The Year That Was in Cebu’s Fashion Circuit

CEBU, Philippines — Whatever cuts and lines will dominate Cebu’s fashion runways in 2018, no doubt the past year had its standout fashion events.

The Evening Gala Fashion Show of the 65th Miss Universe Swimsuit Presentation

January 17; JPark Island Resort and Waterpark Cebu

Though the stars of the 65th Miss Universe Swimsuit Presentation in Cebu were the 86 candidates of the international beauty pageant, the creations of Cebu’s top couturiers also took centerstage in the evening gala fashion show after the swimsuit event.

The fashion presentation had the metro’s top runway models wear designs by Dexter Alazas, Barbie Alvez, Edwin Ao, Mia Arcenas, Albert Arriba, Protacio Empaces, Jun Escario, Arcy Gayatin, OJ Hoffer, Dino Lloren, Ren Manabat, William Manahan, Mel Maria, Wendell Quisido, Yvonne Quisumbing, Ditas Rodriguez, Philip Rodriguez, Harley Ruedas, Philipp Tampus, Marichu Tan and Cary Santiago.

On the runway was a mix of novel ensembles, covering contemporary adaptations of traditional Filipiniana garb and avant garde fineries – all indicative of the future-forward direction Cebu’s designers.

“Mugnâ: Angry Swan in Love”

February 18; The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort & Spa

Cebu and Luxemburg-based jewelry, accessories and fashion designer Miranda Konstantinidou showcased her brand of boho-infused swimwear, loungewear and resortwear in “Mugnâ: Angry Swan in Love.”

Scored by the festive, laid-back and nature-loving aspects of bohemian styles, the event presented novel and practical sides of bohemian fashion cachets.

Oro China’s 50th Anniversary Gala

March 11; Santa Maria Ballroom, Radisson Blu Cebu

The creations of Cebu’s Jun Escario, Arcy Gayatin, Philip Rodriguez and Cary Santiago and Metro Manila’s Rajo Laurel, Francis Libiran and Randy Ortiz certainly made good impression during the 50th Anniversary Gala of Oro China, one of the country’s established jewelry brands. The jewelries presented effectively accentuated the sleek cuts and lines of the dresses. Indeed, the jewelry pieces shone without overpowering their wearers’ glow.

“La Violette”, “Clair de Lune” and “La Relance”

October 6 and 7; Grand Pacific Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

Three bridalwear presentations comprised the “Weddings at the Waterfront” bridal fair of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino last year. Titled “La Violette,” “Clair de Lune,” and “La Relance,” the events presented the in-season collections of the country’s highly-sought after designers, all-in-all adding an extra zing to the two-day bridal fair.

The Binibining Cebu Coronation Night

October 28; Grand Pacific Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

Haute couture designs have long been a highlight of beauty pageants, and the first Binibining Cebu Coronation Night was no exemption. Unlike other beauty pageants though, only one eveningwear design was worn by the pageant’s candidates during the coronation night – a Venus-cut gown by Cebuano couturier extraordinaire Cary Santiago.

The pearl-toned gown was a “uniform” dress that allowed the winning form of a wearer to stand out among others wearing the same design.