Joey Samson & Jojie Lloren lead the pack

It’s common knowledge in the world of fashion that fashion people are the hardest to impress. Years of watching models walk down the runway, even in the most impeccable of clothes, can be draining and tiresome and can leave the spectator jaded and bored. It’s probably because they’ve seen it all: from the daring and overtly sexy to the eerie and mysterious. In the end, a show is just a show with the usual pleasantries (real and not), and a review is just another analysis of a collection that can either be mind-blowing or better off forgotten.

But sometimes, along comes a show that is so absolutely spectacular and entertaining that it can bring a smile or, like at the Metrowear show last July 30, a swing to the hips of even the most jaded fashionista. Maybe it was the DJ who enthusiastically drew the crowd in with his awesome mix, accompanied by the violinist whose zealous playing literally had sparks flying from his instrument, to the chorale whose voices were the perfect accompaniment to the songs. Or it could have been the breathtaking voice of Rada that brought down the house. All these, combined with beautiful clothes and stunning men and women made for a fantastic fashion show worthy of genuine praise. There were four themes which the designers worked with: Shakespeare with baroque influences and opulent fabrics; Enchantment with soft, flowing silhouettes fashioned for a ballerina; House On A Prairie with girly allure; and Guggenheim with hard-edged architectural inspirations. Each had its singular charms, providing both awkward misses and incredible hits.

Nevertheless, it was a show to be remembered as one of the few times when the stiffest among the fashion crowd let their hair down and simply had fun.

Joey Samson

Once again, he delivers a flawless collection with genius tailoring.

Jojie Lloren

The master of patterns played with coats with giant collars in a pina-like fabric that had a grand, opera effect.

Dong Omaga-Diaz

Diaz had interesting coats that paid homage to ’80s society women.

Ferdie Abuel

Sewing different barong-inspired fabrics into shift dresses and adding leather details made his collection innovative.

Rajo Laurel

Genius use of a gauzy fabric in a subdued blue hue over nude dresses made up his technique.

Ramon Esteban

His mocha tiered dresses show a dexterity with sleek silhouettes.

Avel Bacudio

Albeit a tad too short, his dresses had decent workmanship.

Regine Dulay

This collection showed architectural gray pieces with some tucking.

Veejay Floresca

His pieces were all about gray ruffled details with visible back zippers.

Hindy Tantoco

Tantoco went ultra-feminine with giant rose appliqués attached to tops and skirts in a gorgeous palette of old rose.

Louis Claparols

A very pretty mix of florals and gingham in the softest dresses gave both a womanly and girly feel. A subtle use of sequins was also tastefully done.

Gerry Katigbak

The designer showed whimsical fashion that was a little costumey.

Tippi Ocampo

A “schoolgirl plaid” fabric was not the best choice but her pieces still had good tailoring.

Barba

His equestrienne chic pieces in gorgeous velvet fabric looked rich and luxurious.

Eric delos Santos

Staying true to his love of color, his pieces blended greens and blues reminiscent of an ice skater’s suit.

JC Buendia

His silk-shantung suits had a strong Asian influence.

John Herrera

Fantastic gowns with cut-out details were meticulously sliced to perfection.