FTV Fashion Blog - Pinoy Polo

Designer Focus: Benjie Manuel

June 27th, 2010 by paolo

Another week, another brilliant Fashion Designer - Benjie Manuel.

“Hi Benjie, tell me what’s your take on Fashion Philosophy?”

‘Fashion is Attitude. It is all about the wearer not the clothes. It is an expression of one’s state of mind. From the design, fabrics used, the treatment, the luscious color, and finally the total look says everything about the wearer.’

‘We are what we eat, what we think and what we wear. Most often than not, we are treated by the clothes we choose and use. It defines a myriad of things about us: from personality to favorite stuffs to friends we hang-out to moments we treasure.’

‘My collection is an expression of myself though I have to admit that not all will be wearing them. Like a soulmate looking for its perfect counterpart, I believe my clothes and the wearer has to have that connection, that simply marvelous, world stood still connection.’

‘Very insightful and amazingly romantic philosophy. “I believe my clothes and the wearer has to have that connection, that simply marvelous, world stood still connection.” This is definitely the clincher of it all.’

“And so moving on to this interest of yours, for this season, what was your created theme?”

‘Cinema. This is what I have chosen for this season’s theme. It triggered my love for vintage music and videos: my fascination for local and international movie stars, my craving for songs and my knack for high fashion. In drama, the collection is in mixed fabrics dominated by satin. They are the stars who drive their own stories hence their lives.’

‘My collection consist of short dresses concealed in opera coats, a-line and tiered skirts, pleated treatments and embroideries on bodices, tailored suits and pants also embroidered with assorted patterns. The glamorous statures of legendary local and international showbiz personalities are all reflected. The stage-y accents and layering is reminiscent of divas and superstars as they spectacularly alight their long-stretch limousine and walk exuberantly onto the red carpet.’

“The theme is definitely well thought of. Well done Benjie, well done. Can we at least take a peek of your collection?”

‘Of course! It’s a pleasure to be featured here. This is a great way in staying competitive with the global fashion designers and the global market.’

These are the best of his garments for this season’s collection:
A mini dress with satin ribbons in black and white formed into triangular origami shapes with an opera oat made of duchess satin

Gray wool cardigan type suit with v-neck inner shirt layered with a charcoal gray scarf with light gray embroidery

High-collared tailored blouse in black duchess satin with white embroidery paired with a serpentine duchess satin skirt

“Wow! These are just, wow! I love the second one, I think this would suit me well. Hahaha! Just kidding. But seriously, the details and the flow of the garments are just unbelievable.”

‘Thank you. I have put a lot of effort into making these. Thanks for having me here!’

“You’re welcome Benjie. Before we end this post, do you want to thank anyone?”

‘I would like to thank Bruce Casanova for the photos, Runway Productions and The Philippine Fashion Week.’

If you have any queries, you can check Benjie Manuel’s websites: http://www.benjiesmanuel.com and http://www.benjiesmanuel.multiply.com

Stay tuned for another Proudly Pinoy…

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Designer Focus: PoPo Go

June 13th, 2010 by paolo

And now I present to you Mr. PoPo Go and his collection.

“Tell me PoPo, what is your Fashion Philosophy?”

‘Back when I was still a kid, I have always been fond of intricacy. With this in mind, fashion for me has always been shapes and curves, silhouettes and shadows. Everything has to be according to a person’s form or rather, a person’s shape. It has to embody that person.’

‘How does a skirt fall like a feather? How to fuse colors that not only create melancholy and happiness but also makes the person wearing it feel great and sophisticated by the fabric? These are just some of the idealisms to take in mind when I was starting out and even up until now.’

‘Intricacy is key. Craftsmanship is bar none. Every little detail must be accounted for even as small as a piece of Swarovski crystal placed on the dress matters most. Every piece of fabric I treat it as if it’s the most wonderful piece there is. So in every creation I put forth every ounce of enthusiasm and creativity I can.’

“Nicely said PoPo, nicely said. Now for this season’s collection: what is your theme?”

‘For this season I have come up a theme which is Closer To One’s Self. A translation of a part of myself and my heart. How two contradicting yet both important things battle for victory.’

‘I also thought of the technique pleating and reintroducing prints. For this season, PoPo wishes to metaphrase how fashion and one’s passion can dictate power in pleats, prints and pure-crystal piquance.’

”I’m pretty sure you have put a lot of recollection and imagination on your pieces. PoPo, is it alright if we take a quick look on your best three pieces for this season’s collection?”

