The second installment of StyleFestPH, a joint project of 0917 Lifestyle and SAGA Events, staged a three-day show featuring both seasoned and emerging designers.
Kicking off the fashion event on Nov. 4 at the Grand Hyatt Manila was a multi-designer show entitled “ROOTS.” It brought together four designers with the singular theme of celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship unique to the Philippines.
First off was Piopio by Paloma Zobel, which showcased contemporary ready-to-wear designs—including jumpsuits, skirts, off-the-shoulder tops, and more—made of traditional fabrics from around the Philippines. The segment was full of the brand’s signature whimsy and liveliness, as models sauntered down the runway holding sashes emblazoned with the names of different provinces across the country.
Known for his signature “Bomberong” jacket, Jor-El Espina’s collection was all about reimagining what Filipinos today would wear to go out to a party. Entitled “The Modern Bar-yo,” his designs featured a fresh take on the traditional barong for a modern Filipiniana OOTD.
A young designer known for his Parisian aesthetic, Chris Nick took the Filipina on a vacation to the French Riviera in the 1950s with his “Soleil Tan” collection. Using piña silk and natural fabrics for his accessories, he reimagined what a summer at the Cote d’Azur would look like for the Filipina who loves to make a statement in garments that reflect her heritage.
Inspired by the classic silhouette of the terno, as well as the image of Maria Clara, Mark Bumgarner’s collection featured modern interpretations of these designs. A sense of nostalgia was ever-present, as models walked down in evening gowns with exaggerated sleeves, and in different textures, showing the timelessness of Filipino traditions.
For Day 2, Boom Sason took over, with the presentation of her latest swimwear collection, celebrating the confidence that lies within every woman. Each design in the mix of bikinis and maillots in a variety of prints and colors was cut in such a way that flaunts a woman’s best assets and curves, to show just how sexy and strong she can be.
Ending the three-day event with a bang, designer and celebrity stylist Bang Pineda showcased a 100-piece collection, with the theme “Ravage, Resurrection and Freedom.”
Coincidentally falling on his birthday, the runway show featured the edgy streetwear aesthetic Pineda is known for, in denim, bright colors, and suiting, alongside his tech-infused capsule collection for 0917 Lifestyle. Liberation is key for the edgy, as the designer says.