Isn’t it Remantic?
Little known fact about Rem Divino: if he were not into haute couture, he would have been involved in film. So fervent is his love for cinema, this fashion designer can give an overview of the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema as well as explain the techniques of legendary directors such as Terrence Malick, Quentin Tarantino and Lino Brocka.
And then there are the costumes. Rachel Chu’s soft blue Marchesa dress in Crazy, Rich Asians, Eliza Doolittle’s ballgown and Ascot outfit in My Fair Lady, Satine’s ornate gowns in Moulin Rouge. These and hundreds more have not gone unnoticed by Divino.
It is unsurprising then that Divino takes inspiration from film when creating his gowns and dresses. “I observe costume designers’ techniques when creating a piece,” Divino shares. “I am also keen to notice their choice of embellishments. I take mental notes on the visuals then invest time in my workplace to determine the process of how to achieve the same effect. If you have spent years in pattern-making, you will have an easier time arriving at the desired shape or fall. In a way, watching films has been the equivalent to what other professions would consider to be textbook learning.”
To celebrate the month of love, Divino presents five Oscar-worthy gowns and cocktail dresses that will surely turn heads. Evident in this collection is the incorporation of silk gazar (the same type of fabric that was used in Kate Middleton’s royal wedding), lace tulle and detailed bead and crystal works.
Also noticeable is the use of accents to call attention to the neckline. “Details along the neckline draw the eyes of the viewer towards the wearer’s face,” explains Divino. “As much as we want a gown or cocktail dress to look beautiful, ultimately, we want people to look the face.”
As Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard said, “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”
Photography by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada • Model: Alexandra Camus • Makeup and hairstyling by Carlo Dino (0922-9150828, 093-55703787) • Clothes by Rem Divino (45F Aguirre Avenue, Phase 1, BF Homes, Parañaque City. Tel. Nos. 880-97625 and 0916-6934446) • Special thanks to Tessa Alindogan
