Iloilo: The Next Big Thing in Fashion

Wearing the trendiest outfits, donning the latest hairstyles and exuding the ultimate fashion vibe, Ilonggo Fashionpiles gathered at the SM City Iloilo Event Center on November 5^th, to witness the prime show of the much anticipated Iloilo Designer’s Week. 

Divided into three shows namely; Visions and Trends, Luxe Wear and Grand Allure, the event started at 4 pm as the Ilonggo crowd gathered and shoppers stopped by to witness Ilonggo artistry at its finest.

Kicking up the runway were senior Ilonggo Designers Project Runway Philippines’ Alumnus-Bo Parcon, International fashion diva- Jackie Penalosa, Stylist Extraordinaire-Jon Montinola and Design Lab Alumnus-Jet Salcedo, who exhibited precision tailoring and keen craftsmanship that could be summarized by their tenure in the fashion limelight.  Albeit presented in varying treatments and aesthetics, their pieces were a unified showcase of their artistic vision of what’s trendy and what’s upcoming in the fashion scene.

Here are some of the snapshots from the last  day of the show. Too bad I didn't get a good spot during the first day. 

Bo Parcon S/S 2013

Jaki Penalosa S/S 2013

John Montinola S/S 2013

Jet Salcedo S/S 2013

Heating up, the second leg of the show were Manila based- Eric De Los Santos, Iloilo Prima Galaw Designer- Alberto Ramos, Binky Pitogo and DL Alumnus-Djohn Clement who showcased chic simplicity through their ready to wear pieces.

Eric delos Santos S/S 2013

Alberto Ramos S/S 2013

 Binky Pitogo S/S 2013

 DJohn Clement S/S 2013

Concluding the first day of the week long celebration were senior designer- Angelette Borgja-Ragus, DL 6^th run grand champion-Alfie Desamparado and bridal tzar-Sidney Eculla who left the audience it utmost awe with their parade of opulent evening wears.

Sidney Eculla S/S 2013

Alfie Desamparado S/S 2013

The show, spearheaded by Bijoux Creatives in cooperation with SM City Iloilo has been realized after a long and winding preparation through the help of the pioneers of the industry and the willingness of upcoming Ilonggo talents as much.

Surely, the Ilonggo fashion arena is bespectacled with raw artistic prowess that simply waits it time to shine. Amidst the splendor of the first day of the show though, no doubt we have a long way to run.

Montage. My official IDW blogger's all access pass, media kits from sponsors and all day passes for the shows.

Prepped Up. A group of fashionable friends from CPU I've featured in our campus paper. They made me feel totally under dressed for the occasion so I made a mental note to dress up for the next days' show. :D

(Left) Designlab fellow, Em Trava, Blogger and part owner of Its Vintage Darling. (Right)Kit Lapating , a classmate from speech class whose ensemble I found very cosmo. 

Old friends from WVSU- College of Mass Communications who came to watch the show. James, Buffy and Mark. 

(Left)The Power Duo. Campus Fashionista grand winners, Mough Cepe and Nica Berte. (Right) The Brain Behind the Brand. Miss Tati Buendia, owner of online brand, BUBBLES,

 whose clientele includes fashion bloggers Camille Co and Lauren Uy, 

Let me bore you with what I wore before this article is over. Eye wear by Giordano, black basic collared shirt from Lacoste, Purple washed denim from Penshoppe, Brown leather satchel from Salvatorre Man and convertible lace-up booties from Palladium. Now I sound like a brand whore, (laughs).

iIove-ilove

Iloilo City being the city of love is the home to countless magnificent sceneries, vibrant festivities and delectable cuisines but more than than what's on the surface, Iloilo prides itself with its people. 

Being a melting pot of various cultures in western visayas, not to mention its potential as an avenue for various industries, Iloilo city is the stage to rich traditional customs and modern way of life. 

Recognized as one of the fast emerging cities in the Philippines, Iloilo will capture your every desire for individuality.

 This blog is dedicated to those who dare make the difference by showing the world what Ilonggos are capable of primarily in the fashion arena. 

We will bring to your doorsteps the latest trends and the Ilonggo fashion icons that set the bar higher for creativity, confidence and individualism. 

Watch out for our features and profiles which we hope will inspire you to channel your own creative prowess to dare stand out from the rest of the crowd and showcase your personal style. 

We are also bringing the hottest collections from up and coming Ilonggo artist while updating you with the latest trends in the national and international fashion limelight.

We promise to always be at the front row of events and product launching to bring you tidbits of fashion news, season sales and best buys.

So, what are you waiting for? Wear your own style and show the world that we Ilonggos can. After all, fashion is just a matter of taste.

Read on!

The Chronicles of Coming Out

Portrait / Chalcedon Sanor Photography

Writing has very much been a part of me. I took up Journalism after graduation because I knew this was what I wanted and what I'd love to be doing for the rest of my life.

But life is such a thriller ride, you'll never know whats going to happen next. Doors opened in the fashion industry and the next thing I knew, I was holding a pair of scissors and tape measure.

Interview with judges backstage before the finals of Design Lab.
Photo/ Enzo Mondejar

L to R. Andre Judd Chang, Bo Parcon, Ton Sallarda, Frederick Peralta,
Alfir Desamparado, Mela de Luna, Myself and Enzo Mondejar.
Photo/ Enzo Mondejar

Then on, I've realized I'd love to do both. Wouldn't it be nice to be doing two things you are passionate about altogether? The thought is quite risky as I must admit I am not great in either. However, it doesn't imply that I'd give up just that.

This is more than just a blog. More than just a diary, a photo essay nor a collection of random rantings and musings of my daily wardrobe and lunch.

This is my life and everything that I live for. 

My collection through the lens of renowned fashion photographer Enzo Mondejar

I wouldn't appeal for you to subscribe neither would I ask you to understand, that of course would be asking too much. I have long been inside this closet and I think there is no better time to come out. 

Styling gig for Amazing Planet Channel's Fashion and Beauty Insider.

In a fast paced world, even your wardrobe is no foreign to change. Trends come and go and we have no option but to adapt. Nobody wants to wear something from last seasons sale unless your'e okay with being a thing of the past.

Depache Mode is all about fast and fierce fashion forecasts and features from your closets to the streets. It's style, sense and substance all rolled into one.





















So what are you waiting for? The street is your stage, come out of the closet and see the world in wonderful hues of the rainbow!

Love,

Russel