Out of this world
Last time we saw a YDG show, we wondered what would happen to the Young Designers Guild, considering the mass exodus of its senior and more seasoned members past the age of 35 (after all, the “Y” in YDG stands for “young”).
Because of this, the YDG has had to recruit new members who can hopefully live up to high expectations.
As you know, the YDG usually stages the most anticipated fashion shows in Metro Manila.
All up till last week, when Samsung and Metro magazine presented YDG for MetroWear at the
In a nutshell, it was a night of references from recent and not-so-recent collections here and abroad.
It started with a teaser of offerings by some of its more popular alumni.
Ivarluski Aseron referenced himself, showing what he does best: pretty powder dresses in complicated patterns of woven and twisted strips of fabric that are a sure crowd pleaser.
Joey Samson showed pieces that were not quite a collection — with a couple of nifty pieces that showcased his talent and uniqueness.
However, Joey seems to work better when he references himself rather than other designers. His menswear was a combination of Thom Browne-meets-The Alchemists, with awkwardly cropped pants paired with backless jackets belted at the waist.
Dong Omaga Diaz reminded us of Sylver Custorio’s black funnel evening dresses, last time we checked. I, for one, could never forget Sylver’s dramatic black dresses you can’t wear to a sit-down dinner. Simply because you can’t sit.
The show proper began with Ferdie Abuel referencing a jewel-toned, amateur version of Ivar Aseron, with the complicated space-age cutouts-meets-gladiator details, with covered buttons!
Now this is complicated.
Mitzi Quilendrino-Bustos showed what she called her “Gray Widow Collection” of soft gray outfits that a young widow might wear to the wake.
However, we were confused by the embroidered eye-masks used as headbands. It is quite possible that the widow woke up disoriented in her party clothes worn the night before, with one high heel and one bedroom slipper. Please explain.
Reian Mata’s collection was called “Patching Things Up.”
I think it should be called “Raggedy Ann: Girl Who Went Crazy With Scissors and Her Mom’s Baul and Sewing Kit.”
No explanation necessary.
John Herrera referenced Jeff Koon’s “Rabbit” sculpture for his “Android” collection and came up with safe and versatile tracksuits, putting models in almost unisex gray outfits that can be taken from the street to the gym, from the airport to the dance floor.
Brian Leyva, usually known for terrific color combinations, did another “Ode to Ivar Aseron” with complicated space-age cutouts (once again) on her Sailormoon schoolgirl in Girbaud.
Go figure.
Now that Yvonne Romulo is no longer at YDG, thank God for Patty Eustaquio who saved the day with her forest nymphs in black and white dresses with cutout details, Philip Treacy-inspired horned hats, and homemade spats.
