Style by numbers

MANILA, Philippines - YStyle tapped four young designers to create a collection inspired by women of a certain age. The results? They run the gamut from baggy leather trousers and ponchos on one end and super clean, super streamlined silhouettes on the other. Proof that style comes at every age.

Proudrace

The age group: Early 20s

The concept: A free-spirited hip hop tribe

The collection: “We wanted a lot of relaxed silhouettes. And most of the pieces are inspired by men’s staples like hooded jackets, joggers and sports jersey. We used calf skin and our own custom-printed fabric with an embossed print on some of the pieces.”

The inspiration: “Corrine Day’s portraits of girls in their 20s. It’s free-spirited. The Kate Moss series when she was in her early 20s is very iconic. This is our take on how a free-spirited girl would be in our clothes if she listened to a lot of Tupac.”

Maureen Disini

The age group: Late 20s

The concept: “Parisian chic. I wanted to make a statement of enduring elegance for women in their late twenties.”

The collection: Composed of precious details in velvet, lace, ostrich feathers and Art Deco-inspired beadwork, Maureen highlighted texture, tone and silhouette in an all-black collection.

The inspiration: “I was inspired by the boldness and confidence of women exiting their 20s — using Coco Chanel, when she introduced the little black dress to women during her time, as a reference. I, too, wanted to redefine femininity and sexuality at the same time.”

Martin Bautista

The age group: 40s

The concept: Streamlined with a little bit of flounce and volume but controlled and restrained.

The collection: Micro pleated silk, silk gazar, high techno knit and silk velvet in silhouettes that pay homage to clean lines and a playful sensibility.

The inspiration: “Mandy because — at her age — she knows what she wants in life, she’s in control of her sexuality and style and she has a vision. And that’s the kind of woman who I think is really inspiring.”

Milka Quin

The age group: 30s

The concept: Dubbed “Life Negatives,” the designer worked with graphic black and white looks — â€œthe beauty of the silhouettes of film negatives set off against the light,” Milka explains, “the contrast of dark and light.”

The collection: Easy-to-wear silhouettes in pique, Italian satin and cashmere crepe with leather trim, the seamlines were contracted to form curved figures, like the profile of a face or entwined hands.

The inspiration: “It’s fortunate I belong to the age group I desiged for, giving me a first hand approach to what we women in our 30s prioritize in our clothing. The ease of a garment, simple lines and silhouettes — with that little whimsy which should never be lost no matter the age.”

Photos by RXANDY CAPINPIN, Creative direction by RYUJI SHIOMITSU, Makeup by MAC,Hair by JING MONIS SALON (tel. 893-4098)