Poll: What are Your Thoughts on this Open Letter

Dear Philippine Fashion,

Just as any formal letter would go, we’d start by asking how are you? Over the past seasons we’ve seen you grow leaps and bounds. Look around and you will see a relatively thriving industry. And look at you, making waves across international shores. With this much attention I am sure we are all encouraged to step up our game to play with the big leagues abroad. Because you know what? We totally can.

Right about now everyone is talking about the 2013 Spring/Summer edition of Philippine Fashion Week. Spirits and anticipation are at a high. What will we see this season? Last season we took the liberty of listing basic fashion etiquette guests should keep in mind when watching the shows. This time we take to the opposite end and list down what we are tired of seeing go down the runway.

1.) Peplums. This may be a marginalized peeve but let’s move on from that trend. It was fresh at least three seasons ago but now it is just exhausting to look at. We’ve seen peplums in different variations and I think it is about time to give it a rest. There are other ways to go about accentuating the waist area, I’m sure.

Special mention goes to the other runway favorite, the mullet skirt. Enough said.

2.) Remember when seasoned models were falling one by one on the catwalk? Yes, that one. While we are glad that designers are thinking of an entire look by having shoes made specifically for their shows. But please, test run those pairs first before sending them out. The models may be a pro at walking in sky-high heels but you never know what will go down (pun intended) the runway. Accidents happen and falling flat on the floor is not pretty. Don’t just make shoes just for the sake of. Function over form. As visually interesting (or editorial) as they may be, it must be carefully engineered to walk in real life. Oh and can we also step away from the heel-less shoes? Their statement has run out, I’m afraid.

3.) We know it’s your heart and soul walking out one ensemble at a time but by now we are all aware that your fashion shouldn’t be indulgent. Garments still have to sell at the end of the day. You want the guests to want your pieces. An over embellished, over designed, I-can-barely-move-or-sit dress is just that, indulgent. Strike that balance between designing for ones self and designing with a woman (or man) in mind. You’ll thank us later.

4.) I believe we’ve seen one too many a season of Project Runway to know that it gets crazy leading up to the show. Incidental problems will arise for sure. This however doesn’t give you the excuse to send down garments with unfinished hems or threads sticking out and catching wind. You wouldn’t want people in the first few rows to want to grab a pair of scissors and snip at the raw edges. You’ve all been given time to complete your collection, we hope you used the time wisely.

5.) Again, you wouldn’t want your guests to cringe at ill-fitting ensembles sashay on the runway. Fit is of utmost importance. You want to show everyone that your clothes can be made for them not I will make one in a generic size and hope it fits you.

6.) Originality is relative. However, I’m sure we understand how the Internet works right? Everyone is informed. You are without a doubt highly creative. Reference thoughtfully and come up with something brilliant as compared to being “totally inspired” by an existing collection from foreign shores. And don’t belittle your audience, some know their fashion and can pinpoint even the most obscure reference. Be very careful.

Other than those mentioned, you’re good to go. We don’t have control over what you ultimately did to your collection. We can only hope for stellar work. It’s your time to shine and with the current trajectory in mind a good chunk of you will hopefully not let us down. We are most definitely looking forward to seeing amazing fashion go down the runway. As Tim Gunn would always say, go out there and knock our socks off. It sure is an exciting time for Philippine fashion and boy are we glad to witness it.

Source: megastyle.ph