Daunting superhero looks pepper an otherwise staid Fashion Week

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2010 collections opened with a promising showcase of young designers’ interpretations of what we should be wearing in the coming months. Dubbed Design Fusion/Vision and Trends Collection, it was a parade of both intriguing and bewildering collections — sometimes a breath of fresh air, sometimes a gasp of pain. Like any show with several designers in the lineup, there were hits and misses, efforts that were worthy of being rewarded and some best forgotten. Never-theless, all is not lost. While it seems that our young designers still must learn a thing or two about the balance between avant-garde and wearable fashion, there were some pieces actually interesting enough to deserve space in your closet. 

Anna Leah Salvador

Reworked the classic LBD with embellishments of sequins, studs, tulle, lace and giant flower accents. Played with textures, adding depth to the garments with velvet and leatherette mixed with chiffon and jersey. Far from the structured, minimalist route a classic black dress usually takes.

Harley Ruedas

Perhaps the most unique of all the collections and in tune with the times using Philippine showbiz and political personalities as print for his garments. The kitschy, almost comical approach was rightfully executed in black, white and gray so as not to overwhelm — if seeing our future president’s face on your skirt isn’t overwhelming enough.

Patrick Galang

With his collection centering on the strong, independent woman, Patrick conveyed that message quite well. Using leather and jersey infused with “hair-like” materials and silk, the pieces had a sexy toughness and was a sensual foray into the woman’s psyche.

Aries Lagat

The first Project Runway winner opted to show his diverse skill and range instead of a collection, with pieces that were both hits and dismal misses. His best piece, a Herringbone print structured dress with a beautiful pleated and ruffle detail, was reminiscent of the late Alexander McQueen. Feminine and strong at once, it showed off his brilliant tailoring skills and understanding of the female sex appeal.

Mitzi Quilendrino-Bustos

Cocktail dresses in pinstripe fabrics can be reminiscent of mobster suits but it actually worked in Mitzi’s structural cocktail dresses. With Art Deco as her inspiration, the simple but carefully studied lines of her pieces were almost like the tailored suits themselves. Clean, polished and sexy — in a corporate banker kind of way.

Norman Noriega

Streetwear as we know it is enjoying an all-time popularity and this was clearly the major inspiration for this collection. Oversized T-shirts and dresses worn over sheer tights were chic as it was comfy, with an effortless appeal that is undeniable.

Raoul Ramirez

Oriental and Victorian, two very distinct and very different influences were successfully merged together in this sophisticated and daring collection. The clothes fit perfectly, clinging to the body in all the right places and draping flawlessly to the floor. The bob wig completed the look, making it all the more exotic and exciting.

Nolie Vineza

Nolie one else quite literally took up the holiday theme like Nolie did, decorating his pieces with beadwork sewn to look like fireworks in the sky. His mix of prints (floral and stripes) merged flawlessly and makes you want to fast forward to the holiday season and party!

Jan Garcia

One part anime, one part cosplay, this designer’s collection can be either funny or freaky, depending on how you take his “Baltic Tribal” theme. Using non-traditional materials, including sprayed paper and wool pique translated into modern silhouettes, Jan definitely went the other way. And if you’re the type of girl who refuses to look like everybody else, this is your man.

Don Protasio

Used the power of the color red all throughout his collection, building depth and texture through a mix of fabrics and hardware. Very utilitarian inspired, reminiscent of early ‘90s Helmut Lang with the belt draping and slouchy silhouette.

Martin Bautista

Pretty, feminine, albeit a bit too simple, Martin’s collection spoke of old world influences done in modern shapes. His use of different fabrics was beautifully executed, especially in the flowing chiffon dresses. It had a feeling of complete lightness and a carefree, airy feel.

Happy Andrada

Drawing inspiration from aviator Amelia Earheart, Happy reworks the vintage pilot’s uniform into sexy cocktail dresses using a variety of materials from lace, brocade, chiffon and tulle. Her pleating of the chiffon is almost sculptural and the use of bone in one of the dresses gives it an eerily unique silhouette.

Jaki Penalosa

The lone designer using hand-woven abaca wowed with her creations of cocktail dresses in the native fabric, embellished with beads with shapes either cut close to the body or in a more modern cocoon silhouette.