MORE ARTISTIC VIGNETTES MORE ARTISTA FAN-SERVICE IN BENCH ‘UNDER THE STARS’
Bench’s 30th anniversary show was a visual feast — but that part was already expected. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to this brand of “spectacular spectacular,” but a different approach set this year’s Bench Underwear and Denim Show apart.
What used to be a drawnout biennial extravaganza for the local retail giant returned this year as a tightly edited fashion show — 48 of the hottest local celebrities, 110 models, 10 local designer collaborations making for 300 looks on the runway spread across five segments, in a show a little over an hour long. Was it simple? Not really. Was it a reflection of our times? Sure. Was it entertaining as hell? Definitely. Gone were the Lion Kingesque production values of yesteryear, the post-show concerts, the elaborate setups and dance-offs; less theatrics, less melodrama, more artista fan-service, more thoughtful artistic vignettes. Bench gave people what they came for — and “Under the Stars” last Saturday at the MOA Arena had all the buff bodies, stunning beauty queens, knockout heartthrobs and everything #LoveLocal you could need.
Driven by larger-than-life aesthetics, the show’s success was in no small part thanks to the artistic direction of Tony-award winning director Gypsy Snider (working closely with SAGA Events’ Robby Carmona), set design by award-winning designer Gino Gonzales, the performances of Montréal-based circus collection Les 7 Doigts; plus a platoon of hair and makeup artists, all the Bench endorsers, all the celebrities and all the models, head stylist Noel Manapat and his army of assistants. Not to mention the man himself, Ben Chan.
From international supermodel Trevor Signorino to TV darling Maine Mendoza, from #KathNiel’s thrilling catwalk appearance to the world’s hottest math teacher, Pietro Bosseli, closing out the show, Bench spent a spectacular night “Under the Stars” and YStyle takes you up close and personal to some of the hottest moments on (and off) the runway.