PINAS FASYON: PFW 2010: A BLACKBUSTER WEEK

OK the moment has gone away, but the memories of the recent Philippine Fashion Week are still fresh in my memory. I can still recall how die-hard style bitches fashioned their way to attend the series of events – mostly perky gays and some bisexuals kuno, young and old, wearing statements of their own.

Imagine if terrorists attacked and bombed the whole SMX Convention Center, half of the entire homosexual population in Metro Manila would certainly die. And all that would be left will be the parlor gays to dominate this industry... It’s gonna be like the scary end of glamour, the Armageddon of local fashion!

It also seemed that this year’s Fashion Week had been cut short of a day (6 days instead of 7). Lack of participants? Lack of government support? Lack of sponsors? Lack of funds? Dirty politics? Designers opting to do other big shows instead? No Project Runway Philippines? Hmmmm… intriguing!

Nevertheless, the recent Fashion Week did not fall short of showcasing good designs (despite of gradually losing its holistic appeal). I feel bad though, PFW failed (at a certain point) to attract a number of significant supporters for most of its shows had empty chairs, especially for those designers scheduled in the afternoon (who, in their right minds, would attend a fashion show during the time that the sun is at its hottest while stylishly clad in a cheeky getup?). Save for the likes of Michael Cinco, Tina Daniac and Bang Pineda, these big shows (with nice concepts and stage gimmickries) drew a humungous crowd of eager badings and other fanatics.

Seeing through the collections of different designers, BLACK is the obvious choice of color for fall/holiday of 2010. There are other palettes and trends present, but I will only dwell on the tried and tested magic of black. Take a peek on how the designers used the color as a major fashion backbone for the upcoming season:

1) Short and Sexy (The new LBDs)

Raoul Ramirez Roland Lirio Tina Daniac Lyle Ibanez Ronaldo Arnaldo

2) Drama in Lace

Jaz Cerezo Anna Leah Salvador Jerome Salaya Ang Patrick Galang Chris Diaz

3) Black and White Affair

Junjun Cambe Norman Noriega Chris Diaz Ronaldo Arnaldo Dimple Lim

4) One-Shoulder Delight

Aztec Barba Catherine Cavilte Boying Eustaquio Kat Corpuz Roel Rosal

5) Sheer Appeal

Julius Tarog John Paras Junjun Cambe Chris Diaz Anna Leah Salvador

6) Draped Indulgence

Norman Noriega Kat Corpuz Lyle Ibanez Santi Obcena John Paras

7) Lingerie Sophistication

Anna Leah Salvador Jaz Cerezo Angelo Estera Patrick Galang Tina Daniac

8) Minimalism

Martin Bautista Ronaldo Arnaldo Veejay Floresca Roel Rosal Norman Noriega

9) Body Conscious

Odelon Simpao Julius Tarog Tina Daniac Jaz Cerezo Shannon Pamaong

10) Power Sleeves

Roland Lirio Patrick Galang Catherine Cavilte Frederick Policarpio Junjun Cambe

I also have personal favorites and some things to give recognition. If I may, the awards go to the following:

a. Top 5 Outstanding Pieces