Photographed by Makie Cruz
Last weekend, Bench Fashion Week presented its Holiday 2024 collections featuring elevated menswear, “anti-bridal” wedding ensembles, bohemian styles, and more.
From R’Bonney Nola Gabriel’s eco-conscious, deconstructed silhouettes to Chito Vijandre’s nostalgic journey through the 60s and 70s, each day of Bench Fashion Week’s Holiday 2024 season featured an eclectic mix of streetwear, beachwear, and menswear, alongside explorations of humanity, self-expression, and personal freedom.
Explore the latest collection from Bench Fashion Week below.
Day 1: R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, Kashieca by Rhett Eala, and Anthony Ramirez
R’Bonney Nola Gabriel kicks off the first day with her collection, “How to Survive on Land and Sea.” The collection is inspired by her Filipino and American roots, blending the contrasting elements of streetwear and beachwear. Using recycled clothing and fabrics, Gabriel uses her signature deconstruction technique to create interesting silhouettes embellished with seashells.
Gabriel’s collection was followed by Kashieca by Rhett Eala, a women’s wear collection designed for the modern woman. The collection offers a variety of stylish tops, pants, and skirts crafted from an array of fabrics, which can be effortlessly transitioned from office wear to casual.
From the elegant femininity of Eala’s collection, the day takes an edgier turn with Anthony Ramirez’s “Bōryokudan” collection. Inspired by the 90s Japanese gangster culture, the line showcases men’s streetwear pieces made from fabrics such as leather, cotton, linen, suede, and French cashmere. The collection marks the brand’s venture into creating more tailored menswear pieces and is an homage to Ramirez’s childhood and Japanese pop culture.
Day 2: Cotton On, Human by Jenni Contreras, Bon Hansen, and Antonina
Cotton On begins Day 2 with the youthful energy of their latest collection. Layering cardigans, long-sleeve shirts, and tank tops together, the models dance and playfully run along to Tommy James & The Shondells’ song, “I Think We’re Alone Now.”
For Jenni Contreras’ collaboration with Human, she presents a satirical exploration of an artificial world in the capsule collection “Chapter 2 – Universe H.” Inspired by the rising popularity of AI-generated content and the themes of the hit series Black Mirror, the line features streetwear in neon green, purple, and metallic colors.
With glittery tears running down the models’ eyes, Bon Hansen’s collection explores a different facet of humanity. In his collection “Pagaktao,” Bon Hansen takes inspiration from the film Markova: Comfort Gay and brings to life a story of liberation from societal expectations. Symbolizing freedom of self-expression, the collection combines fluid fabrics with strong tailoring, defining it as a line that inspires hope and belonging.
Day 2 ends with Antonina’s SS25 collection, “I Don’t.” Described as a “wedding she’ll never have,” the collection showcases pieces that mix tailored precision with a whimsical flair, redefining wedding ensembles through layered textures and intricate detailing.
Day 3: Urban Revivo, Chito Vijandre, Bench Body
Urban Revivo gets the show started with a nature-inspired collection featuring utility vests, bucket hats, and sling bags in light to dark neutral colors.
Chito Vijandre takes us back to the era of the 60s and 70s through his collection “The Dawn of a New Age.” With the fluidity of jersey and chiffon, the collection captures the disco era’s freedom and exuberance, along with the excitement and transformation of the time period. It also leans towards the spirituality of Eastern influences, showcasing ethnic weaves and embellishments reminiscent of Talitha Getty’s multicultural bohemian style.
The three-day event ended with the Bench Body collection “Vernissage,” presented by a lineup that included Ria Bolivar, Max Collins, Sunshine Cruz, Lou Yanong, and more.
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