Espino

Philippine Fashion Week is, without a doubt, the fashion industry’s biggest benefactor. Acting as a platform for designers and brands to show their latest collections all under the same roof, it adheres closely to the stringent standards set by Fashion Weeks in other fashion capitals all over the globe. Joey and Audie Espino of Runway Productions make this professional conformity and standardization possible through their own tireless efforts. Each year, the brothers fly out as often as they can to attend Fashion Weeks in other countries, taking notes and marking what can be applied to Manila’s own fashion show methodology.

Joey and Audie feel that Filipino brands and designers aren’t too far off the mark in terms of their design capabilities and professionalism, although they agree that certain matters have to be dealt with. "We have to correctly manufacture garments and articles both technically and artistically," says Audie. "Once we’ve addressed this problem, we have no issues creating good products. Then we can start inviting international press to view our work." Joey continues, "Filipino designers should also learn that they don’t have to be so protective of their clientele. Take this as an example. Designers are allowed to invite 45 clients each to their shows at Fashion Week. It’s an opportunity to gather their most valued buyers and show off their newest stuff. But it doesn’t mean that your clients will forever limit themselves to buying from you. Think of the 30 clients every designer has invited to the event. That’s a huge potential market right there. Really, you just have to be sufficiently creative. After that, it’s all up to the consumer to pick."

There is no doubt that Philippine Fashion Week, which ended yesterday, is in proper keeping with international standards and regulations; but the Espino brothers insist that, in spite of all this, certain matters should be acknowledged and corrected. "It’s sad how we always think that it’s okay to squander time and resources. We need more discipline in the industry. Once we do that, then we’ll officially be part of the international circuit. That is our end goal," shares Audie. "We also need to continue doing Philippine Fashion Week if we want to keep educating consumers," continues Joey. "We hope that we are making Fashion Week’s intentions very clear, and that it is serving its purpose, that is, to educate customers and to produce even more great ideas about fashion." Audie nods and concludes, "That is really our end goal. It might not be achieved in our lifetime, but definitely, if Joey and I can make this good and solid, Fashion Week will eventually take on a life of its own."

Mandy Navasero Holds Advanced Photo Workshop

Mandy Navasero will hold a "Weekend Advanced Photography Workshop" for seven weeks starting April 9. Classes will be held every Saturday until May 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Topics to be taken are Portraiture, Fashion with models, Glamour or Cover Photos, Product Photography, Architectural, Travel Photography and Food Photography. Each topic may be taken individually or as a seven-week course.

In Mandy’s workshop, you learn by doing, as you will be placed in practical working situations and provided with organized instruction materials covering aspects of photography which will enable you to develop a high degree of competence and creative ability as a beginner.

A day of lecture and demonstration will be given in order for participants to have a complete knowledge of each topic. A separate lecture on the command of the tools and technique such as shooting with an analog camera (35 mm or 120) or a digital camera will also be discussed.

Travel Photography, which is open to the public, is a photo safari in Coron, Palawan to be held from May 12 to 16 for P13,500. Cost includes dormitory type accommodation at SEA DIVE. Highlights are a Calauit Safari Tour, Island Hopping, a trip to Maquinit Hotspring, Discover Coron, Luau Party at Banol Island, and souvenir shopping in Coron Town. Participants will fly to Palawan and come back to Manila via WG&A ferry. Upon arrival in Manila, breakfast will be served to the participants at Manila Hotel. Lectures are given daily.

Mandy Navasero is a graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, where she completed her BA in Professional Photography major in Illustration and Advertising. She set up the Mandy Navasero PhotoPRo Studio, an agency doing quality photography and public relations consultancy. Lectures will be conducted at her studio and office at Rm. 227, LRI Business Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo) Bgy. Bel-Air II, Makati City.

(For inquiries, call 899-1767 or 896-3208 or e-mail [email protected])

Volvo Lady Executive Promoted

Celebrating 10 years in the country, Volvo also gave recognition to the people who helped put the company ahead.

Viking Cars, Incorporated, the official distributor of Volvo in the Philippines, has appointed Lyn Manalansang-Buena as vice president for marketing services. Prior to assuming the position, Buena was the assistant vice president for the same division handling advertising and over-all direction of the marketing group. She has been with the company since April 1995.

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(You may e-mail me at [email protected])