Raphael Kiefer and Ria Bolivar in JC Buendia

MANILA, Philippines -- I always look forward to having tea at the Makati Shangri-la. The hotel has concocted a creative way to serve tea (you must check out the tea menu!).   And it’s served in such a beautiful setting where you have a view of the hotel’s very own garden located outside the building.  Aside from the tea and the grandness of the hotel itself, there’s another reason why I’ve been going to the Makati Shang every Thursday afternoon since April:  The country’s most respected fashion designers are currently presenting their latest collections at this hotel.

The comeback of Fashion Watch Quartet this year at the Makati Shang is stronger than ever. After all, the event happens to be the brainchild of master couturier Inno Sotto, who celebrated his three decades in fashion last year, and is currently the creative director of the entire series. Fashion Watch continues to raise the bar in positioning Philippine Fashion as the best in the region.

The line-up of designers for this year speaks so much on how the organizers have carefully deliberated the merits of each one to deserve a spot in the show. Cebu’s Jun Escario and Cavite’s Joel Escober, who both continue to redefine the look of Filipino femininity, opened the series with each one showcasing a strong collection that speaks of sophistication and elegance. Escario made use of his talent in mixing and matching different materials to create various combinations that stood-out on the runway. His muted choice of colors complemented his classic silhouettes that accentuate a woman’s curves. Escario remains to be a popular figure among Manila’s fashionistas. He’s on his way to establishing a niche in Philippine fashion with his signature brand of sensuality and sophistication.

Lulu Tan Gan, the Philippine Queen of Knit, certainly outdid herself with her latest collection. Her simple form-fitting silhouettes were adorned with soft fabric outerwear such as scarves and oversized cover-ups made from abaca. The soft knits and airy fabric were just right and ripe for the hot season. Adorned with Jewelmer pearls and shiny Melissa shoes, Lulu Tan-Gan’s makes summer dressing look so chic.

JC Buendia, FDCP president and couturier to presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino, showcased an inspired collection that proves only how timeless his artistry is. Inspired by the popular show, “Vampire Diaries,” he formed a collection that is best described as 18th century Goth. The collection included body-hugging suits for men. One of the female models wore a sexy see-through sheer top with ruffle details and full a-line skirt. JC gave a new meaning to elegance with this collection, which is so chic and androgynous. He can easily twist basic pieces to something elegant and striking.

Fresh from showcasing his award-winning collection in Singapore, Jerome Lorico wowed the crowd with his modernist take on knitwear. He presented an all-black collection using Philippine made materials such as hybrid cotton-piña, and pure cotton for the woven knitwear. I never thought knitwear could actually look so urban, so modern, and so chic! After the show, I rushed to Jerome to congratulate him.  He whispered that he’s about to meet with some Russian businessmen who have expressed their interest to distribute his line abroad. Indeed, as Fashion Watch is being held at the Shangri-la Makati, there is always that big opportunity for the participating designers to meet some of the more distinguished movers and shakers in business who stay at the hotel.

Interestingly, I was able to chat with one of the guests, an Indian national who was charmed by the collections of Ito Curata and Jerome Lorico. He asked me to help him organize a project related to fashion. He wants it to be a cultural exchange between India and the Philippines.  I said I could just introduce him to the organizers of the fashion show but he insisted on meeting with me. After emailing me his business credentials, I agreed to see him again.  I asked, “So why me?” And he replied, “Why not? You have a lot of style!”

So there you have it!  I will be visiting New Delhi for the first time this August and let’s see where this initial meeting will lead me to. In the meantime, I will be at the Shangri-la again tomorrow afternoon for another moment of inspiration.

Fashion Watch 2011 is a project of the CFDP (Council of Fashion Designers of the Philippines). It will run from April to November, 2011.