Filipina, Bravo!

I have always believed that Filipinas are some of the most beautiful women in the world. We hate the color of our skin, the curl of our hair, the challenges we have to face right here in the Third World - but I believe that these things make us strong and beautiful. But come, I'm biased. 

Nationalism is a hot commodity right now because of the elections. We have t-shirts from Collezione, Bench, and now, a huge fashion show from Ayala Malls. Filipina, Bravo! is an exhibit  that seeks to pay homage to Filipina icons by interpreting them with contemporary fashion.

Participating designers include the legendary and timeless Patis Tesoro and Criselda Lontok; the unquestionable queen of knits Lulu Tan Gan; the famed femme favorite Patrice Ramos-Diaz; silk heiress Katrina Goulbourn; Bonne Bouche’s Michi Calica, Elena Bautista and Emi Jorge; contemporary and fashion forward designers Tippi Ocampo, Kate Torralba and Hindy Weber-Tantoco; easy fashion for the working woman from Yvette and Choc Religioso and Arlene Sipat; award-winning Mich Dulce for Myth; supermodel-turned-designer Tweety de Leon for Myth; acclaimed bag designer and SoFa founder Amina Aranaz; exquisite accessories designer Ana Rocha; and pearl excellence from Jewelmer. via The Daily Tribune

It's a grand showcase of the hottest colors and cuts this season. There's a lot of whites, nudes, and blacks mixed with shocking pops of color in blue, purple, and red. The designers have a preference for loose-fitting, flowy dresses as well as body-hugging empire cut cocktail numbers and high-waisted body cons. Of course, the traditional baro't saya was featured.

A ton of pictures after the cut!