‘Yes, that would be great. I hope you guys would appreciate it as much as I did when I made these for Philippine Fashion Week.’

“We definitely would PoPo! I’m suddenly getting excited.”

He chose these three as the best for this season, garment description follows:

Bustier-based balloon sweetheart gown, in pleated and rooched printed semi-silk chiffon, with a fully beaded neckline, embellished with crystal brooches and Swarovski crystals

Bustier- based pleated short dress in emerald chiffon, with a fully beaded and Swarovski embellished OB inspired belt, topped with a crystal brooch

Bustier-based semi-serpentine gown with a fully beaded and Swarovski-crystallized bodice, with a lamai and pleated duchess satin lower dress with crystals and beadings
“I am overwhelmed by your designs. These are just wonderful to behold. The cohesiveness and construction are really inspiring. I can almost hear your clients lining up… And it seems to me that your signature trademarks are making those superb Buster fittings and Swarovski Embellishments. Is that correct?”

‘Yes they are, thanks for noticing. Thank you also for posting an article for me here. I appreciate it a lot. Hope this is a solid continuation on the Fashion Industry in the country. Official photographer Bruce Casanova, thank you very much for providing the photos. And lastly, thank you for the support everyone has provided. My creations are dedicated to each and every one of us.’

“The second designer to grace this fashion blog. I hope you guys enjoyed going through it as much as we did. Onwards Filipino Fashion Designer on Proudly Pinoy.”

P.S. His official websites are:

http://www.popogomanila.com and http://stylemepopo.multiply.com

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Designer Focus: June Samson Pugat

June 6th, 2010 by paolo

As promised the first designer to grace this humble Fashion Blog.

“What is your personal Fashion Philosophy?“

‘Back when I was still a student in the University, we had been taught that Fashion is a Science but even before then, I have always regarded Fashion as an art form, in fact, I believe it is the most dynamic of all the arts. It is with this principle that I have anchored upon my personal fashion philosophy. Taking inspiration from various art forms even from film, literature, history and the simplistic art in nature.’

‘I create garments that are inspired and informed, poetic but understandable, and each garment, bears an aesthetic which is true as being both visual and functional art.’

‘As it is a challenge to be a designer in the Philippines, a country where the technology implored is not as sophisticated as those in most Western countries, especially European and American fashion epicenters as well as some Eastern countries like Japan and Hong Kong Fashion Shows. It is the task of every Filipino designer to work with the available means and innovate with materials and resources. Capitalizing mainly on raw creativity, hard work, and the noble dream to be recognized the world over.’

“A very well said statement. If I may ask June, what is your latest collection all about?”

‘The theme was all about Resurrecting the Medici.’

‘One of the most affluent families in history, creating a powerful dynasty that spanned almost four hundred years reigning since the start of the Italian Renaissance in Florence and flourished by way of strategic marriages thereby expanding their influence to several regions in Italy and all throughout Europe.’

‘The grandeur ended sometime during the 1800’s and thus the halt of the majestic bloodline. It is in their honor that I present this collection…’
‘An ode, a salute, a memoriam to the Medici women who could have had perpetuated their style in the lavish gatherings had they lived to this day.’

“Is it fine with you if we see some of your marvelous creations?”

‘No problem, I’m happy to have been involved in this project of yours, hopefully this will ignite an evolution in the Philippine Fashion Industry.’

He chose these three as the best dresses for this season, garment description follows:
A dress of dyed silk cocoon fabric sculptured over hand-painted taffeta base.

This is a gown of dyed and ink hand-painted continuous jusi fabric draped over bronze taffeta base.

And this last one is a gown created from black latex and gold enamel hand-painted Mikado with a four panel sculptured back train lined with dyed and hand-painted jusi fabric.

“These are simply breath-taking! The sheer effort and imagination you have constructed in order to weave these beautiful creations. I’m pretty sure a lot would agree and appreciate what you have done for this season. Thank you very much for sharing your insight. It’s a pleasure to have been there and have seen your collection.”

‘You are welcome and thank you too for seeing my hard work and creativity magnify to all of what I have made. And lastly, I would also like to thank Bruce Casanova for the photo shots.’

You can visit his website at: http://www.heliosbyjune.multiply.com

“Well, that’s it guys, the first one to be featured. Stay tuned for the next Filipino Fashion Designer on Proudly Pinoy.”

