StyleFestPH, A Global Fashion Avenue

While there were Fashion-related forums, discussions, expositions, talks, and shows from established designers, over the three days that marked the maiden Stylefest brought to us by Globe, Saga and Zalora; without a doubt, the centrepiece of the weekend was the Saturday Fashion Show where the eight young designers presented their creations. A result of the months of mentoring that transpired, with the coaching team led by Inno Sotto, the show highlighted the pieces that would now form part of this season’s 0917 and Zalora collections. 

READ: #MetroStyleWatch: All The Best-Dressed Guests At Martine Cajucom’s Wedding In Bali!
 

Of the eight new designers, three were assigned to 0917; while five were picked up by Zalora. It was great viewing the eight pieces that each of the eight showcased, as they were diverse in nature. Some showed an uncanny sense of colour and imagination when mixing and matching, while others had a very upbeat notion of street wear, and others went for muted coordinates that had Japanese influences. Some went for simplicity and functionality, while others indulged in embellishments and outrageous touches - but they all showed amazing wearability and evident commerciality. 

[photos]

Given the right marketing push, the designs of the eight may well be the heralding of a new sensibility for their respective retail lines—with 0917 getting a fresh jolt of hip, and Zalora moving in a fresh retail direction. While the commitment of the brands is for one season, it’ll be interesting to watch and see which designs click, and help catapult particular designers into the public’s radar. As host Issa Litton announced, every item we viewed that night is already available on the 0917 and Zalora websites.

As for Globe, the weekend certainly proved they were more than capable of powering this new initiative, and gaining strong affinity with the local fashion community. As patrons of the initiative, there may have been lingering doubts about their credibility or capacity to pull this off - but those were all washed away, as each of the events found their audience, and the crowd on the night of the Young Designers was an enthusiastic one, expectant and more than satisfied with the outcome. 

Kudos to Globe, Saga, Zalora, and the Grand Hyatt, for turning the night into one of sheer anticipation and enjoyment.

Photos by author