Lately, Philippine fashion shows have had too much drama with the “wow†factor being more important than the clothes. They seem to be more show than fashion — dazzling the audience with visual effects and costumes, but leaving many of us wondering if the apparel can truly be worn when our figures and heights are not in the same league as the models on the runway and we certainly do we want to wear something that is too costumey.
Lulu Tan Gan, Cesar Gaupo, Jojie Lloren, and Dennis Lustico are four of our top innovative designers and their creative collaboration dispelled this trend when their “Salon†show was presented to a select group of 350 ladies (as well as a few of the obliging husbands and beaus who showed up). The intimate set-up made us appreciate the collection since the clothing could be easily viewed with the models parading directly in front of us as we sat comfortably in our seats.
Lulu Tan Gan’s exquisite piña and silk jusi were modernized with draping tops, vari-length skirts, and jackets. Being a woman, she made sure that each piece was not difficult to wear by sitting and slouching in the samples she prepared. Everything was neatly sewn or knitted with Filipiniana touches that can be worn at all times of the day and night; perfect to showcase our beautiful handmade fabrics that are unique to this part of the globe.
Cesar Gaupo is a master of color combination and the female shape; matched by refined workmanship and execution. His gowns, dresses and pants outfits from stark black/white to eyepopping vibant hues made us all sit up and appreciate the visual treat. He never ceases to amaze me with color combinations that one would never expect.
Dennis Lustico’s sleek cutout clothes were architectural in form, using basic white, beige, and black as well as muted metallic silver and gold. Proving that classic neutrals are always stylish and can certainly go a long way.
Jojie Lloren’s simple silhouettes had appliques to highlight his creations that reminded one of the elegant and poised era of Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy — when a woman did not have to rely on frou frou to make her presence known. For this international fashion awardee, less is definitely more.
It was a pleasure to view the group’s 60-piece “Salon†holiday collection due to the artistic simplicity of a true blue fashion show.
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