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What Transpired…

June 1st, 2010 by paolo

With the closing of the show, we got all excited and hyper in taking pictures. Of course the ever timid and shy me was reluctant at first because a lot of people were there and I’m just not that photogenically gifted as a person. OK, fine, I’m not into photos as much as my mates are. Read the rest of this entry »

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Project Proudly Pinoy

May 31st, 2010 by paolo

This is a beta project of mine and hopefully will open up to a cornucopia of possibilities and opportunities.
It will showcase All Filipino Designers: their design inspiration and their best works from their latest masterpieces.
I have already contacted my first designer on the spotlight: June Samson Pugat.
Stay tuned for his take.
Shoot! I’m so excited!
Goosebumps all over.

A glimpse on one of his works.

Link: http://www.facebook.com/june.pugat#!/photo.php?pid=31147692&id=1189263028

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Kudos to Philippine Fashion Week!

May 31st, 2010 by paolo

The ramp is all set.
The lights are all prepared.
The seats are all lined up.
The people are all excited, ecstatic even.
The fashionistas are all getting delirious.
The organizers are all being pressured.
The models are already toned and bulked up.
And the designers are all rearing to go!
What a week that was! I barely had enough time to check all the magnificent and marvelous creations each and every designer have made. I was craving for more and more runway shows! Bring them all in!
The start of it all was an invitation by a great haute couture designer. We were volunteering during one of the strongest storms that afflicted the country. Little did I know that this person who I just met that day is actually a designer.
That was October of 2009 when he said that he won’t be able to showcase his talent on the Fashion Week for October 2009 but, he already made arrangements for the next season’s runway rampage.
Imagine the long wait and anticipation I have endured just to attend one Fashion Show. Yes! I’m that superficial! Hahaha!
Anyway, he informed us come March of the upcoming event which will be held at SMX, from the 26th of May till the 2nd of June.
I will definitely make myself available on those following dates. Reschedule everything from family reunions to gatherings to bonding with friends. Everything.
The trouble I had was what to wear. Surely a shirt and jeans guy like me wouldn’t go to that event wearing shirt and jeans. Even if the shirts are from Alexander McQueen or Lanvin or Zara. And the jeans would be totally off, heck, I would look as if I was just strolling along and came upon the Fashion Show and decided to enter. That is totally unacceptable. So for two months, I was out fashion hunting - looking for what will suit me best for the occasion. Lo and behold, up to the last minute, I was able to mix and match some of my items in the closet. The fashion gods were really upon me that time.
The best thing about attending was the people, more particularly, the fashionistas who were there for an all out support for the Filipino talent, designers and models alike. The trends that we’re incorporating is a mix of our culture. There is diversity and creativity, there is concoction, there is hip and chic, there is sleek and sophistication, there is preppy and trendy, there is simple and fun. The adjectives are endless. One word I could describe it all: Wonderful.
The models were there and oh, they did such a nice job. I could just pat them on their back or shoulders and congratulate them. They were the showcase for the night and that’s not a bad thing at all. Not at all. They strutted, cat walked, turned, displayed, and faced the runway with such bravado and ferociousness. I’m pretty sure the designers were all giddy all over.
And who would ever forget the hard work, passion, driving force, inspiration, motivation, grandiosity, and omnipresence of the designers. With their sheer talent and knack for making every fabric they touch into gold, or more beautiful, it cascaded from their hands towards every gown, skirt, blouse, dress, pants, jacket, accessory they made. I thank them for showcasing how competitive and boldly they can get in terms of showcasing their talent not just to the country but also to the world.
Just to conclude, there is a lot that Filipino Designers can offer. I can justifiably attest to that. And so are the other Proud Filipinos.

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Celebration!

April 25th, 2010 by paolo

First of is I would like to fabulously greet the infamous Michel Adam for establishing the worldwide phenomenon that is FTV!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday! With your undying world to showcase the best of fashion in every corner of the globe.

Bam! Bam! Bam! Fashion Week after Fashion Week after Fashion Week! Runway after Runway! Country after Country! Models after Models! Oh yes! I always have a wonderful time watching shows in FTV and I admit it, I’m addicted to it.

It doesn’t matter! I’m happy with just seeing them strut.

This season’s menswear is totally amazing, spectacular, divine.

Talk about mouth gaping wide open every time.

And with the upcoming Philippine Fashion Week within a month’s time, I’m more pressured to step up and wear something differently awesome. One that would actually make others’ gape their mouths as well.

Hahahahahahaha!

Bring it on!

Thanks Again Michel!

P.S. Massimiliano Giornetti’s works in Ferragamo is worth applauding, really worth applauding.

