GOING, GOING… GOWN
Semplice amazing
With the bridal season coming up, one of the biggest challenges to attending these festivities is finding the perfect dress. Will you have to repeat that peach number you wore to your best friend’s wedding, or recycle that much-talked-about red jumpsuit? Keeping it easy, breezy, and glamorous is not as simple as it seems.
To solve this dilemma, Cinderella has teamed up with local designers to provide an array of clothes that is available and affordable. Two designers have their eyes on the dance floor, presenting chic evening wear for all the summer parties or weddings on your list.
The road to building the fashion brand Semplice was not a short and easy one, but designer Roland Lirio says it was fulfilling right after he chose Cinderella in 2009 because of its high reputation in the retail industry. “Way back in 1991 with two seamstresses and two sewing machines, we sold casual yet bespoke creations to friends, family and some walk-in clientele,” he says.
As years passed, the business expanded, and Roland said he started to accept work for weddings and corporate uniforms. His versatility and dedication is what inevitably “led to my introduction to the fashion industry by becoming a member of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP).”
From there, he was able to distribute his line through Cinderella and joined various fashion shows, making clothes for local celebrities and even dressing up beauty queens.
“These events gave my name a mark in the fashion world here in Manila and even abroad,” Roland says. “The love for fashion pushed me more to discover beyond couture and the creating clothes for the corporate world. That is why in 2005, I came up with the brand Semplice, which is my ready-to-wear line. My design aesthetic was to create something that is classic, trendy and with global appeal.”
This summer, Semplice launches his collection in Cinderella with new styles of fresh maxi dresses in blush and nude colors, ensuring that this season, you will look like you “enjoy yourself under the summer sun without looking like the heat has taken the life out of you. This season, be chic yet comfortable, and trendy yet classic.”
Semplice plays with fitted silhouettes and low necklines in breathable fabric, to ensure that comfort is the utmost priority. He makes use of cotton, jersey, and chiffon to create fashionable yet movable clothing.
“I came up with clothes that are young, easy to wear and versatile. Resort wear is my main focus this summer. Silhouettes are sheer and close to the body, with plunging necks in long maxi dresses.”