HOW THEY WEAR IT: Mod trend, Taking a swing at the ’60s

MANILA, Philippines - Free love, the birth of the progressive liberal movement, The Beatles. The ’60s yielded a remarkable number of game-changing developments, yet when queried about the decade, most people I know remember the following, in this exact order: go-go boots, winged eyeliner, Edie Sedgewick, bellbottoms and graphic minidresses. (I may have to expand my group of friends outside the fashion industry.)

The era turned out to be great inspiration for the likes of Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton who churned out checkerboard prints and graphic stripes like doped-out superstars producing soup can prints at the Warhol factory.

YStyle turned to four women of differing styles to interpret the trend and wear their way. The results are here in black and white — they literally all wore black and white.

Valerie De Los Santos

Any ’60s pop culture relics you enjoy today?

I still like listening to rock music from the ‘60s such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. I also recently went to the Andy Warhol exhibit in Hong Kong and enjoyed it immensely. It was such a great experience to see his work up close, as well as get insight into his personal life through his photos and time capsules.

What’s your take on the Mod trend’s return?

I think it’s exciting! It’s interesting to see how people modernize it.

How’d you wear it here? 

I’d describe it as Mod Rock. I injected Mod into my style, pairing a Zara striped skirt with a crop top from Street Beat Boutique and toughening it up with a leather biker jacket from Tokyo and ankle boots from Topshop.

What’s keeping you busy now?

I’m busy managing our online shop (streetbeatboutique.multiply.com) and trying to do more fashion styling.

Julia Sniegowski

Any ’60s pop culture relics you enjoy today?

I still really love ‘60s music; The Beatles are an all-time favorite as is Johnny Cash, the Temptations, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Curtis Mayfield, etc.

What’s your take on the Mod trend’s return?

I was always partial to a modern Mod! Without fail I will wing out my eyeliner and can often be found in black and white or mini dresses. I just don’t pair my dresses with go-go boots nor will I wear them completely A-lined.

How’d you wear it here?

I’m wearing a Zara tiered dress, black tights, and I layered a sheer collared tank on top. I love the dress as it works for day or night depending on the shoes.

What’s keeping you busy now?

We are beginning to tape season two of ETC HQ on ETC. It should be airing by April. I also have a live podcast every Sunday night at 8 p.m. with Trisha Centenera and Bianca Valerio on Justin.tv/thegirlsof28a which is just girl talk with my besties. Check out my blog too at Julia.arielsniegowski.com as writing is something I’ve come to enjoy immensely. Follow me on twitter @julia_snieg.

Tricia Centenera

Any ’60s pop culture relics you enjoy today?

I enjoy most things ‘60s considering that it was such a dramatic and bold era. From big hair to sheer fabrics, lots of black clothing, a defined lash line with false eyelashes always with a romantic feel. It really is a sexy combination. Think Brigitte Bardot. If only I had her blonde hair; she’s so stunning! 

What’s your take on the Mod trend’s return? 

Mixed with today’s fashion it’s literally a style bible made for me.

How’d you wear it here?

I would never dress all ‘60s, that would just be overkill! Like with mixing “fashion styles” for example; grunge glamour — too much of one style is too much, it’s all about balance. That same rule should apply when mixing eras in fashion especially when mixing ‘60s because it’s so distinct! Unless you are going to a fancy dress-up party. 

For the YStyle shoot, when asked to put together a ‘60s Mod outfit, I laughed and thought I would have nothing. But then when I peered into my closest I was surprised to see how many dresses/outfits I owned that are ‘60s-influenced I just didn’t know it!

This is a Mango dress but before this shoot I just saw it as a simple two-toned dress, but when put into context with the bold structure, two-toned paneling is totally ‘60s.

What’s keeping you busy now?

I just signed to do another film for the States which we’ll start filming in April. You can still catch me hosting events around Manila as well as dancing in the Jazz Cabaret duo Centier. Another little project I’m working on is a live podcast Sunday nights at 8 p.m. called “The Girls of 28a” that I do with my two best friends who I also host and model with around Manila; working with my mates is really a blessing! And most recently I’ve gone back into the singing studio, which is something the Philippines has never seen me do before. So, all up, 2013 should be a busy one!

Apples Aberin

Any ’60s pop culture relics you enjoy today?

The only relics I have from the ‘60s are old photos of my mom and grandparents. I love poring over them because I get a real feel of what was fashionable then. My mom was always dressed in super-short shift dresses and T-strap shoes. And her hair was cropped really short in a pixie style.

What’s your take on the Mod trend’s return?

I love how fashion is ever-cyclical, yet never quite the same. The neo-Mod trend is exciting and inspiring, with fresh takes from various designers on the somewhat structured and graphic trend.

How’d you wear it here?

My take on Mod is easy and classic. I took inspiration from graphic prints and opted to combine two prints to create a contrast with top and shorts from Zara and wedges from Mango. I decided to slip on a geometric petrified wood bangle by Jinggoy Buensuceso for a modern feel. 

What’s keeping you busy now?

I’m head of PR for Unilever Personal Care. I handle over 15 brands so work life is busy but fun. I try to achieve balance by spending as much time as I can with the people I love, as well as doing things I enjoy (eat, read, get a massage and the like).

Photos by JOSEPH PASCUAL, Makeup by GERY PENASO and APPLE FARAON for MAC, Hair by PATTY INOJALES, Shot at Blanc Gallery, Manila Peninsula Special thanks to JAY AMANTE