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Summer Lovin’

April 2nd, 2010 by paolo

One can definitely feel that the heat and rage of summer is here. The rising temperature, the humidity, the outings, the flight bookings, the out of town tripping and what have you.

As for a lot of people, summer is the time when they can really enjoy the sun and just go wild with it, party along beaches and pools are in their itineraries whether they have hectic schedules or not.

I was a hydrophilic when I was smaller, our family always opted to go to a beach whenever we would go home to the province but as time passed and I grew older, me liking the beach is like saying me liking contact sports. Hahaha! Just kidding!

Anyway, I don’t like the sand, sun and some fun but it doesn’t mean I don’t like summer clothes. That’s absolutely preposterous! I love summer clothes because I’m the type of person who easily gets frustrated with anything that has got to do with heat. I totally go all road rage if I’m under a strikingly hot weather. I swear! That’s why I mostly buy clothes with a summer palette: red, blue, green, and white. I am not a fan of fancy, floral, wavy, abstract designs. My philosophy is ‘Keep it Simple’. None of those fancy-schmancy types. It’s too overpowering. You want to represent your clothes and not the other way around. Although most board shorts I see are very eccentrically finished. Not for me! The colors orange, purple and yellow aren’t suited for my skin tone although their pale types are fine with me. I have yet to scavenge the malls to buy something wearable during summer. Wish me the best of luck!

Tell me, what’s your summer colors?

And P.S. I just saw Dior Fall/Winter 2010 and I fell in love, time and again, Dior is the definition of Haute Couture in Paris. Kudos!

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V-necks of Yesterday

March 31st, 2010 by paolo

Yes, the fashion industry is like a spinning wheel, trends and styles come and go, it whirls around over and over, continuously and repeatedly. I’m not complaining! On the contrary, I’m quite fond of this because you get to recycle your old clothes. When you think that you won’t be needing them anymore and ready to place them in trash cans, stop and think. You might be using them sooner than you thought.

Lately I have been fond of V-neck shirts even if it’s short-sleeved or long-sleeved as long as it’s a V-neck, I WANT IT! And yes, they have been in runways since ancient 2000’s but heck, I wasn’t a smart dresser back then and come on, I was chunky and un-hip and un-cool. I was the greatest example of a fashion criminal teen edition! But, anyway, I have learned, although awkward, I have moved up the ladder. People even ask me what to buy or what to mix with their wardrobe. My, my, how times have changed. Like my love for V-necks. Hehe.

What I noticed when wearing V-necks is that you have to have the breast bone. No breast bone means you won’t pull the outfit off. Try it, I did when I was fat and it looked awful, but now, I tried it again and it pulled off. It give you an accentuation, a curve. I just like how it shows half of my breast bone then stops at the pectoralis line. Sorry if I’m being so narcissistic but my point is, wait, I forgot I have a point…

Oh yeah, point is, V-necks are a great part of your overall wardrobe especially since Summer is here and there is El Niño here in the third world which makes matters worse. Wear something that will show some skin not because you’re promiscuous or flirty or both but because it can lessen the body heat. V-necks are great examples and so are razorbacks for the ladies.

And I can’t seem to know what I would be wearing in the Philippine Fashion Week. I wanna wear shorts but I think it’s inappropriate. I wanna wear denim but I still have to think of something to wear on my upper torso. I could go for a polo shirt, a granddad, a roll-up, a plain white shirt, a v-neck, a printed shirt, a baseball shirt…the possibilities are endless but I just don’t want to stress myself too much. It is just THE Fashion Show of the country.

Just kidding! I have to be pimped up big time!

Well Tomorrow I shall scour the whole mall just to check what’s the best to wear!

Onwards to the mall!!!

Go!!!

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The Philippine Fashion Week

March 12th, 2010 by paolo

I received an invitation from a good friend to invite this year’s Philippine Fashion Week, the moment I read the message at Facebook, I literally got so giddy and excited. Hey, it’s not everyday that you get invited to events like these. I admit, I have been very, very, forward about going to certain events where social climbing and social gathering are all the rage but what the heck, I’m gonna effin’ go!

Philippine Fashion Week will start on the 26th of May till the 2nd of June, my friend will be showcasing his splendor there, if everything works well, I hope I could join them.

I’m actually starting to feel the pressure and the paranoia of what to wear

Should I purchase?

Should I modify/alternate?

Should I de-construct?

A whole lot of things are running in my mind, it’s far but when you think about it, a couple of months time will just pass through like a breeze of wind.

Oh, and I have to get thinner!

Oh gosh! This is too much!

I’m gonna see you all there! Woohoo!!!

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