FROM wedding gowns of simple elegance, to dresses with vibrant prints, add a dashing groom to the mix, and we got our fashion fix in the last week of July.
Happy Andrada: ‘Transcendence’
Always fashion-forward and forward-thinking, Andrada debuted a collection created through textile printing technology. Collaborating with Norde International, in partnership with Kornit Allegro (the world’s first single step roll-to-roll digital textile printing system), she presented the customized fabrics at the “Transcendence” show/exhibit at the Marquee Tent at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
It was also a creative, collaborative process to come up with the special prints. Photographer Shaira Luna (Artists & Co.) captured the movements of ballet dancers. Then Andrada’s team of surface designers used the images to make about 50 flora-inspired patterns. These patterns were then printed digitally on to chiffon, tulle, organza, duchess, spandex and piña.
“I wanted the dancers to showcase the movement of a fabric, its softness and its vividness. Those details are amazing ways to show that the printer is able to print sharp images,” said Andrada, who often shows collections abroad.
“I went for a collection that’s very diverse. Some pieces have the flower-child look, some are street, some are edgy. I want it to be for everybody,” she added, and the collection included jackets, skirts, swimsuits and long dresses. “The audience have different favorites from the collection, and that’s quite interesting to know.”
Local designers might embrace digital-printing technology as a way to be unique and distinct. “You can make a collection personal by being able to print on fabric and making it your own,” Andrada said.
Avel Bacudio: ‘A Wedding at Napa Valley’
HE travels the world almost on a monthly basis, but it was a trip to Napa Valley in California that inspired Bacudio’s first major bridal show. At “Marry Me at The Marriott”, the hotel’s annual wedding showcase, he presented a “ready-to-wear” collection of long gowns, pants and blouse and skirts that he said are meant to be “mixed and matched”.
Bacudio has evolved from being one of the country’s avant-garde vanguards to being a subdued, sophisticated practitioner. His Marriott brides wore gowns made of Mikado silk, French lace, neoprene, tulle and flowery cutout lace. Embellishments were kept to a minimum, only pearl beads.
“My silhouette is flowy—very comfortable and relaxed. I want the bride to enjoy her food because isn’t the food delicious at weddings? She won’t be able to eat much if her gown’s too fitted,” the always boisterous Bacudio laughed.
And why is the most eligible bachelor in the land, Alden Richards, his groom?
“Alden is my male muse,” Bacudio said.
To which the “Pambansang Bae”, ever humble, replied: “Ever since I started in showbiz, Avel was one of the people who have supported me and it really feels great to have modeled for him and show people his creations.”
Image credits: TPM Photography, Rafael Siscar III