BEST PFW DESIGNER COLLECTIONS: Spring/Summer 2012

Breathing fashion and transforming imaginative ideas into life are never too easy to do. It has been weeks now, but I salute all Filipino designers who toiled hard, and showcased their design and artistic talents in a bevy of exciting collections for the PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK Spring/Summer 2012.

With trends to look forward to, and runway looks that fashionable ladies can adapt in their wardrobe, here are my favorite 12 designer collections (in alphabetic order) that personally wowed me, and hopefully will wow you, too:


ALBERT ANDRADA
If Pocahontas becomes fiercely chic and goes to town, she'll be thrilled to wear this haute collection of Albert Andrada inspired by the Mohican tribe. The well-themed couture pieces with fringe and feather appliques, the right amount of beadwork, as well as pattern cut-outs, are Albert's artistic take on American Indian fashion, making this collection as one of the stand-outs in PFW with its distinct concept. Clearly, Andrada's tribe has spoken!

ANTHONY RAMIREZ
Of all the sheer dresses that proliferated and dominated the runways of PFW (making transparency as a major trend - again), Anthony Ramirez's gossamer-light, frothy numbers are so delectable - women who would wear these would definitely feel pretty and sexy! Soft-colored bodysuits lined underneath daintily-embellished see-through fabrics are very refreshing - although risque - for those breezy summer evenings.

DAX BAYANI
This designer is having sepia dreams with an all-neutral, cohesive collection that looks very earthy, very organic. Modern cosmopolitan women will love Bayani's body-hugging short dresses that are made out of natural fabrics, made more interesting with geometric cutouts that are carefully placed on the bodice.

EZRA SANTOS
Although the Black Swan concept is so last year, one could not bypass Dubai-based Ezra Santos' couture prowess and his purely dramatic creations. Just looking at those intricately beaded designs in austere black and immaculate white, all I can say is that I am awe-inspired big time!

GERRY KATIGBAK
Seeing this roster of realistic, no-fuzz ready-to-wear designer pieces that rightfully hits the PFW theme with a bulleye - which is obviously summer - Gerry K's designs will make you want to go on a chic holiday cruise. Cool, comfy & casual pieces (swimsuits, column dresses, onesies and airy coverups) dominated by stripes in black & white and pastel hue combinations will have you thinking of warm, sunny days and the big, blue sea this early. And the bags look amazing, too!

JULIUS TAROG
While his penchant for androgynous designs remain, Juluis Tarog raised the bar with a strong wearable collection in neutral colors. Tarog's tailored separates with sheer applications will take any urban woman looking polished from day-in to day-out. His evening dresses are extremely covetable, too.

LOUIS CLAPAROLS
Everything about this collection looks fun, flirty and playful. Louis Claparols toys with sorbet-colored swimmies layered underneath see-through lace dresses and coverups accessorized with colored thin belts and socks. Yes with Louis, summer of 2012 looks bright, cheerful and girly!

MICHAEL CINCO
Nobody does a sparkling couture show like international Pinoy designer, Michael Cinco. Not enough superlatives can even describe his glorious, well-crafted creations. Nothing more can be said about the couture master - indeed, coming from a diehard fan.

NORMAN NORIEGA
Norman Noriega is having a gliteratti moment with his glamorous take on anything shiny, shimmering and metallic. These collection of long, columnar evening numbers will certainly put any dashing diva on the fashion headlines.

PABLO CABAHUG
Evening romance describes best these beautiful, elegant and feminine showstoppers by Pablo Cabahug that are highlighted with sheer applications, peek-a-boos, some color infusions, lace and crocheted trimmings. His Leg Love stocking designs worn by some models are also stunners.

RAOUL RAMIREZ
Turn to the brighter side of summer fashion with Raoul Ramirez' take on the bold and the beautiful. Long, fluid dresses and onesies in striking crayola colors accented with patent fluo belts will surely grab all the attention you need under the sun's sweltering heat.

RUSSEL VILLAFUERTE
This is the collection that appeals most to me, upstart designer Russel Villafuerte's dangerously sexy, edgy, glam streetwear creations are runway killers with its funky, rockstar & youthful vibe. An assortment that incorporated leather, sheer fabrics, studs, buckled straps, fringes and even camouflage prints, partyphiles have found a reason to party harder this coming summer.

NOTE: Photos from stylebible.ph