Who are you wearing?



Chic. In the season's print, Rossana Dizon & Mimi Tupas, Emy Englis mans up his design, LBD for Jeanette Lomanta, Mixed pattern for Popoy Barba, Meg Sta. Maria blocks it & Dodgie Batu in denim jacket.


With the couture and prêt-a-porter garment business’ cut throat competition for high visibility, everyone’s fashion consciousness are heightened. Just about everyone is familiar with the clothing label, local or international, and probably stay true to one brand they like for its comfort or style, or both. When you look striking, it’s not rare these days that people ask you, “Who are you wearing?”

Dictated by the fashion conglomerate, the trends and colors are released for the coming year and this “look of the season” splashes the runways of the global fashion capitals. The glossies are quick to print the looks on their pages and just as quick are the manufacturers who’ll fill up the racks of your favorite department store.

For 2012, the color range is visually compelling from high-energy yellow to shades of lilacs and turquoise and cobalt, earth tones.

Women’s wear have solid colours, wide array of cuts and silhouettes, very wide sleeves, have tribal motifs, intense colors and prints, influences from the sophistication of the 60’s and 70’s, color blocking is strong, bottoms are high waisted, cut in harem, capris, low-crotch, draped around the hip.

Menswear will have the classic, chic and relax look, nautical, light and minimalistic, 70’s and pop art 80’s influence, “British eccentric”, combination of checks and stripes, fluorescence. Trousers will be pajama loose, ankle-length with smart silhouettes, Capri shorts.

2012 opener for Abreeza Mall is a fashion preview by a group of local designers- Dodgie Batu, Barba siblings Aztec and Popoy, Edgar Buyan and Emi Ingles, collectively known as Davao Elite Fashion Group (defg). Each presented their collection and styled for a brand as well. 



From the runway collection of each designer, pieces stood out strongly. My personal favorites are: from menswear designers Dodgie Batu’s stretch lace hoodie shirt and Edgar Buyan’s mix textured waist jacket with tie-dye body and wool sleeves, and his gun metal grey woven shorts; from the women’s wear Aztec Barba’s lilac “Azabache-ish” jersey pantsuit (if you dare to wear it flimsy then this piece is for you); Popoy Barba’s Manila Fashion Week collection took to the ramp for a second time, this time for the locals, and his oversized “conversation” accessories are clearly the highlight; and from Emi Englis’ so-Japanese collection, the layered look in black with jodhpur pants, tight shirt and fitted jacket. I love his use of Japanese aesthetics!

So as you build your 2012 wardrobe, look into what fits you best and what you’re comfortable in. Personal style is key. It is when you feel good that you look good. Have an answer ready when someone asks who you’re wearing. 


Style watchers. Marijac Pamintuan & Bunny Lim, Jackie Dizon, Micah Gonzales, Bea Magallanes & Maridol Gonzales, Lovely Sangcola, Bamba Limon, Pinky & Trixie Pineda, Boodie Cuevas & DOT-XI Dir. Art Boncato & Abreeza Mall's Gel Ferrer.