The look of now

MANILA, Philippines - As the new year begins and we purge ourselves of the excess of normcore and athleisure that filled the past year (thank God), we start 2015 with a clean slate. Because after all the Birkenstocks and Flyknits, the thirst for a new direction is here — it’s real and it can’t be ignored. And as we always say here at YStyle, being ahead of everyone ain’t a bad thing. So before the new trends trickle down to everyone’s closet, we’re giving you options for all the possible directions you should be heading.  

We asked five of YStyle’s roster of next-generation tastemakers to interpret their definition of the new style zeitgeist. We say: drop everything, start taking notes, and take the leap because this is the new, the now, and the next.

SAM POTENCIANO

Describe the current state of local fashion: Developing. It’s great to see local independent labels slowly banding together, creating spaces, and moving forward without losing their specific voices.

What areas of Philippine fashion do you think need improvement? As a whole we could all put less of a premium on the cult of celebrities and focus instead on creating high-quality work that actually pushes the industry forward.

Describe the look that you styled for this shoot: A little masculine, imprecise, treading that line between going out and staying in. A nondescript denim jacket worn loosely over a Basic Movement vest, both a size too big. A guy’s shorts appropriated into culottes. Delicate jewelry balanced with a barely-there septum ring. I liked the idea of androgynous tailoring thrown in with some subtle denim on denim. It’s casual but still refined. Definitely not overtly showy, which I don’t gravitate towards.

What is your trend forecast for 2015? A few more piercings and tattoos. Consuming things that are, in general, more personal and less disposable.

Modeled by Patricia Henson | Septum ring from River Island, denim jacket from Bench, tailored vest from Basic Movement, sandals from Penshoppe

QURATOR: MAITA B. amd CATH S.

Describe the current state of local fashion: More people are getting into the business of fashion, especially in the Philippines; there are a lot of emerging fashion designers and stylists. More international brands are starting to come in as well. There’s a growing curiosity and learning about fashion. People who are successful in their fields outside fashion are also getting more wary about what they wear.

What areas of Philippine fashion do you think need improvement? We feel that Filipinos should be more open in accepting individual style and to understand that it’s not about being trend-crazy. Fashion is personal expression. It’s not just what you wear but how you wear it.

Describe the look that you styled for this shoot: We went for an all-white ensemble (trousers and top with embellishment) paired with sexy strappy stilettos. We played with classics, paired it with luxe fabrics and textures. We like breezy, fluid, dramatic, natural and timeless. We’ve been styling for more than four years together and get each other’s aesthetics when it comes to styling.

What is your trend forecast for 2015? For 2015, we think that women will feel more confident and willing to experiment with menswear but with a sexy twist. Trousers paired with a nice top and sexy heels, just like what we did. And for the color, you will never go wrong with white.

Modeled by Sofia Fajardo | Top and trousers from Chloe and shoes from Giuseppe Zanotti

MJ BENITEZ

Describe the current state of local fashion: There’s definitely a growing interest in local fashion. I’m particularly excited by the sudden surge of young, independent brands in the Metro. There’s so much potential and I feel that they’re changing the retailscape.

What areas of Philippine fashion do you think need improvement? Business models, product quality, and support for homegrown design.

Describe the look that you styled for this shoot: The look I came up with is pretty straightforward — a turtleneck and trouser pairing worn with flat shoes and zero accessories. I chose the minimalist all-white trend because it’s clean, classic, and cool without even trying.

What is your trend forecast for 2015? Probably more masculine-feminine looks, say, utilitarian denim jumpsuits (as seen in Chloé and Stella McCartney) or cropped trouser suits inspired by Chanel and Celine’s spring/summer offerings. And hats. Lots of them.

Modeled by Jana Stuntz | Turtleneck from Balenciaga at Univers, linen blazer and trousers from H&M, and shoes from Charles and Keith.

KAREN BOLILIA

Describe the current state of local fashion: Thriving, definitely. It’s an especially exciting time for young designers. There’s some great potential out there.

What areas of Philippine fashion do you think need improvement? Product development, sampling — I feel that these are super integral to the design process. This is where you should confront the fit, hemlines, stitching, et cetera. Execution is always the tricky part, no matter how innovative the idea is. Pieces need a second, even a third eye — it’ll help filter and shape the product to its best form.

Describe the look that you styled for this shoot: This is more or less my loose interpretation of the Louis Vuitton/Paco Rabanne look. I love how snug the clothes have gotten this season. I haven’t been able to stay away ever since Ghesquiere’s first collection with them (LV), but it also happens that it sent ripples throughout — that ‘70s look is now about to be everywhere. I’m really blown away by how he managed to simplify but also totally address it to a new kind of LV girl — he’s building a wardrobe you can evolve with; and in a time where something new ages in a hot minute, this is kind of revolutionary.

What is your trend forecast for 2015? Going to be wearing a lot of A-line skirts, high-waisted pants and trousers. Dark denim. Fitted crewneck shirts and compression tops. And I have a feeling — more color, too.

Modeled by Jullian Culas | Jacquemus colored sleeve tee, Carl Jan Cruz twill print rash gyard, Louis Vuitton monogram belt, Helmut lang archive denim, and Jil Sander x Churchs archive shoes.

TINA ONG

Describe the current state of local fashion: I’ve only started to take notice of and purchase local fashion last year, and even more now, thanks to Green Sun’s Soma stores, which feature a curation of local brands. I think it’s brave and really refreshing to see these young designers go for their dreams and share their visions; it’s a greater challenge for them today to be standing amongst more and more mass-produced fashion retail stores.

What areas of Philippine fashion do you think need improvement? I think there would be more opportunities if we had our own fabric mills.

Describe the look that you styled for this shoot: I styled my model in a denim tunic and cropped wide trousers. Spring/summer 15 had a lot of denim looks and looks with a “zen” vibe, both of which I personally love and strongly relate to, so I decided to put them together.

What is your trend forecast for 2015? I’d say we’ll be seeing a lot of higher necklines and wider pants for womenswear this year.

Modeled by Sam Humphries | Tunic from Randolf and sandals from Renegade Folk

Photos by BJ PASCUAL

Produced by DAVID MILAN

and MARTIN YAMBAO

Makeup by APPLE FARAON and ANACLETA PAREDES

of MAC Cosmetics

Hair by MYCKE ARCANO and DAVE GRONA