A structured silhouette for the seasonless ensemble
Raoul Ramirez: Taking the Orient train
Opening the show with a very strong oriental theme, Raoul’s modernized cheongsam in black and silver was a play on traditional shapes and modern cuts. Several permutations of this dress would come up throughout the collection, made different from each other by slashes, slits and the interjection of slivers of silver fabric. A welcome departure from the usual fluid and ethereal dresses of summer, his body-con dresses hinted at controlled sensuality. His diaphanous ombré beach gowns in muted shades of black, gray and white were a refreshing take on glamorous resort wear that is usually done in citrus and bright shades. His collection also featured some sequined pieces and a few short shorts for men.
Lyle Ibanez: Sequins of events
Fluid with a hint of structure, Lyle opened his collection with a black jersey pantsuit, made more interesting with overlapping fabrics on the legs that softly opened with every step. This was paired with a structured cropped jacket in an unusual shade of silver gray. Sequins in shades of gray and black were used generously on both men’s and women’s wear. Sequined men’s shorts were paired with asymmetric jersey tops while the women strutted in sequined, hooded maillots. Touches of turquoise added a bright pop of color into the dominantly gray and black collection. Mesh and exposed zippers were also strategically placed to add a modern and playful vibe to the collection. Modern and a bit retro at the same time, Lyle Ibanez’s Sahara-inspired collection is all about the glamour and sparkle of spring and summer sojourns.
Noel Crisostomo: Pretty in pink
Noel’s collection was a mixture of several textures, silhouettes, and shades that at times seemed to have too many elements for one collection. There was the lady-like element of full skirts done in a glossy, latex-like fabric in shades of white and pink. There were also palazzo pants with scalloped edges and a pink floral-print skirt. Also present were a few pieces done in mint tweed and salmon. The strongest pieces in the collection, however, were the Halston-inspired tube dresses and jumpsuits that instantly transport you back to a time when glamour was easy and sexy.
Ronaldo Arnaldo: Architectural feat
Staying true to his look of structured pieces, Ronaldo Arnaldo’s collection for spring/summer 2011 paid homage to modern architecture with interesting fabric overlays, bold piping and folds done in shades of black, gray, blue and white. The very strong urban element made the collection perfect for the modern working woman with the structured skirts paired with more relaxed cream, knit tops. White pinstriped pants and dresses looked modern and fresh. Shades of mustard were used as an accent, adding to the modern, urban feel of the collection. Ronaldo’s designs always stimulate the mind with creative folds for sleeves, layered fabrics to create stripes, thus creating that element of quiet, intelligent sophistication in every piece that is his trademark. Made for the modern woman fighting it out in style in the urban jungle, Ronaldo’s collection is fresh and crisp.
