The future of fashion is bright and fun as seen in the recent Slim’s Fashion & Arts School’s Best of Student Work 2018 at SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall.
A joint project of Slim’s Fashion & Arts School, SM, and Swatch, the annual exhibit’s theme this year “Laro,” focused on playtime—a stark contrast to last year’s show which drew inspiration from the iconic works of Salvacion Lim-Higgins, the school’s founder.
“Laro” showcased the playful side of design, with designs inspired by board games and arcade games, toys and nursery rhymes—all in a riot of colors and textures.
The exhibit featured 30 designs which are some of the best pieces produced by this year’s advanced classes. There were outfits embellished with playing cards and plastic toys, spiral-cut draped dresses inspired by slinky toys and pinwheels, a barong artfully hand-painted with a child flying a kite, and even elaborate dresses reflecting favorite childhood stories like Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland.
Also on display was a series of fashion sketches conceptualized and drawn by the students.
Even with the exhibit’s fun theme, the students were able to showcase their serious craftsmanship and design talent. It was also notable how all fashion renderings and garments on display were designed, cut, and sewn by the students themselves, many employing complex construction techniques which have long been part of the school’s trademark.
Founded in 1960, Slim’s Fashion & Arts School is the most established fashion institution in the country. Included in its long list of notable alumni are Joe Salazar, Cesar Gaupo, Michael Cinco, Joey Samson, Chito Vijandre, and Albert Andrada.
This is the fourth year Slim’s and SM have collaborated in this exhibit.