OJ Hofer: Creating contemporary Cambodian chic
MANILA, Philippines - Inspired by the female divinities carved on the ancient stone monuments of Angkor Wat, OJ Hofer’s modern collection resonated with Khmer influence. A symphony of solid colors in transition from dawn to dusk was unveiled in his creations that were neither trendy nor traditional but rather exuded a quiet, simple elegance that ladies of any age can wear.
OJ’s collection provided for invigorating evening options through long, flowing dresses in pleated chiffon with halter and asymmetrical necklines. Accented by gold cuffs on the shoulders or dangling floor length tassels, these gowns emanated with gracefulness and flair. Clinging jersey silhouettes accentuating the figure call for greater attention to dieting as they can reveal more than one might want to. Either draped or bedecked with cascading beads across the back and front, these gowns proved to be more contemporary alternatives.
Utilizing fabrics to expertly drape tops in sheer, ethereal chiffon and long sleeved soft jersey exhibited OJ’s technical skill. Fluid fabric permits the wearer to feel less constricted and can hide certain imperfections. Jersey tops paired with flowing pants cinched with wide belts were best suited for taller people who could more easily carry off this type of style versus petites who would be swathed in excess fabric. 
Separates popped up intermittently showcasing satin and embroidered jackets paired with knee length skirts for a more mature clientele, while skinny pants with cropped structural tops in chartreuse was something a fashionista would easily thrown on for any type of affair. A variety of frocks were featured, particularly a bold yellow one with a cowl neck back and a cerulean blue structured piece which are bound to be staples in anyone’s wardrobe for cocktail parties and beyond.
What stole the show was Ria Bolivar’s final take in a floor-length orange silk taffeta trench coat over a brass-plated vertical breastplate woven with blush tulle and paired with a long gold skirt. Exotic yet classic, edgy yet completely wearable, the piece de resistance echoed the rest of the Cambodian-inflected collection which is entirely fitting for the modern Filipina.
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Fashion Watch 2011 is presented by Olay, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, the Philippine Star, Preview magazine, Starworld and Stylebible.ph in cooperation with major sponsors BMW and Metro Pacific Investments. The next Fashion Watch is on June 16 featuring Jojie Lloren and Ferdi Abuel. Call 840-0884 for reservations.
