Monochrome, lace and laser-cut rule luxe party wear

MANILA, Philippines - This season designers set their sights on texture and length for the party season. Mini-maxi skirts were still a favorite at the Luxewear show, as were slim cut long-sleeves, and maxi trains. Here are the highlights from the show.

Asian-inspired cocktail dresses in bold red silk, pale gold and rich olive made up the holiday collection of Anthony Ramirez. Rich silk fabric gave it a luxurious feel while the incorporation of a vintage Japanese-inspired print stretch fabric, on the torso, or panels at the waist, added a touch of softness to the geometrically constructed skirts. Strategically placed cut outs amped up the sex appeal, with off-the-shoulder cuts, one-shoulder knots and peek-a-boo skirts, topped with boxy sharp-shouldered jackets. Pablo Cabahug showed fresh cocktail looks, in a striking palette of silver, aqua, seafoam, royal blue and lime green in lightweight fabrics. Crop tops, keyhole necklines, sheer panels equate to a youthful take on oriental-inspired dressing. A hot pink crop top terno-sleeved top and flowing long skirt was an interesting and daring take on Filipiniana. Mark Tamayo had a tightly edited collection of silver-gray and aqua, showing interesting and imaginative construction for dresses and daywear including zippered jackets and trousers, with Asian and Filipiniana influences. Lyle Ibañez showcased classic and feminine pieces in layers of sheer black, lace dresses, even a tailored evening jacket, balancing wearability and design detail. Proving he still has what it takes for a red carpet stunner, his last look went full exposure – short in front and long at the back, albeit long sleeved, was in full lace, a number that today’s celebs would surely favor. Richard Papa showed nude and the pales gold for monochromatic themed collection that included jersey dresses, and gold cropped pants. Accents were placed in the form of leather, paillets and fringe. Tina Daniac engaged us with playful dresses using leather, sequins, feathers, and lace, in mullet skirts and thigh high slits. Laser-cut overlay skirts were paired with tight bodices, adding texture and movement. This was a fun collection of frocks that’s sure to make the rounds of the holiday parties. Ending the show with a bang was young designer Vania Romoff, whose designs were clean, crisp and conservative, an ode to vintage Parisian minimalist chic. It opened with a black and white block striped gown, thoughtfully made with side pockets, worn with wide leg jersey pants beneath. Floor length jersey gowns in nude hues captured restraint and sophistication not common among Philippine designers. With black and nude and only a punch of crimson for the spaghetti-strapped finale gown, Romoff proved that simplicity rules.