Designers to look out for
Six Fashion Institute of Design & Arts (Fida) Davao 2017 graduates presented their collections in a recent ramp show held at the SM Lanang Premier.
Working on the theme “Bound Collective: A Trip Around The Capitals”, the designers drew inspiration from the world’s fashion capitals—Paris, Milan, Tokyo, New York and London— and exhibited welldesigned interpretations.
This year’s bunch is impressive. Each came up with a cohesive collection that expressed their strengths.
Marvin Jed dela Rama’s collection was sharp. It’s like a mix of classic American wear with an Italian flair.
Well-tailored suits came in different lengths and in a range of hues that excite. The pairing with the basic tops and bottoms exuded clean lines and sleek silhouettes that can flow from a day in the office to evening cocktails. It gives a vibe of Manhattan in NYC on a working day.
Yoko Casancio had the gardens of Versailles in mind for her collection. The multi-colored flower detailing on her pieces spelled romance. Soft flimsy fabrics, ruffles and billowing dresses in pastel shades exuded femininity.
For his Tokyo collection, Mark Ortiz looks to the Japanese Zen garden and koi for inspiration.
A vision of the koi’s graceful movement is dominant on Ortiz’s creations. The fluid movement of the koi’s fins is interpreted in the graceful flounce of the ruffles and pleating evident in each piece, its teasing dance giving the collection a touch of femininity. This is a brilliant collection.
Working on the hues of the elements of a Zen garden—white sand and grey rocks— as the color base contrasted with a pop of vibrant red and black picked up from the koi’s hues, Ortiz designed a well-rounded, very wearable collection that consisted of dresses, tops and bottoms and coats in reinterpreted kimono. The layering worked well.
Another designer turned her gaze to the Orient and got inspired by the Hip-Hop culture of Japan.
Shanna Palileo took the edgy path, a fusion of Lolita and punk rock. The looks marry the romance of billowing skirts and ruffles with the toughness of denim and leather.
Two designers chose London as their inspiration.
Allysa Lyn Damole’s fashion gave the audience a glimpse of the London streets. Describing her label, Stroos, as a fashion forward brand, Damole’s street wear is young and bright.
Kulai by Patricia Ann de Jesus looks at the formal indoors of the city. Full skirts and long dresses in rich fabrics of velvet and lace are fit for ballroom and cocktail affairs. The peek of skin gives the collection a teasing flavor.
Congratulations, Fida 2017 graduates! You're an exciting addition to Davao’s growing fashion designing family.
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