Nothing plain about Plains & Prints

MANILA, Philippines - “We were inspired by the preppy and sophisticated look,” says Plains & Prints’ Roxanne Farillas of their latest collection, which debuted at Philippine Fashion Week. “We stuck to clean, crisp lines and classic silhouettes for an uptown, high-class feel.” For the most part, the label succeeded, churning out pretty, preppy looks that wouldn’t look out of place at an uptown brunch or pep rally.

Divided into three collections, Plains & Prints opened with their marine series, a selection of indigo and muted Prussian blue-based prints that features scenes straight from the sea. Nautical elements were plentiful, from the jaunty red and navy striped, white-collared shirts to the shipshape, cuffed shorts in navy. A particularly charming print, with crashing waves in white moodily juxtaposed against a washed-out cornflower blue detailing the hem, included ship sails merrily dotted with red, and seagulls in flight. The label highlighted the patterned fabric, which made an appearance as a cap-sleeved button-down, open-necked shirt and a dress cinched with a wide, croc-stamped leather belt in red.

The following collection, dubbed the “Great White Shirt,” featured the label’s latest spin on the classic white shirt. Standouts include a bow-bedecked halter style that had bows fastened along the neckline all the way to the waist, a cheeky twist on a Victorian reference, and a sleeveless blouse with circular popcorn trim adorning each tier.

The show closed with the latest from the RAF collection, which included plenty of little (and not so little: there was a maxi-dress in the mix) black dresses that looked like something straight out of the cocktail circuit.

“We wanted to show that our line can be young and fun while still being sophisticated,” remarked Roxanne, who is a keen fashion follower. Dressed in a black mod-inspired dress and bondage shoes at the show, she noted that women today — particularly in today’s recession — haven’t given up on fashion. They still shop — but now with a hand on the purse strings. “I think that the modern woman wants sophistication, timeless elegance and value for her money,” she says. “Each piece that she buys is an investment in looking good.”

And what does she look for when she shops? “Something that is out of the ordinary — something that I would wear several times with different shoes,” she says with a grin. “I love details.”