ISSA. Danica Lukban
Vogue Philippines gives you a run-down of the Filipino designers that have delivered eye-catching collections in the past few days.
The buzz of fashion is back and in the Philippines, designers are showing their latest collections in person—with a vibrant crowd comprised of fashion blogger Camille Co, stylist Laureen Uy, actress Jasmine Curtis Smith among countless other fashion notables.
For a 10th anniversary fête, BYS Fashion Week celebrated the natural merging of beauty and design via a three-day event and closed the event with a bang.
Issa Pressman
Day 3 began with a show by ISSA, actor and celebrity make-up artist Issa Pressman’s brand. The young creative launched her scarf label some time ago, and on October 8 was the first time Pressman showed in person. Honing in on her identity as a designer, ISSA’s presentation veered towards an artistic approach to fashion. Dancers were adorned in fluid silhouettes with printed scarves rearranged in various ways in a way that nods to the timeless neo-bohemian trend. Paired with barely-there crocheted skirts, sequin-filled garments, and her signature scarves exposing mid-riffs, Pressman highlights the allure of the female form through honoring her festive, individualist spirit.
Her much-anticipated collection and runway debut also delivered old Hollywood glamour (as they should since silken headscarves are the hero of the Golden Hollywood era). With time-honored silhouettes including retro-inspired vests, scarves draped over precisely-tailored blazers, and a form-fitting bodysuit with an overlaying corset attaché, Pressman makes an eye-catching debut. It was only fitting that her sister and celebrity model Yassi Pressman closed the show in a black corset paired with a layered maxi skirt, showing us the dramatic prowess of a lush scarf-imbued ensemble.
Kyle Cruz
Next, Cruz’s capsule made for an impactful collection with shimmery metallic creations, velvet coordinates, and sheer blouses. In a nutshell, CRUZ redefined luxury in genderless, carefree pieces that exuded an ultra-laid back confidence. Capitalizing on the minimalism that he’s known for, his patent pantsuit, lengthy fur coat, and glitzy loungewear emphasized comfort and panache (without skimping on modernity).
Thian Rodriguez
Finally, Thian Rodriguez demonstrated punk fashion in all its glory—deconstructed and reimagined in striking looks that highlighted the counterculture style with an haute couture touch. Having impressed the likes of Grammy Award Winner Lizzo with his metal-detailed leatherware, Rodriguez is an influential designer in the Philippine fashion scene.
With a lengthy plaid paneled overcoat, delicate tartan-printed frocks in tulle, deconstructed leather suits, and contemporary silhouettes, the designer asserted the full-on fashion revival of the punk aeshetic. Nonconformist brilliance shined through chains, straps, intricate beadwork, and voluminous ruffles. Rodriguez invited none other than actress Nadine Lustre to close the show in a bewitching floor-length skirt paired with a leather bralette with chains and gloves in tow. With a sultry ensemble reminiscent of The Matrix, Lustre ended the show on a high note. Scroll down to see our favorite looks from the long-awaited fashion event.
