Island in the sun

During the desert-like heat of summer, the only thing that makes sense, aside from clothing-optional resorts in Antartica, is paper-thin apparel that’s biodegradable and easy on the wallet. Since that’s not yet available, ABU’s spring/summer collection is the next best thing.

The boxer-lovin’ label has released a line of shorts in this year’s hottest (or should we say coolest?) fabric: cotton eyelet. Cut short for a much more contemporary fit, the boxers meld comfort and durability with high-fashion. Worn over a bathing suit at the beach or paired with a cool cami and flip-flops, the shorts work in any locale.

"Our spring/summer collection mixes textures and colors in the relaxed style of ABU," says ABU’s head honcho Jessica Puyat. The label’s considerable selection of ready-to-wear garments, from reasonably-priced denims in chic dark washes to blouses inspired by the latest trends, are nothing to scoff at.

This year, ABU goes younger and more casual, offering tracksuits in beach-ready white, cute minis made in terry cloth, and feminine pieces in sweet prints, on store racks across Manila. "We were inspired by feminine touches," Jessica says, "so we added graphic details like embroidery." True enough, even the most utilitarian of ensembles, the tracksuit, gets a makeover with funky floral embroidery that crawls along the back of the crisp white hoodie and snakes down the suit’s slim pant leg.

The mix-and-match quality of the clothes (any garment can be paired with its intended partner or put together with tailored pieces like pants for dressier events or jeans for casual Friday) have proven that this young label has matured beyond its years, despite the fact that the current crop of styles are much younger in appeal.

A blouse done in a swirly pale blue-green print gets an update with lace edging around the collar. And a sash gives it a much tighter silhouette – something the kids appreciate. Even a T-shirt gets some embellishment, this time with a front-tie sash.

For ABU, more is more. That means more value for your money and more style points for the savvy consumer.

* * *

ABU is located at Glorietta, Megamall, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood, SM City, Robinsons Ermita, and is available at Robinsons Department Stores in Alabang Filinvest and Galleria.