Finish the year with glam
END 2019 in style as this season urges everyone to be brave and daring as it caps off the glorious days of athleisure and normcore. While some trends continue to reign over the racks and ramps, one trend is certain: glamor is on the rise.
Industry expert Christine Benet, the chairman of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, highlighted the must-haves that are tailor-fit for Filipinos following the international standards from giant trend forecast web site World’s Global Style Network (WGSN).
With the seamless blend of the flamboyance of the 1980s and the street fashion of the 1990s, individualism retains the crown with a bold, expressive and distinct attitude that depicts Gen Z. “This is a reflection of how they look forward to the future. They express themselves, but reflect their childhood and organic inspirations by mixing pieces from the past,” she stated. “Everything is still voluminous and loud. The main addition will be the neutrals in terms of colors, vintage in silhouette, disco in lifestyle and more plastic-type accessories.”
It is now all about elevating what is traditional and updating the usual: shifting the attention from the cuffs to the collars with distinct details, disrupting classic shapes with exaggerated proportions and Art Decoinspired trimmings, and seeking for attention with embellished patchworks, geometric appliqués and stunning cutworks.
Streetwear also embraces a more global aesthetic through an unexpected mix and match of sophisticated pairings: sportsenthused pieces adapt to a more glamorous look, oversized hoodies don luxe-inspired adornments if not kimono flare sleeves, and track tops are now in jewel hues. The casuals are revamped with double-layer boxy and slightly cropped tops that channel the comfy ‘90s vibe with its overlay of checked and striped long sleeves.
The classic suit-up also takes a contemporary turn with unconventional, yet, chic combinations: the 1980s strongshouldered blazer gets a subversive take when worn with shorts, bra tops and heels; the old-school check tops and ensembles are back in playful patterns and spliced applications; and check trousers with high-rise waist pants that fluidly fall with loose-fitting wide legs.
For those who go for extra comfy can try the pajama in opulent fabrics, or the deconstructed pullovers with an asymmetric button-down that finishes with a clean side-slit on the sleeves. Ideal for the holiday rush, boiler suits with embroidered patches and two-in-one jumpsuits with a ruched top and delicate floral lace sleeves are also go-to looks.
The Philippines, being a tropical country, Benet still believes the Filipinos follow the end-of-the-year season since the locals are very much influenced by the Western choices. “We apply it as much we can,” she clarified, “and since the global trends rely nowadays on online platforms like Instagram, the niche in the Philippines of individualistic Filipinos is growing, as well.”
With over 250 trend experts and data scientists catering an immense number of insights and inspirations on fashion, lifestyle and retail, WGSN has become one of the best trend forecasters in the world. With globally available information on hand, the DLS-CSB continues to be the leading fashion school in the country as it provides only the best learning tools and most innovative learning experience for its students.