Fashion Watch Thursdays

I've been reading a lot about the Fashion Watch event that happens in Makati Shangri-la every Thursday afternoon. As if my mom read my mind, she asked me if I wanted to go to one of the shows. I excitedly said yes and found the time to have my date with her even though I am currently swamped with school requirements. Yes, fashion over school. Always.

Fashion Watch, an event sponsored by Preview Magazine and Style Bible, showcases the latest collections of the country's prestigious and sought-after designers. Every Thursday afternoon, they feature the collections of two designers. It takes place in the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang - the perfect venue for elegance, luxury, and fashion. No tickets are required to reserve a table but you have to EAT - and honestly, what's a better incentive than that?

For P600, fashion show watchers are entitled to the Fashion Watch canapé set of smoked salmon on pumpernickel bread and cream cheese canapé, foie gras terrine on toasted brioche and fig jam canapé, and the “Fashion Watch” cocktail, a concoction of lychee, rum, and sparkling wine.

But I've been eating a lot lately (emotional and stress eater here), so that obviously wasn't enough for me. For an extra P300, I upgraded it to a Classic Elegant Afternoon Tea set which includes: raisin and lemon scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam, selection of finger sandwiches: goat cheese and watercress, smoked salmon and dill mayonnaise on pumpernickel bread, roast beef, caramelized onion and seeded mustard aioli, chocolate financier, strawberry tartlet, walnut brownie, and lemon cheesecake. All of that high tea food left me feeling MORE than satisfied!

While happily munching on my food, I also enjoyed looking at the outfits of the other guests. Boy do they dress up! I spotted a few fall trends: animal prints, brights, and harem pants. I also spotted a few celebrities such as Gretchen Barretto and Inno Sotto. 

The first designer to showcase his collection was FRANCIS LIBIRAN.

In Libiran's collection, the women were clad in elegance as they showcased cocktail dresses in shiny fabric and swooshy and sheer maxi gowns while being adorned in statement gold jewelry - necklaces, bangles, and earrings. The two ends of the color specturm - neutral and jewel - were represented. There were also some models in flattering pantsuits paired with cropped tops such as the one in deep blue. The men perfectly complemented the women as they walked on the runway with dapper suits and bow ties. Overall, Libiran perfectly captured the modern fashionistas and fashionistos with his minimally-styled yet head-turning designs.

Next up was the collection of DENNIS LUSTICO.

Lustico, in his spring/summer 2012 collection, played with details and appliqué. Noticeable were the pieces that were adorned with buttons in a non-classical way. He also used lace appliqués and netted fabric. The first look gave a strong impact as the model strutted a off-white cocktail dress with a flesh-toned blazer. Other notable pieces were the ones that included flouncy skirts, maxi skirts in sheer fabric, and two-toned dresses. Lustico had only 20 looks but his collection showed us that quantity doesn't matter for the quality of his collections was very feminine yet very sharp - a great concoction of style that makes a woman garner the respect she deserves. 

As always, I tried to go for a simple yet elegant look. The overall theme of my outfit was the classic black and white color combination but I tried to inject a bit of fun by wearing hot pink nail polish and accessorizing with a colored ring from Italy. 

That Thursday was well-spent. I enjoyed and I'm considering watching another show or two. After all, it is great practice for my future fashion journalist career. Hopefully.

D