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Fashion designers flood Metrowear 100

Author: Pranz Kaeno Billones
Column: Life & Entertainment

Metrowear has always been on the checklist of fashion connoisseurs who are constantly on the lookout for local legends and rising talents. In its latest installment "Samsung Metrowear 100," a hundred fashion designers from different affiliations were gathered in celebration of its 7th year, and Metro Magazine's 20th anniversary.

The momentous event was held at the cavernous Manila Hotel Tent City. Entering the venue guests were welcomed by a display of shoes, bags, jewelry, and accessories from some of the country's prolific designers.

After a few hours of waiting and copious sips of wine, the fashion show began. DJ Anton Ramos pumped up the volume and after a brief introduction from Metro Society's editor-in-chief Raul Manzano, models started to roll in. Cebu designers led the pack with their resort wear collection. Sporadic rainfalls may have denied us of summer but it did not stop designers OJ Hofer, Raymond Kuan, Protacio Empaces Jr., Mario Edward Escario, Rinante Manabat, Philip Rodriguez, Marichu Tan, Edwin Ao, Arcy Gayatin, Salvador Malto, Cary Santiago, Albert Arriba, William Manahan, Wendell Quisido, Mary Ty, Harley Ruedas, Philip Tampus, Barbie Alvez, Peewee Senining, Ivan Belocura, Jojo Romoff, Rei Escario, Dino Lloren, Mique Yapching, Dexter Alazas, and Felix Yu from sizzling the runway. Whites and hues of the azure sky and ocean dominated the nature-inspired garbs.

Representing the Young Designers Guild were Louis Claparols, Patty Eustaquio, Mitzi Quilendrino-Bustos, Reian Mata, Brian Leyva, John Herrera, Ferdi Abuel, Eric de los Santos, Veejay Floresca, Regine Dulay, Aries Lagat, and Jerome Lorico. Bold, brooding, and playful YDG's streetwear collection is all about attitude and character.

Hailing from the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) were Dong Omaga-Diaz, Randy Ortiz, Tonichi Nocom, Vittorio Barba, Tippi Ocampo, Rajo Laurel, Ivarluski Aseron, Joey Samson, Ricci Lizaso, Ramon Esteban, Gerry Katigbak, PJ Arañador, JC Buendia, Jojie Lloren, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Lulu Tan Gan, Len Nepomuceno-Guiao, Avel Bacudio, Frederick Peralta, Jerome Ang, and Joel Escober. Their Red Carpet collection filled the runway with glitz and glamour.

Senior independent designers Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Rhett Eala, James Reyes, Dennis Lustico, TC Alvarez, Jan Garcia, Francis Libiran, Mich Dulce, and Norman Noriega reflected on the contemporary while young independent designers Martin Bautista, Puey Quiñones, Kate Torralba, Chinny Pichay, Choc and Yvette Religioso, Rosanna Ocampo, Tina Lirag, and Nat Manilag rethink the active lifestyle with their sportswear collection.

Members of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines interpret the modern couture theme. FDAP regulars Ronaldo Arnaldo, Johnny Abad, Ivan de la Cruz, Delby Bragais, Rholand Roxas, Roland Lirio, Edgar Madamba, Jontie Martinez, Ole Morabe, Oskar Peralta, Lito Perez, Raoul Ramirez, Richard Papa, Fanny Serrano, and Edgar San Diego teamed up their creations with accessory designers Joey Enriquez, Gerry Sunga, Amina Aranaz-Alunan of FDCP, Rafé Totengco, Arnel Papa, Rocio Olbes and Butch Carungay of Atelier Avatar to bring to life modern sophistication.

The show also had its share of scene-stealers: Gretchen Barretto was glamorous as ever, donning a Jesus Lloren creation. A tanned and curly Melanie Marquez in a Fanny Serrano design playfully strutted down the catwalk. Some of the Star Magic talents also made it to the runway such as Megan Young for Barbie Alvez, Joyce So for Mary Ty, Beauty Gonzalez for Vania Romoff, Nicole Uysiuseng for Jerome Lorico, Krista Valle for Martin Bautista, Regine Angeles for Mich Dulce, and Valeen Montenegro for Joel Escober.

Metrowear 100 was like a crash course in the current state of local fashion. Thus it is only apt that the dean of Philippine Fashion, Ben Ferales, with not just one, not just two, but seven of his creations provide the exclamation point to the long parade. Donning some his masterpieces were muses Patty Betita, Annette Coronel, and Marina Benipayo. The Filipiniana-inspired collection was adorned with exquisite patterns and intricate lace and beadwork. The impeccable attention to detail transported the crowd to a time and place that existed only in memory.

Ben Ferales, also known as Mang Ben to his fans, concludes, "Metrowear is very informative. It has ways of opening doors for women to be informed. Metro magazine is very aware of what women need. They give you an idea of how a woman follows the trends all over the world."

Source: Manila Standard Today