The year that was in fashion

By Apples Aberin-Sadhwani
Publisher:Philippine Daily Inquirer - Publication Date: 02-01-2008

Fashion in 2007 was a study in contrasts.
While the year opened with cocoon silhouettes and baby-doll dresses, it closed with body-conscious pieces that looked like they were sprayed on.
While futuristic fashions ruled the runway for Spring/Summer, an obvious return to glamour and old Hollywood was apparent in the Fall/Winter showing.
Hemlines soared to high heavens in early 2007 and plateaud to an acceptable mid-thigh length come mid-summer. It moved downward to reach maxi proportions during the tail-end of summer, and by year’s end, it was back to a demure midi length.
Even the general trend in fashion was a juxtaposition of luxurious decadence and downright social and environmental consciousness.
Ironic as it may seem, Anya Hindmarch’s “I am not a plastic bag” shared the limelight with indulgent and ultra-expensive crocodile bags.
The local fashion scene saw the growth of the retail market, thanks to developments like the Filipino Zone in Greenbelt 5.
Although designer ready-to-wear has always been available in department stores like Rustan’s or SM, the emergence of specialty boutiques that offer limited pieces by some of the country’s top designers is a sure sign of a stronger demand for locally designed items.
The year also witnessed the strong presence of Cebu-based designers in the Manila fashion scene. Cary Santiago, Jun Escario and Fern One, all from Cebu, wowed the jaded fashionista crowd, together with the likes of Ivarluski Aseron, Joey Samson and Rhett Eala, to name a few.
Modern masters Inno Sotto and Auggie Cordero also proved why they remained at the top of the heap by staging solo shows that were well-covered and well-attended by Manila’s fashion elite.
Meanwhile, the Professional Models Association of the Philippines celebrated 20 years in the industry by staging a grand gala show that was participated in by 20 of the country’s most sought after designers, and five generations of models.
While the likes of Ping Fideris, Tina Maristela and Leo Rabago ruled the runways when the association was first established, current designer fave Mia Ayesa is just about ready to take supermodel honors.
The movement to promote all things Filipino was most apparent in 2007. Designers like Patrice Ramos-Diaz utilised indigenous materials like abaca and Piña from the province Palawan to make modern dresses. Randy Ortiz used Bulacan leather to develop a line of bags, belts and shoes.
The discriminating homegrown consumer is now more appreciative of locally designed and manufactured items. Or could it be that local designers are just delivering better quality pieces with cutting-edge designs that are worth one’s hard-earned pesos?
Last year was an exciting and productive year of contrasts in fashion. Never has the local scene seemed more interesting and promising. Next year will hopefully be even better, as Filipino design and ingenuity continue to take centre stage.

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