The big coverup

They say that crazy likes crazy. I think that’s why Jenni Epperson and I are friends. I used to wear "beach gowns" by Dennis Lustico in Boracay during Easter before it became a naked version of Greenbelt. Friends would kid that the sun burned any sort of sense left in me. Jenni would do the same in her own rock n’ glam fashion, wearing pounds of long necklaces with her diaphanous coverups mainly in her trademark zebra print with pink trim. In the end the sequins in my dress got scratched by the sand, not to mention the delicate fabric used in my "gowns." Dennis would routinely kick my ass for wearing his dresses on the beach. I imagine Jenni had the same predicament having worn ballroom attire to the beach. But so what? We had really good pictures to savor the moment.

It was only a matter of time before Jenni spread the insanity. Instead of moody chiffon, her collection for Folded & Hung is beach-ready and style-heavy. "This collection is all about the three things I love: dressing-up women, the beach and classic films. I was very inspired by the classic movie High Society starring Grace Kelly. Her luxurious beach coverups and swimwear were breathtaking…very chic and expensive," she enthuses. "In those days, Hollywood was host to the biggest and most exciting pool parties – so glamorous beach coverups and swimwear were really part of a woman’s wardrobe. This collection can spice up any sunset soiree but without the bank-breaking prices of classic Hollywood’s high-society fashion."

Jenni Epperson is a staple in the fashion circuit. Loved for her easygoing attitude and approachable take on high fashion, Jenni takes the high road on bargain buys. This has been her trademark and this is what endears her to her fans and clients alike. It only makes sense that she partners up with the peeps from Folded & Hung for their summer collection. One that is at once modern and nostalgic. "My styling experience helped me a lot in developing this line. I chose the materials and accessories based on how I would style for a fashion show, or create a window display.  It’s cohesive – not chopsuey," she says half-jokingly. "My Nip/Tuck skills from styling models, ‘real people’ and doing countless makeovers helped me realize what style denizens wanted. A little slit here, a little coverup there. Think of my coverups as Photoshop for those unwanted lady lumps," she adds. Indeed they were made for real women in mind. Jenni, herself a mother, knows that while Mother Nature can indeed play tricks on a woman’s body, ingenious design can flatter what is seen as flawed. "It’s perfect for eating chori-burgers!" she chirps. That is one of our favorite things to do on the beach.

With her high society gone hi-fi beach line, Jenni is already sketching out her next collection. I doubt if this will surprise you at all but this time it’s inspired by trophy wives.

* * *

Folded & Hung is located at Glorietta, Shangri-La, SM Megamall and Gateway Mall.