Lesley Mobo. Ed Simon
Lesley Mobo. Ed Simon
Vogue Philippines gives you a run-down of the most memorable moments from Bench Fashion Week.
As Bench Fashion Week comes to a close, the word “optimism” reverberates throughout the Philippine fashion scene. Designers, both established and emerging, bring their own sartorial edge to the three-day event with collections rich in narrative and creativity.
With a spotlight on Filipino talent, Bench Fashion Week brings a lineup of designers that show that the future of Philippine fashion is bright with special surprises and viral moments in tow. Below, we’ve listed our favorite moments from the illustrious fashion event.
Bench Fashion Week Returned To Physical Shows For Its 2022 Presentation
In the past two years, Bench Fashion Week embraced a digital approach to runway shows for their presentation as a result of stringent lockdown rules. Luckily this year, the label returned to the runway in a full-fledged physical event. Brands collaborated with personalities, as seen in Jenni Contreras x Human, Lucy Gomez x Kashieca, and Lesley Mobo x Bench, while designers Antonina, STRONGVILLAGE, and Martin Bautista brought their collections to life on the catwalk. The star-studded event had notables Inno Sotto, actor Max Collins, comedian Vice Ganda, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, designer Lulu Tan-Gan, and actor Richard Gomez among the attendees.
Maine Mendoza Took To The Catwalk At Lesley Mobo x Bench Show
Actor Maine Mendoza leads the celebration of Lesley Mobo’s Masaganang Bukid collection. The tropical terno-infused capsule was truly a fiesta paying homage to the Philippines’ abundant rural life and our Filipino farmers. Wearing a varsity jacket paired with white trousers and an umbrella embellished with floral appliqués, Mendoza reflects the relaxed aesthetic Mobo champions throughout his collection.
STRONGVILLAGE Made One-of-a-kind Garments From Upcycled Materials
Crafting fifty separate pieces for fifteen looks, STRONGVILLAGE’s capsule comprises one-of-a-kind environmentally-friendly streetwear. Inspired by the world’s diverse streetwear cultures, the label’s creations take form through repurposed denim ensembles, checkered jumpsuits, and patchwork kimonos. Founded by Russell Villafuerte, every design is reworked, deconstructed, and reconstructed to create the intriguing pieces that make up the collection.
Martin Bautista Celebrated His 15th Anniversary
Known for his drapery, garment construction, and use of jersey in his creations, Martin Bautista’s bespoke ensembles and couture gowns have made rounds in the local fashion and entertainment scenes. Worn by Solenn Heussaff, Georgina Wilson, Anne Curtis-Smith, and Angel Locsin, his pieces bring about modern sensuality through fluid silhouettes and intricate details. For Bench Fashion Week, the acclaimed designer celebrates his 15th year in Philippine fashion through his latest collection, Still Life. With a woven asymmetrical blouse, an electric green ensemble with fringe details, painterly pleated dresses, voluminous sheer ruffles, and a sequin-filled hooded dress, the runway show was only fitting of a fashion extravaganza.
Vogue Philippines Cover Girl Ica Dy Opened The Antonina Show
Our cover girl Ica Dy opened the Antonina show, a monotone collection demonstrating the enduring allure of the color black titled, Anino. Dressed in an oversized quilted jacket with shoulder pad appliqués and a cut-out exposing a sheer barely-there midriff, Dy further highlighted the individuality and catwalk grunge that designer Nina Amoncio’s collection brought to the runway.
