Every woman needs two kinds of clothing in their closet: One set they can wear anytime and anywhere, and another reserved for extra special occasions. The first day of Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2019 delivered on both.
The show started with Kashieca’s collab with Lucy Torres-Gomez, which gave us Parisian vibes and a glimpse at Lucy’s chic style. The pieces included ankle-length skirts that were either straight-cut or had a slit on the side, 3/4-sleeved tops, and even ascots.
Another functional collection was Patty Ang’s collab with Bench. The designer is known for creating womenswear with feather and ruffled deatils, so it was a pleasant surprise to see workwear essentials in mustard and burnt orange shades, and also crisp white tops.
The grand finale came from Albert Andrada, who showcased a luxe gown collection inspired by Christmas lanterns. “I incorporated embroideries [similar to what you’d see on lanterns] on the bodice and the sleeves,” he tells us. “I wanted an off-white Christmas feeling because we don’t have snow here.”
The fashion show was like a display of wedding dresses that brides of differing personalities can cop. Do you want a traditional ball gown-type, something sexy with sheer details and feathers, or a barong-inspired suit? Albert has got you covered, noting that any woman can wear his gowns as long as they have an adventurous mindset.
When we asked Albert if this was meant to be a bridal showcase though, he said it was totally coincidental. But he also said, “I think December’s the new June. A lot of people are getting married in December now, especially after Dec. 21, believe it or not.” We don’t blame them—December isn’t a warm month and it’s allegedly easier to plot down dates and venues.
After showcasing in Bench Fashion Week, what’s next for Albert Andrada? He says he’s planning to make a simple line, which will be a cross between RTW and luxe, that’s “extremely far from the ones I have now.”
Albert is also focusing on prepping for Couture Fashion Week in New York this September. This will be his second time to present at New York Fashion Week, the first was a bridal collection. “I’ll be the only Filipino designer there,” he says. “I think the New Yorkers love me and I’m happy I’m carrying our Filipino legacy in their fashion scene.”
Photos by Argyl Leones
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