The Lightness of Being
Perfect weather is about eternal hours of sunshine, clear blue skies and, once in a while, a refreshing tropical breeze. In this season in fashion, dark hues and heavy fabrics and overly opulent details take their yearly hiatus to make way for essential elements that comprise the perfect summer ensemble. Summer’s choice pieces this year give one a sensory treat of sorts. Colors paint a picturesque view of St. Tropez as lush greens, popping pinks, sunny yellows and cool blues make a big style statement. Languid and fluid silhouettes — either bodycon or free-flowing — add to the refreshing flavors ever-present during champagne afternoon in
Light and breezy fabrics like jersey, cotton or chiffon serve as the most fitting canvas in expressing the laid-back temperament and sedate feel that dominates the most striking Spring/Summer 2008 collections. Take for example Dries Van Noten’s tribal-inspired dresses or Proenza Schouler’s bodycon numbers. Just the same, many a sun worshipper will attest that while stark black and deep browns are classic staples, soothing neutrals in beige, light gray and white are prescribed fashion requisites. To achieve the more youthful vibe, however, color blocks, a trend that has been sweeping over the international catwalks of late, will immediately radiate an irresistible verve. Spearheading this movement are labels like Louis Vuitton, Jil Sander and Prada. Each number sent down the catwalks exhibits a flawlessly distinct design sensibility that is fused with of-the-moment color selections.
On our very own sun-drenched shores, an up-and-coming designer is turning quite a few heads. With pieces that are soon to hit the racks of Tint, House of Laurel and Rustan’s, Rosanna Ocampo’s collection for Summer exhibits a keen eye for detail. It is, however, the play of print and colors consistently present in each piece that impresses the most. Shades of purple, pink and aqua are fused on African-inspired jersey dresses to create a look that is contemporarily urban as it is aptly laid-back. Her dresses — most of which are deliberately short — take on interesting details such as ruching, appliqués and drapery, resulting in a whole new approach to tropical glamour.
Truly, the very thing that makes the idea of going on a Summer holiday even more exciting lies in knowing that one will be sifting through racks and racks of dresses, cover-ups, tunics and other style essentials needed for the season. And if there is one thing that holds true, the pieces that have rightly claimed their places on fashion’s ever-fickle consciousness are those that evoke ease. There holds a sense of glamour without being constrained; each detail is undeniably luxe yet dynamic in texture and depth; every silhouette a celebration of movement and the lightness of being.
(E-mail the author at bianca.salonga@gmail.com)
