SoFA Design Institute Graduation Show 2012

 

When In Manila, truth be told, that it has become one of the world’s fashion-conscious cities in the recent years. Filipino fashion enthusiasts have always been around, but with the ubiquity of social media and the Internet, the Philippines’ fashion devotees finally had access to global trends which had always arrived late to the Philippine shores. While fashion education is still at its infancy, the dawn of the Internet age give much hope to fashion lovers who want to take a coveted spot in the industry.

 

 

Last Monday, October 29, fashionphiles flocked to the Rockwell Tent to attend The School of Fashion and the Arts Design Institute’s Graduation Show 2012. This event (co-presented by BlackBerry and Rockwell Land) marks the debut of seventeen esteemed protégées and visionaries to the fashion and design world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Filipino talent has emerged to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of fashion. SoFA Design Institute, the Philippines’ first specialized fashion and design college, takes pride in honing and cultivating local talent and potential. Collections from seventeen graduating students showcased their talent in design and skills in constructing garments.

 

 

 

A Lesson in Geometry and Color-Blocking

 

 

 

Garments of wool, leather, chiffon and denim walked down the runway to signal the start of the show. The models carried BlackBerry phones that have been stylized and decorated by SoFA students. Leather cutouts color-blocked the clothes in denim, wool and chiffon to form geometric shapes and unique silhouettes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then came the collections by the graduating students. Mentored by Gian Romano, who studied at the highly esteemed Central Saint Martins in London, the graduates each showed 5 to 6-piece collections. While most pieces seem to keep up with current season trends with peplums and panels, some creations were a cut above the rest. With careful detailing, planning and styling, the collections from the standouts left everyone in awe.

 

 

 

 

 

Understated Glamour: The Gold Cut-out Vest Gives Zest to a Seemingly Simple Ensemble

 

 

 

Danika Navarro opened the show with a mix of brown, beige and gold to achieve an earthly harmony of soft and hard. Her collection in organza, chiffon, leather in shiny finish exuded a sophisticated mishmash of short and long dresses that are very wearable.

 

 

 

Monastic or Hedonistic? 

 

 

 

Irene Subang draped metallic satin and taffeta in playful silhouettes. Her creations of jewel colors, skillful draping and antique-finish crosses gave a lingering question. Which would you choose: A life of religious devotion or sensual satisfaction?

 

 

 

 

 

Urban Chic: Tippi Sy Turns Streetwear into Couture

 

 

 

Streetwear and couture are two very different branches of fashion that many have attempted to mix together. While others fail, Tippi Sy seamlessly incorporated the two together. Denim and knits have always been ideal companions, but creative draping and a subtle hint of neon plastic accessories gave the collection something different.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Pop of Color: Pristine de Guzman Injects Life into a Monochromatic Scheme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Probably the most well-though-out and interesting collection was by Pristine de Guzman. She describes her collection as “how magma will contour a woman’s body as it cools to form lava.” The dark selection of fabric is balanced by pops of color here and there. While most would think that a mostly monochromatic collection would turn out boring, this notion was debunked by Pristine’s masterful use of texture variation. The silhouettes that were formed by the varying cuts and drapes were innovative and inspiring. Truly a collection to take note of, Pristine’s highly-conceptual work pieces hands down stole the show.

 

 

While others’ collections stood out from the bunch, a few pieces definitely did not go unnoticed.

 

 

 

Dan Concepcion’s Peach Dress Reinterprets Sportswear

 

 

 

Roha Martinez Gives the Jumpsuit an Upgrade

 

 

 

Arianne Tonda Walks Us Through a Sexy Librarian’s Wardrobe

 

 

 

With the Graduation Show 2012, the SoFA Design Institute showed that the fashion industry in the Philippines continues to develop to become something that is globally competitive. It proves that creativity is not only appreciated but nurtured as well. So the next time you go out to explore, WhenInManila, grab something fashionable and trendy to show off your eye for fashion. Who knows? Maybe someday, Manila will become one of  the fashion capitals of the world!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School of Fashion and the Arts

SoFA Design Institute 

 

 

Ground fl. Enzo Bldg, 399 Gil Puyat Ave, Makati City, Philippines

 (632) 478 4622 / (632) 478 4611

twitter: https://twitter.com/SoFACollege

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoFACollege

 

 

 

 

 

SoFA Design Institute Graduation Show 2012