Philippine Fashion Week had a few surprises in store for consumers. While most stuck to basics, some took up the gauntlet and produced more than a few stunners (hello, Plains & Prints) that looked classier than your regular off-the-rack fare.
Here, a rundown on the looks soon to hit a shop near you.
Bench: A shorts story
Abbreviated proportions made Bench’s collection stand out. Male celebs and models trotted out in surprisingly short shorts. Cuffed, plaid and decidedly above mid-thigh, these shorts looked like something straight out of Gossip Girl. And not in a bad way, either. In bold and pastel palettes, the shorts were serious show-stoppers. The way the audience clapped and whistled for the Bench boys, you’d think the girls were practically invisible.
Plains & Prints: Luxe be a lady
Ladylike polish was the look of the day at the Plains & Prints show. Painterly prints in the form of silky tops, bubble dresses and cinched-waist frocks looked fresh. Maxi dresses in paisley looked decidedly resort, while jewel-hued separates set the tone for the holidays.
Photos by JOVEL LORENZO
Bayo: Tough chic
Bayo’s reimagined the playful schoolgirl in all her incarnations. Think Jenny Humphrey’s transformation from headbanded Upper East Side prep to goth eyeliner, punk hair and lots of plaid.
Present were ‘50s silhouettes: full skirts, boat-neck tops, knit dresses with apron fronts and playful bow-tie tanks. Statement tees playing on Bayo’s proudly Filipina theme were still popular.
City sophisticate apparel, like tailored gray pleated frocks, trench dresses and slick LBDs, made a powerful statement.
Drainpipe plaid jeans, skinny dark denim trousers, button-front plaid tops and black dresses with zipper details finished the show.
Photos by MARTY ILAGAN
Penshoppe: All talk
The label continued their ‘80s redux theme with bold, primary-colored ensembles. “Break dance not hearts” was one of the wittier statements splayed on a graphic red shirt. Akihiro Sato, perhaps playing on his heartthrob status, sported a shirt that declared, “Yes, but not with you.” Ouch. Every fan that saw it probably wept into her — or his — colored skinny jeans.
Plaid pants and shorts, printed hoodies and lots of colorful knits rounded out a collection filled with respectable, albeit hyper-hued, basics.