Holi-dazed and confused
MANILA, Philippines - The holiday season is fast-approaching (just admit that you’ve already been compiling your wish list items for the past month), but the “ber” months aren’t quite here yet. Out west, they’re prepping for holidays like Halloween (we can only guess how many girls are going as Lana del Rey in Born to Die this year), Thanksgiving, and um, the Appalachian Heritage Festival. Okay. But just because we can’t necessarily relate, it doesn’t mean we can’t find a good excuse to party. This week, YStyle gathered six of Manila’s best young designers and asked them to come up with festive autumnal-appropriate looks. Take your pick and throw a themed house party — everybody loves dressing up in theme anyway. You can also just think of it as a dry-run for the party you’ve been planning for Christmas.
Battle of the best-dressed: You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not indulge if you're planning to look this good. Stacy Rodriguez of Glasnost, 26
@glasnostbystacy
Describe your look.
I thought people would think “She looks like a Christmas tree” ’cause the fabric I chose is pretty liberal, but also “She looks cool, though. That’s pretty chic.” Because I chose to do a modern cut and styled it with such profuse accessories. The Jewelmer pearls obviously do so much for the look.
How did you inject your signature aesthetic into this look?
I don’t like being put in box, I like finding ways to step out of it, so it’s hard to specify what I “injected,” but when I speak more about my design aesthetic you’ll understand.
Hold on, what is your signature design aesthetic?
Like I said, I like changing things, but when I design, I have the same mindset and aesthetic: off-beat. Modern and polished bohemianism. Always a little quirky and racy.
If we could get just one item from this look, which would you recommend?
You must get the entire look. Like, you must.
What are the major looks that you foresee for “festive autumnal” hair and makeup?
I love shorter, understated hair. And you used to have to choose between strong eyes and strong lips, but why not do both?
What about accessories?
OPULENT.
If we had only 10 minutes to get ready for a party, what’s the one thing we should keep in mind?
When in doubt, go all out.
What should be avoided when it comes to party dressing?
I’d say looking like a Christmas tree, but sabi nga ni Justin Bieber, “Never say never.”
What’s the one thing on your wish list right now?
Anything Prada. You can never have enough Prada. Illusyonada, much?
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Nixon Marquez, 24
@nxnmarquez
Describe your look.
Laid-back city chic.
How did you inject your signature aesthetic into this look?
I was able to achieve my aesthetic through the oversized structured shirt with a touch of sporty, yet very feminine with the leather zip-up skirt.
Hold on, what is your signature design aesthetic?
It focuses more on structured, obscure, masculine streetwear with a cool city laid-back vibe, colliding with my major inspiration: grunge, punk and rock stars.
If we could get just one item from this look, which would you recommend?
I would probably recommend the leather skirt, since you can pair it with anything in your closet, from a dressy top, down to your plain white tank.
What are the major looks that you foresee for “festive autumnal” hair and makeup?
I think it would be fresh-looking, like slight contour and naturally colored lips, but with a focus on the eyes: slightly dark shadowy eyes.
What about accessories?
I think Chrono men’s watches will be chic for girls, plus gold bangles or bracelets with a hint of color, like breaded strings.
If we had only 10 minutes to get ready for a party, what’s the one thing we should keep in mind?
Keep in mind that you should always be comfortable with what you wear because you will miss out on all the fun if you keep on thinking about your outfit.
What should be avoided when it comes to party dressing?
I think it would be the mentality that one should wear everything brand new just because it’s the holidays, resulting in a messed-up outfit. Learn how to mix and match whatever is in your wardrobe, whether it’s a brand-new sequined top or just your worn-out basic shirt.
What’s the one thing on your wish list right now?
A new MacBook Pro with retina display.
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Enrico Carado, 24
@enricocarado
Describe your look.
My look is an edgier version of the little black dress. It’s a black peplum dress with quilted details, cutouts and studs.
How did you inject your signature aesthetic into this look?
I used cutouts and patches as details.
Hold on, what is your signature design aesthetic?
More of a 3D graphic look. I have been using cutouts as embellishments that have a very visual appeal.
If we could get just one item from this look, which would you recommend?
The dress, of course.
What are the major looks that you foresee for “festive autumnal” hair and makeup?
Dark colors like plum are very suited for this holiday season and grungy pulled-up hair that doesn’t look overdone.
What about accessories?
Accessories this season are becoming bigger and better; a nice oversized neckpiece, rings or earrings go best when spicing up your holiday look.
If we had only 10 minutes to get ready for a party, what’s the one thing we should keep in mind?
Your outfit, of course. The best way to look gorgeous at a party is by wearing a fabulous ensemble!
What should be avoided when it comes to party dressing?
Avoid trying too hard; know when to stop; and one statement piece is enough to look your best.
What’s the one thing on your wish list right now?
I’ve always wanted fully-studded leather boots!
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Kristel Yulo, 30
@kristelyulo
Describe your look.
I would say my look is fun, wearable, but still a bit classic with lots of modern touches, so that it coincides with the different fashion trends today.
How did you inject your signature aesthetic into this look?
For the cocktail dress with a black skirt over-lay, it’s all about the details; the bodice is fully beaded in panels and strategically placed so that the little nude bits are seen creating this overall sexy classic vibe.
Hold on, what is your signature design aesthetic?
I would say my signature aesthetic is really strategically-placed details and paneling; taking the old with the new.
If we could get just one item from this look, which would you recommend?
The little peek-a-boo bit of the skirt; a subtle sexy way to show the legs and match it with a complementary orange color.
What are the major looks that you foresee for “festive autumnal” hair and makeup?
I still see the smoky eyes and strong lip colors (mainly varieties of red) with long big hair or messy ponytails. For me, it’s strong, bold, yet still has this understated tone to it.
What about accessories?
Personally, I like simple accessories, nothing too fancy tp the design, but making a bolder statement with color. For example, having a brightly colored shoe or earrings with a single-colored dress.
If we had only 10 minutes to get ready for a party, what’s the one thing we should keep in mind?
Accessorize! Even an LBD can work wonders, but the trick is to accessorize to make your look truly stand out.
What should be avoided when it comes to party dressing?
I would say overdoing the holiday colors because the holidays have several bold colors — it’s always safe to balance it out by using one bold color as a major statement piece and its complementary color for smaller statement pieces like earrings or a ring.
What’s the one thing on your wish list right now?
Hardcover limited editions of Valentino Garavani by Suzy Menkes, Matt Tyrnauer, and Armando Chitolina and Memoire De La Mode LeSage by Lydia Kamitsis.
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Pat Bondoc and Rik Rasos of Proudrace, 20s
@proudrace
Describe your look.
Leather weather.
How did you inject your signature aesthetic into this look?
It’s just how we like it: tough, street and minimal.
Hold on, what is your signature design aesthetic?
Brooding streetwear. (Laughs)
If we could get just one item from this look, which would you recommend?
Get everything! Help yourselves.
What are the major looks that you foresee for “festive autumnal” hair and makeup?
Natural.
What about accessories?
Fanny packs.
If we had only 10 minutes to get ready for a party, what’s the one thing we should keep in mind?
Wear clean underwear.
What should be avoided when it comes to party dressing?
Tight clothes — so you can eat all you want.
What’s the one thing on your wish list right now?
A trip to Japan.
