CEBU, Philippines - There's no doubt that the name 'Philip Rodriguez' is already an indelible mark in Cebu's fashion scene. It seems that when the city wants to flaunt its merits in terms of fashion and style, the name is always put up front. And it is for good reason: Philip Rodriguez is perhaps the longest-running and most stable fashion trendsetter on this side of the country.
In an important national celebration in the mid-90s, Rodriguez spearheaded "Obra Maestra," a collection of the previous turn-of-the-century fashion by Cebu designers. It was a significant Cebuano participation in the national event. Recently, last Friday, September 11, Philip Rodriguez presented a three-suite collection - "Circa 1900," "Busay," and "Mantones" - specially for the APEC Spouses' Lunch, a part of their city tour. The show at the Circa 1900 restaurant was called "Handumanan."
"Circa 1900" -
A look-back to colonial Cebu
It was a stroll back in time as Cebu's fashion czar relived the fashion of the city's glorious past. Postcards from Commonwealth-era Cebu came to life in digital-print daywear.
"Busay" -
The city's highland flower garden
Busay, in the breezy hinterlands of Cebu, is a place where vast flower farms abound. The multi-color fields give a surrealistic imagery and are a favorite subject of the local visual artists. Philip Rodriguez interprets Busay in captivating details and colors reflective of the vibrant floralia.
"Mantones" -
The embroidered silk shawl's voyage via the Galleon Trade
Philip Rodriguez unveiled a romantic and nostalgic collection to celebrate the 450 years of international trading and commerce. The year 1565 marked the start of the Galleon Trade between the Philippines and Spain. The galleon followed a route that passed by Acapulco, bringing spices, porcelain, ivory and the prized Chinese embroidered silk shawl. By the time the shawl reached Spain, it came to be called as the "Mantones de Manila."
For sure, Rodriguez’s show has again made a good impression with the APEC spouses. And this is no longer rare for a master like him. Philip Rodriguez is a class of his own.