Dennis Lustico brings on the eternal feminine

MANILA, Philippines - If there is something that Dennis Lustico knows it’s how to capture a woman’s femininity without making her look overtly sweet. Infusing fabrics such as Thai silk, crepe, French and Spanish lace with his staple silk chiffon, Lustico produced a line of delightful fluidity. Soft materials and easy construction for the billowy tops and trousers accented with dotted organdy that gave a subtle, graceful texture to the ensemble. One could imagine the wearer lounging around in a posh resort or hosting high tea at her residence while looking elegantly put together with minimal fuss. The color palette was evocative of summer but not with the usual pastels as Lustico trimmed or colored his shift dresses with corals, salmon, pink and cantaloupe. “I like a summer palette that would mirror the feel of a face or body powder and these are the colors that I thought would represent it other than the usual pastel tones,” shares Lustico. This designer also knows how to flatter the figure without being constrictive, as models glided through the lobby to Besame Mucho in all-white or gunmetal gray, or an ivory puffed dress topped with a gleaming coral jacket. Lustico in his words designs for the woman who lives stylishly but is not a victim of trends. “She’s a woman of classic taste but unafraid to invent little surprises,” he says. These “surprises” may have been interpreted in the Asian influences Lustico adds to his design, be it a Chinese collar on a jacket or detailed embroidery on a shoulder, sleeve or line of buttons.

It would be best to describe Lustico’s 2012 spring/summer collection as paying homage to the evolution of the woman, as he himself says he was inspired to create something based on female “life milestones.” “This collection which I call ‘Historia de un amor’ tells the story of a women’s life journey in relation to love, from her awkward tomboy stage to first crush, from her first date to marriage. Indeed, it would be apt to say that these clothes are timeless in their look, and whatever situation you’re going through, Lustico makes it his promise that you will “wear it well.”

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Fashion Watch shows are presented every Thursday at the Makati Shangri-La lobby. The show on Oct. 13 will feature the collections of Joey Samson and Len Nepomuceno. For reservations, call 840-0884.

Fashion Watch is presented by The Philippine STAR, Olay, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Metro Pacific Investments, Preview, StyleBible, and StarWorld.