Samsung Metrowear defines the look of summer 2009

01/11/2009

Thanks to the last Samsung Metrowear Gala, the hottest and most prestigious fashion ticket in town, Manila’s chic set got a preview of the upcoming trends that will dominate the style scene this year.

The Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La was the place du jour for the Samsung Metrowear Gala presented by Samsung, Metro Magazine, Metro Society and the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. The fashion gala presented the latest batch of fashion-forward creations from 20 of the best Filipino designers from Manila and Cebu that are set to define summer 2009’s key looks.

As guests enjoyed their cocktails, models took the catwalk to parade one-of-a-kind creations from the featured designers. Architect-turned-fashion designer Francis Libiran took tropical dressing a stylish notch higher with his vibrant-hued designs executed soft and luxurious fabrics. Classic silhouettes got a liberal dose of color in artist Patty Eustaquio’s cosmopolitan shifts and explosion of prints. Jan Garcia gave a nod to the 1930s with his peplum-inspired collection, while Louis Claparols displayed his penchant for larger-than-life female icons with embellished pieces fit for a goddess.

Ronaldo Arnaldo crafted patterns and manipulated colors to create a glamorous collection that featured a variety of textures, shapes and hues. Ethnic and western cultures met, meanwhile, in Puey Quiñones’s Jackson Pollack-inspired, hand-painted garments and tribal accessories, in contrast to OJ Hofer’s refined yet stunning organdy and silk satin gowns.

Taking inspiration from flora and fauna, Marichu Tan complemented her predominantly orange and black collection with hand painted flowers and butterfly appliqus on gazaar, silk chiffon, soft tulle and stretch satin. Edwin Ao combined today’s minimalism with yesterday’s extravagance by enhancing a woman’s curves with his pieces, while keeping to a chic palette of taupe, beige, yellow and black.

Ren Manabat looked to the modern Grecian woman with his draped jersey and taffeta pieces, while Ray Kuan’s collection was greatly inspired by theatrical elements. Feminine sensuality, meanwhile, was the defining characteristic of Salvador Malto’s designs, which caters to the fun-loving and jet-setting women.

Arcy Gayatin took the carefree feeling of summer and translated it into offbeat dresses in shades of yellow, taupe and verdant green, whereas Jun Escario looked to the era of French fashion designer Madeleine Vionnet in creating his drop-waist gowns showcasing the dynamics of movement. Cary Santiago, on the other hand, amped up the campy appeal with his “Strips Tease” collection, which featured custom-made strips of black and pink stripes in graduated sizes and patterns.

Other participating designers in the Samsung Metrowear Gala were Raymond Kuan, Protacio Empaces Jr., Philip Rodriguez, Mich Dulce, Kate Torralba and Rhett Eala.

As the platform for the country’s best designers to showcase their collections, Metrowear has consistently supported and upheld the Filipino creativity since its first show in 2002. Katrina Holigores, editor-in-chief of Metro magazine, says, “The Samsung Metrowear Gala once again proves how the country is brimming with talented individuals who are not only in-the-know but are also skillful, creative and world-class.”

The fashionistas in the crowd seemed to agree, as the applause was resounding the whole evening. Spotted in the event were Karylle, Raymond Gutierrez, Bubbles Paraiso, Juddah Paolo, ABS-CBN’s Ernie and Jeena Lopez, Divine Lee, Illac Diaz, renowned fashion designers Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Lulu Tan-Gan, lovely couples Tippi and Ito Ocampo and Katrina Goulbourn-Feist and Chris Feist, among others.

With the Samsung Metrowear Gala bringing together the best of the country’s creative talents, the future of Philippine fashion looks promising and bright. Based on the fun and fearless forecast made in this stylish gathering, we are all in for a fashionable 2009.

The Samsung Metrowear Gala is sponsored by Samsung, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila Great Taste, L’Oreal, Make Up Forever and Lifestyle Network.

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