Knit picks

I didn’t realize knits could be worn so many ways until I went to Lulu Tan-Gan’s holiday show last Saturday. I suddenly became aware of knits all around worn in different styles by teenagers (Lulu’s daughter Jessica), career women (Isha Andaya), socialites (Sigalit Djemal), models, and pre-teens.

But no one can carry the knits better than the designer herself, who could probably win a beauty title and Miss Friendship at the same time. For as long as I’ve been seeing her at fashion events, I have never seen Lulu have a bad hair day. Nor has she ever aged or not smiled.

She’s not all fluff though.

"Lulu is a great connector and motivator," said a top fashion stylist referring to Lulu’s active involvement in various fashion-related organizations. "She thinks holistically about the industry. She has a very practical approach and thinks long-term about the future of young designers. She’s a good worker."

It’s no wonder that so many – from family, friends, press, clients and people from the industry – came to show support at her recent showing at the Manila’s Peninsula’s Conservatory.

Inspired by the vibrant energy of the Riviera, Marrakech, and Egypt, Lulu presented sexy and fluid lounge, resort, and party pieces in halter tops and dresses, bubble skirts, tunics and blousons over shorts and comfy pants, in a rich color scheme of muted celadon greens and deep purples, cool gelato colors like mint, ube and mango, casually blended with sky blues, sand, and terra cotta.

I thought Lulu’s clothes work because she doesn’t just design for skinny models. She understands that women want to look sexy but need some room to be able to eat.

At the same time, her knits are perfect for traveling because one need not worry about so many creases. When Lulu designs, she not only considers the look, but its functionality and whether it’s "packable." No wonder her range is popular among expats, balikbayans and women who travel.

Complementing her holiday line were Tiffany’s & Co.’s full range of jewellery for Holiday 05, including the celebrated Atlas collection, with its trademark, strong and sleek Roman numerals and stark beauty carried across open medallion chains, open bar pendants, numerical earrings, diamond rings and pendants.

Paloma Picasso’s modern designs are seen in the Paloma Groove link silver necklace, surfer necklace and ID bracelet. Also featured were rosebud earrings, pendant, cuffs, 10- and 12 row chain necklaces, multi-wire bracelets in sterling silver and yellow gold, and the Tiffany wide-cuff bangle.

This first collaboration between Tiffany & Co. and Lulu Tan Gan was also sponsored by Shu Uemura, La Mer, L’Oreal Professionel and Twiny Tabs. For further information on Tiffany & Co. visit its boutiques at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Plaza.

For more information on Tan-Gan, call 753-2655 or 810-9328, or email tan-gan@tan-gan.com.