Unlike our foreign counterparts, who can trace back their fashion history to decades and decades of designers, shows, and trends, the Philippine fashion industry is relatively young and intimately small. But while our fashion scene may not rival those in Milan, Paris, London, and New York, the talent we have here is copious—a lot of things have been said about Filipinos, but when it comes to talent, we can certainly give others a run for their money.
Such was the case at the recent School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) 2011 Graduation Show. Five collections were presented this year, along with designs that were included in SoFA's Oustanding Works of 2010.
"Prima Ballerina" by Gabbie Sarenas was all about weightless, delicate pieces in cream, beige, white, and blush hues—perfect for the feminine and sophisticated woman.
Geoff Zordilla's "Avian" took inspiration from the beauty of birds, from the defined lines on their wings to their vibrant plumage.
"Fractals" by Kirby Cruz was heavy on menswear, but the solitary piece for women—a metallic gown with a sheer skirt—perfectly emphasized the silhouette of the body.
A sense of nostalgia was captured in "Crystals and Art Nouveau" by Nicee Atienza, which featured high quality garments that reflected the designers classic design aesthetic.
Vince Tolentino's "Beauty of Galaxies" found inspiration in the breathless beauty of the universe. The designer's creations reflected this via metallic Italian brocade embellished with Swarovski crystal beads.
To glean inspiration from the women who attended the SoFA Graduation show, check out this gallery:
And for more local designs, browse through these galleries:
(Photos by Ryan Ong, courtesy of School of Fashion and the Arts.)
