THE HEIGHT OF FASHION--ALISM

In 2009, FREEWAY made a strong fashion commitment by reintroducing the Philippine Arts and Culture to the younger generation with its Freeway loves Art: National Artist Collectors’ Series, coining the term "Fashionalism" and making it hip and relevant.  This creative fusion of fashion and the arts gave birth to a well-received clothing series that featured the works of National Artists Nick Joaquin (Literature), Ang KiuKok (Visual Arts), Jose Garcia Villa (Literature), Ramon Valera (Fashion Design) and F. Sionil Jose (Literature).

This Holiday 2011, FREEWAY brings the sixth installment of the National Artist Collectors’ Series honoring Vicente Manansala, National Artist for Visual Arts.

TURNING JAPANESE. Tunic kimono top with sublimation print (P1595)

ORIENT EXPRESS. Jersey dress with sublimation print (P1695)

CURTAIN RAISER. Short-sleeved tee with sublimation print (P1095)

WALLFLOWER. Raglan top with sublimation print (P1495)

The very artsy 25-piece collection was launched in an intimate fashion show that my partner George Palmiano and I directed, with special tribute to the Visual Artist held at The Row, Glorietta 5 last October 18 in an event that gathered both fashion and art enthusiasts, media friends and bloggers and the family and friends of Manansala. It was our third time to direct a show for FREEWAY, and I have to thank my former boss, Ms. Sheree Roxas-Gotuaco - it was nice to be back to the company where I started my venture into anything stylish and fashionable.

ART SHOW. Models strut their stuff while wearing some of the looks from the Freeway x Manansala collection.

The Freeway x Manansala event was hosted by trendsetters Tim Yap and Divine Lee, who both wore Manansala outfits. The very special guests Maritess Mendoza-Pineda, President of Friends of Manansala Foundation, Cedie Lopez-Vargas of the The Lopez Museum and Ronna Manansala, granddaughter of Vicente Manansala shared their interesting stories and life experiences with man of the hour, Vicente Manansala.
Everyone who attended the event experienced how Manansala masterpieces that we used to see in frames and canvasses were translated in various wearable ways suited to today's modern times.  The vibrant colors of the Manansala paintings were showcased in the sublimation knits, as well as in the woven pieces through prints and embroideries. Fab shoes worn by models were sponsored by Muñiz Shoes which is designed by Carmina Villarroel (http://munizshoes.com/) and now available online or at select Ensembles outlets.

There was also live sketching done by the artists from the Kunst Pilipino Group before the event. Some bloggers were treated to their own portraits. The talented roster of artists include noted painters in their own right: Aris Bagtas, Sam Bulaga, Allen Casacop, Emer Casacop, Jo Florendo, Lourdes Inosanto, Lawton Ladao, Raquel Molata, Bill Perez and Mischa Semana.
 

VIEW FROM THE TOP. Before the main event, guests flocked the artists' area where they had their sketches done.

SKETCH ME. JR Isaac of Philippine Star poses with an artist and his portrait.

ART ATTACK. Freeway's Ms. Kathy Roxas-Chua Que is soooo loving the artworks.

DIVINE PROVIDENCE. Trendsetter Divine Lee wears a top from the Freeway x Manansala collection.

RUBBING ELBOWS. Editor-at-large Ms. Myrza Sison towers over me.

WEAR YOUR ART. Freeway's big boss, Ms. Sheree Roxas-Chua Gotuaco, looks svelte and chic in a Freeway x Manansala sublimation dress.

MODEL STATE. Alexia of IM Models with a piercing look.

BLACKOUT. Brazilian model Ciane strikes a pose.

STRIPE TEASE. Our friends from IM Models, Clyde Rivera and Priscilla Po must love stripes.

WITH A SMILE. Hannah Reyes, Marketing Officer of Freeway.

BIKER CHIC. Former Marketing Manager of Freeway, Mira Sagrado in rock star mode.

ALL BY MYSELF. Please allow me to savor this moment on the photo wall before I start taking command on the tech booth.

TAKE A SHOT. My partner George Palmiano aims his digicam while I photograph him, too.

HAVING A MOMENT. Our stage managers, Sheila Danipog and Grace Boyles learn the art of pag-iinarte!

BACKSTAGE FIND. Note to Hannah Reyes of Freeway: where's my Manansala bag?

LET THE SHOW BEGIN. An intimate show about to start while the audience wait.

HOSTS WITH THE MOST. Style celebrities Tim Yap and Divine Lee take command of the show.

CHUVA-CHUVA. Blog queen Cecile Van Straten with our stage manager Grace.

For more information about the collection, visit Freeway website at www.freeway.net.ph. Like Freeway on Facebook (facebook.com/FreewayOnline) and follow on Twitter (twitter.com/FreewayOnline).