Something worth tweeting about

What is the next chapter?” Director Robby Carmona would always ask me in betweeen a few sips of vodka late at night as we contemplate on the industry that we love the most.  You see, if you get to know the people within this fashion industry, they are indeed a mixed lot—a whole lot of searchers and discoverers, people who love to seek the questions, praying that in the midst of doing everything they do, that they would find the answers along the way.

“Collaboration is the next step,” we would always question ourselves and then ponder and pinpoint the people who make things happen— now. Because now iss the best time to mobilize the movers and shakers, now that the times have proven that money is not everything. Creativity is. And it goes without saying that when it comes to creativity, we are more than blessed with abundance.

“How do we make sure we are still relevant?” Robby would continue with his monologue, earnestly seeking answers. Each night, his creative soul is on a mission, to find another way to express, to zero in on something that will do something more than impress. Inspiration is something that every artist, or shall I say every human being, constantly aspires for.  Speaking of which, my secret source of inspiration is collaborating with my constant source of aspiration. Katrina Holigores, editor-in-chief of Metro magazine, has been head locked with Robby Carmona for the next big Metrowear show, happening this July 30.

Gone are the days when the magazine’s sole role in the community was to catalogue the latest trends and feature pretty faces. Now it takes a more active part, of shepherding style mavens and spreading a new gospel of style, via below-the-line events, parties and other happenings. Preview magazine does so by throwing their Preview Best Dressed Ball, Mega magazine stages their Young Designers Competition, and Metro sets their tone by staging Metrowear. 

Filipino As Designing Genius

“Now on its seventh year and on its second leg, Metrowear continues to provide a stage to showcase and promote the work and genius of the Filipino designer. This is part of Metro’s vision to draw focus to the fine craftsmanship and innate creativity of local designers as they become known as global artists,”  Kat told me while we were shooting a fashion editorial for the mag. Earlier this year, Metro, with Kat as its editorial head, staged the unprecedented 100 designers show for their Samsung Metrowear, which coincided with the celebration of the magazine’s 20 stylish years, and with 20/20 vision, that’s how Kat and Luis (Espiritu) lead as they and their team continue to set the bar on fashion and beauty among the country’s stylish set. Being under the ABS-CBN Publishing Group, we know that there’s a lot of pressure to deliver. Industry insiders know that those who don’t (and there have been a couple) get the axe. Hey, fashion is far from being a glamorous forest.  It’s a wild jungle out here.

That is why I am grateful that there are people like Kat, who utilize their minds and clout to come up with something that not only strengthens their glossy brand, but also does things that will greatly benefit the design community. Their actions go far beyond ego and vanity. Knowing Kat, this endeavor satisfies her soul. Before immersing herself in the print media, I have had the great opportunity of getting to know her well, as I was one of those who would often call her in the wee hours, to answer life-altering questions ranging from which color of shirt to pick to what astrological sign I am most compatible with. Yes, it must have been written in the stars, this friendship I have with Kat, and somehow I know she knows that, too. I am truly excited to see her on the front row, applauding the Filipino designers, along with everyone who appreciated and supports Filipino talent, for this latest installation of Metrowear.

So what is the next level? The latest Metrowear features a back to back YDG and FDCP show. This is the first time where the two groups will be sharing the stage for the series. While the Young Designers’ Guild favored a more cutting-edge direction and the Fashion & Design Council of The Philippines has a more classic aesthetic, the decision was seen as a natural fit by Katrina, given the passion for fashion shared by the two. “Both groups represent excellence in design in both seasoned and ‘up and coming’ categories. Both also have high standards in terms of design creativity, quality and foresight in predicting trends,” she expounds.

I also predict that Robby Carmona, he of trendsetting theatrics and fiery flair will mount something that will surpriise.  I hear there will be surprise live performances and dance music to usher the models down the runway. Fun! 

YDG meets FDCP

“The opportunity to work with the members of the Young Designers’ Guild is always a source of excitement for the editors of Metro, as they bring a fresh style perspective to the table. After almost 15 years, the group counts the likes of top designers Jojie Lloren, Ivarluski Aseron, Joey Samson and Dennis Lustico among its past members; the current roster also boasts really strong design talent,” Bebeth Timbol, now handling publc relations for the ABS Publishing Group tells me. Current YDG president Louis Claparols also sees Metrowear as a great venue to present their work. “We’re very honored… They’ve opened their doors to young designers and we’re glad it’s us… I think Metrowear is the venue for us to show that even if we’re young,  we  can do the same as the senior designers can,” he enthuses. Of their roster who will be featured in the Metrowear are the new design stars on the horizon—John Herrera, Veejay Floresca, Aries Lagat, Reian Mata, Regine Dulay, Mitzi Quilendrino-Bustos, Eric De Los Santos, Jerome Lorico, Brian Leyva and Ferdie Abuel. Watch them on this Supreme spread with some of their muses, remember them, because we know and predict that they will soar—that’s our Supreme hot list for 2009.

At the same time showcasing the young, we also celebrate the heritage of the more senior and wiser folk of this industry. It may sound like a deprecating remark, but in an industry that thrives on the young, it is really important to honor the seniors—the ones that came before us, and beyond.  What they have is heritage. And wisdom. And when shared, that is when it fulfills its purpose, it comes full circle.

According to the event’s press release, “The Fashion & Design Council of the Philippines has had a long relationship with Metro magazine and Metrowear. They were among the first collaborators with the magazine in the series’ early presentations.” One of the goals of the group, according to FDCP president Dong Omaga-Diaz, is to “…give direction  to the Filipino fashion market. We’d like to present clothes that can be worn but with a certain difference…not the things you can buy around the corner but clothes that can stand out….We’re here to tell you what’s there for you…that there is a choice.”  Yes, in this world where there are too many voices (not just in your head), this is something worth tweeting about. (In line with that, follow me at twitter—iamtimyap!)

The idea of working with the members of the YDG for this Metrowear show proved to be an exciting project for them. “It’s a collaboration… its not a patalbugan. Most of the FDCP designers came from YDG…when the idea was brought to us by Metrowear, the first thing that came to mind is…the young  ones and the old more mature designers together in a show so it was quite exciting,” confided Omaga-Diaz.

Trends For Holiday 2009

The difference, according to Dong is that the younger ones work without the rules, and yet their clothes work. “With our clothes, we work with rules…the more you know as you go along, you know there are rules already.The younger ones are all experimenting…do what ever is on your mind. In reality, that’s their rule,” said Dong. 

Among their members who will be presenting collections in this Metrowear are Len Nepomuceno-Guiao, Ramon Esteban, Randy Ortiz, Rajo Laurel, Arcy Gayatin, Tippi Ocampo, Anthony Nocom, Gerry Katigbak, Avel Bacudio, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, JC Buendia, Vittorio Barba, Frederick Peralta, OJ Hofer, Joey Samson, Edwin Ao and Jojie Lloren. 

And what are the five hottest international trends this holiday season?  Just so we are ready, here they are. Techno Folk, Shakespeare, Guggenheim, Enchantment and House on The Prairie. Both the YDG and FDCP will be presenting their collections side by side, to showcase the different ways that these trends may be interpreted. With the collective talent involved, it is evident that this will be an exhilarating fashion exposition for the stylephiles in the audience. ”Expect a really good show,” said Louis Claparols, YDG president.

For now, THAT is the next chapter.