Art lover

Have you ever fallen in love with an article of clothing so much that you could just hang it on a stand and stare at it for hours? Well, I have. Many times. Sometimes, an exquisitely-made jacket with sumptuous detailing and cut from luxurious material can command as much presence, demand, and attention as a beautiful painting. And why not? I’m sure there are people who would beg to disagree, but to me, fashion is art.

We were inspired by the wonderfully artistic quality of the new collections by the masterful house of Kenzo and the daring design duo Dsquared, which are found at the Rustans Men’s Floor. These collections are all about the details, and the selection certainly shows that well.

Kenzo’s collection draws from the Americas, specifically the Mayans and the Incas, and is inspired by motifs such as feathers and tribal symbols, which appear printed and embroidered on shirts. Colors reflect the earthy tribal mood but are punched up and modernized by jolts of bright hues that detail collars, hems, and sometimes show up as the main print. The fit is tailored and trim but still comfortable. Beyond the great styling on the exterior is the incredible quality found inside the garment. Check out how the seams are ever so neatly finished!

Dsquared gives us their usual dose of crazy, sexy, cool in a fun new collection that mixes traditional forms with fashionably distressed finishes. It’s all about the California boy-next door who sports that casual and rugged look. But don’t forget, this is Dsquared, and as such, the collection totally exudes sexiness. Oxford shirts are dyed in brilliant greens and pinks and then suitably distressed to give a faint patina of age. Logo shirts in semi sheer or opaque fabrics proclaim the power of the dynamic designer twins, Dean and Dan Caten. This season’s must-have blazers, either in white or navy, are cut close to the body and sport double pockets. Pair these with skinny low-cut jeans that are printed with tattoo designs or embroidered with colorful hippie-like peacocks. Look out for yummy details such as the multi-hued belt loops, metal weed pins, and the self-adjusting leg lengths. Incredibly beat up trucker caps and lacquered big-buckled belts complete the look.

What sets these clothes apart is that they are the artistic visions of the designers that one can wear. Painterly detailing combined with attention to quality and craftsmanship make them special pieces that would infuse new life to any wardrobe. Treat your body as your canvas. Wear them like you would display your favorite artwork.

We shot on location at one of Quezon City’s gems, the Ateneo Art Gallery, home to a fantastic selection of contemporary Philippine art’s most drool-worthy names. Currently ongoing is a fascinating show that puts together works culled from the collection of the Embassy of Romania with selections from the permanent collection of the Ateneo Art Gallery. This exhibition, which runs until July 8, inaugurates the Engage Program. a program that provides a fresh perspective to the Gallery’s permanent collection by exhibiting it in the context of other interesting works by foreign artists. By doing so, it fosters an increased understanding and deepened appreciation between the representative cultures, and builds networks for support, training and development while connecting Ateneo personnel and fine arts students with museum workers, educators and arts professionals from other countries. Curator Ramon E.S. Lerma is currently quite busy preparing for the highly anticipated Ateneo Art Awards, which will be held at Rockwell in August. This years AAA is more national in scope, with entries having been submitted by a large number of galleries not just within Metro Manila, but also from around the country. Twelve artists will be shortlisted, three will be recipients of the awards. As the citations are given for specific work in a given venue, progressive art galleries are likewise honored for their support of new talent.