.

Tel. Nos. 897-6762 and 0906-4939676.)

Paul Tenorio

Twenty-seven-year-old Paul Tenorio  studied Fashion Design at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School. He finds aesthetic inspiration and influences from  local and international designers such as Michael Cinco, Elie Saab and Francis Libiran.

For this wedding gown, Tenorio depicts both simplicity and sophistication. He made a mermaid-cut silhouette and used duchess satin with jersey lace overlay to give a different texture on the bodice, accentuating with lace cut-outs towards the double bias-cut skirt with a cathedral train.

(1708 G/F Alvarez Street Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Tel. Nos. 666-1169 and 0917-5948884.)

Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Makeup and hairstyling by JACKIE RIVERA • Models: ERIKO MALABANAN and JULIANNE FLORES of Yeoh Models and VINA OPINIANO