Adora soars with Harlan+Holden
MANILA, Philippines - In nature, there is no sight as majestic as a bird about to take flight: the out stretching of wings, the lengthening of their necks, and the gentle movement as their clawed feet leave the ground. The light, airy and fluid motion of birds, along with the jeweled colors and faded metallic hues of the world’s most exotic breeds have inspired the holiday collection of Harlan+Holden, the in-house brand of Adora department store. The result is a line of women’s wardrobe essentials done in rich colors, fluid fabrics, soft textures and elegant shapes.
But more than that, Adora has finally released its best-kept secret weapon: a roof-shattering bird color-silhouette. This will surely obliterate the visual competitors of Manila’s retail landscape. Inspired by the dramatic color clashing of the wild birds in the jungles, Harlan + Holden shows off shapes of red. The diversity of ruby amidst the glossy dark forest green and dusky rose is the quiet punch no one will expect. This jump-out of your seat surprise of unconventional color blocks — as seen in the metallic greys with classic beige, and bright fuchsia with crimson red — seems off-setting at first, but upon further investigation, works as if the newfound freedom of flying through the Amazon has just been discovered.
With authority, Harlan + Holden reveals a new reference point for all to follow: loose on loose — on loose. The fluid cut of the clothing emulates the open shapes of an ostrich body, making them more flattering on women with a various body types. Soft, airy fabrics are right beside boxy pants stitched into shapes that prioritize ease of movement rather than constriction. Glossy transparent sheer skirts and dreamy chiffon add volume and drama to easygoing days, while angular tops that imitate the curvy shoulders of birds perched on a branch adds to the aviary vision of the collection. As a result, ensembles can easily transform throughout the day from a casual lunch date, to a formal dinner, then to a dramatic party entrance, with just a few tweaks in footwear and jewelry. A preposterous idea of throwing away tight-fitting concepts surprisingly turns a wardrobe into a functional display of what is cutting edge.
Each piece fits in seamlessly with the rest of a woman’s existing wardrobe. The length of maxi skirts and dresses that produce a regal bird-feather effect of gently grazing the floor — is a match to a plain solid-colored top. The loose-fitting tops in vibrant colors dress up a snug pair of denims and heels, while the jodhpurs and square-shaped cocktail dresses are done up with class.
Unlike birds however, the presence of the Harlan+Holden woman is not fleeting because even after she is gone, her impression of elegance and beauty will last, while her freedom and ease of movement in her clothing will be envied as she takes flight and soars on a sartorial notch above the rest.
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Harlan+Holden is available only at Adora, 2/F Greenbelt 5, Tel. 217-4029
