Front row fashion

The only area to watch a Fashion Week show is the prime spot in fashion real estate called front row. And not only are members of the style oligarchy equipped and armed with their dangerous footwear of choice, they also come ready to fight in their sartorial armors. Let the battle begin.

Carla Humphries goes for a touch of tribal bohemian with a graphic body con dress.

* * *

Stylist to the stars Liz Uy always surprises with her keen aesthetics. Never one to look like she just popped out of some automatically churned style factory, this is how fashion should be. Individual, directional and oh so fierce. Layered menswear glammed up by a chunky chain necklace and statement feather shoes from Givenchy.

* * *

Preview magazine’s EIC Pauline Suaco-Juan shows how Front Row dressing can be fun, flirty, and effortless. Tiered cotton dress from Stephane Dou and gold architectural wedges.

* * *

It’s easy to fall in the trap of safe dressing, but going with bright red is definitely a bold choice, and it’s also a spot of cheer in a mostly de-saturated color scheme preferred by the fashion elite. Raymond Gutierrez in a bespoke varsity jacket. And if you’re wondering what the V on the chest stands for, it’s Viktor’s diffusion line, younger label Vik.

* * *

Imagine magazine EIC Joyce Fernandez taking Army dressing and giving it a completely feminine twist. Beaded epaulette waistcoat, vintage from the collection of designer Kenneth Chua, Milkwear circa 2000. Amazing how it still looks relevant now.

* * *

Okay, I heard someone asking one of my friends who this chica girl was. And she really is, I love the clean lines and tailoring of this outfit. Eloise Alba in menswear style that doesn’t look at all like it’s borrowed from the boys. Still with a hint of classic femininity (it’s the fresh face and sleek, pulled-back hair), this ensemble wins not only with its effortless simplicity that transcends trends, but it’s also so very now.

* * *

Channeling a Japanese buyer vibe, it takes a serious dedication to fashion to be able to stand out as much as Andre Chang. With hairstyles changing with the season (this one inspired by Proenza Schouler FW2010), a bespoke three-piece suit in fire engine red by Cebuano designer Protacio, necklace by Custodio, and custom-made bag and shoes, for Andre, dressing up is a meticulous strategized battle plan. And isn’t that how it should be?

* * *

Seems like the hardware on footwear trend crosses over to men’s shoes. Studded Louboutin sneakers on Raymond Gutierrez.

* * *

Studded laceups are rowr. (Shoes on Patrick Ty)

* * *

Here’s another girl who’s not afraid to dabble in colors and contrasts. Who would have thought that tangerine, patterned purple, and deep red could look so sumptuous together?

* * *

Creative director Patrick Ty in somber olives and grays. And check out the shoes! One can always go monochromatic, but then fierce footwear always manages to up the sartorial ante by leaps and bounds.

* * *

Director Robby Carmona in tailored utilitarian. Crisp button down shirt and khakis with distressed boots.

* * *

Writer Jane Kingsu in a fit and flare piece in this season’s color du jour, nude.

* * *

Stylist Bea Constantino in an amalgamation of spring trends, tailored blazer, with an innerwear as outerwear lace corset and loose trousers.

* * *

Preview creative director Vince Uy in military slash workwear. Rocking the denim on denim trend, the fatigue cropped outerwear breaks the indigo monotony and creates a play on texture. In other words, I like.

* * *

If you decide to go the casual route like interior designer Nix Alanon, in a handpainted shirt, cropped trousers by Rajo Laurel, and Grenson patent brogues, be sure that you’re also toting THE bag of the season, the PS1. (That’s Proenza Schouler 1, for those living under a rock.) Drool.