First, one must consider the general thematic: What colors will be used? Will this particular look hold up to hours of exposure to heat, moisture, and quite likely, the nitpicky scrutiny of style–savvy inquisitors?
How should it look in terms of size? Are we going for sleek, tight and streamlined, or freeform, flowing and adaptable? How will the stage appear under various types of lighting?
Welcome to Philippine Fashion Week.
Fashion Week 2005 shall see the most participation out of the industry yet —89 designers! Add to that, top brands like Diadora athletic apparel.
Each designer is required to show at least six outifts per collection. The expected couture mileage of 1,259 outfits downright decimates last year’s offering of 800.
Runway Productions big shots and Philippine Fashion Week pioneers Audie and Joey Espino visibly struggle with a overwhelming amount of model manpower.
"We use at least 24 models per show, counting the number of outfit changes. Some shows, like the premier collections, need 40 to 60 models," says Audie.
"We get them from CalCarrie’s, PMAP, only the best group and agencies. If you’re professional, have a good work ethic, and are available throughout the ten days, then you’re good enough."
The Fashion Week’s co–presentors invariably lend sophistication, substance, and much–needed assistance to the event. Wella ensures that every model steps onto the ramp will be smashing.
Sony Ericsson facilitates communication for Fashion Week’s production crew.
"You can e-mail designers requirements and particulars using a Sony phone. Stage and garment approval is made even easier with Multi–Media messaging," says Joey.
Sony Philippines comes on board for 2005, supplying Fashion Week with Grand Vega televisions to broadcast the intricacies of every show and activity, shot live with Sony HandyCams, while Sony Cybershot cameras capture still images throughout the ten days of fashion.
As Joey puts it, "The platform and the stage are already there. You just have to come and show your goods."
He continues, "It’s good to know that designers are getting more practical. We (the fashion industry) must supply consumers with the trendiest things. We must be dedicated to making things better and more functional."
Philippine Fashion Week opens on the 28th of March at the Ayala Museum and will run until April 6.
Activities to look forward to:
"Sony Grand Vega Presents Gala Night" slated March 29, Tuesday, 6 p.m., at Glorietta Activity Center; "Fashion Photo Exhibit" on March 29 to April 1, at Glorietta Makati Mall (near GiftGate); "Diadora Launch" on March 31, Thursday at 6 p.m., at the Glorietta Activity Center;
"Models and Artists Fashion Party" on April 2, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., at the Embassy; "Hotel Intercontinental presents Joe Salazar–a Prelude," Images by Jun de Leon, on April 3, Sunday at 6:30 p.m., at the Inter–continental Manila; "Wella unveils the Young Avant Garde Collection" on April 4, Monday at 6:30 p.m., at the NBC Tent the Fort;
"Sony Ericsson presents Luxe Formal Collection" on April 5, Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., at the NBC Tent the Fort; "EsAc and Mode+L present Premier Collection" on April 5, Tuesday 9 p.m., at the NBC Tent the Fort; and "Sony Cybershot presents the Grand Allure Collection" on April 6, Wed-nesday at 6:30 p.m., at the NBC Tent the Fort.
