Magnificently robed Jake Cuenca (photo by NOEL B. PABALATE)

A fashion show in the form of a bright, over-the-top, and energetic extravaganza, this best describes what transpired on Friday, July 2, at the Araneta Coliseum. In this year’s denim and underwear fashion show, called Uncut: A Bold Look At The Future, Bench took a shine on five different cultures—Philippines, China, Brazil, Africa, and Russia—with each destination interpreted and made relevant by Filipino fashion designers Cary Santiago, Furne One, Val Taguba, Ezra Santos, and Michael Cinco, all of whom have been based in Dubai.

Santiago, who was assigned to do the Philippine segment, created metallic pieces that were inspired by the pre-Hispanic period, a period that, Santiago shares with Manila Bulletin, is rich in culture, but unfortunately a part of Philippine history that rarely gets told or has been overshadowed by the long and more recent Spanish occupation. The gold, cutout dress worn over Bench’s tribal-printed underwear, as well as the gold footwear and accessories, were said to have been made in a week, with Santiago working with 15 metal workers. Designer Joey Samson and Young Designer Guild’s James Reyes also lent a hand in the Pinoy Lab portion, with Samson showcasing color-blocked vests and jackets and Reyes crafting ternos out of handmade paper to match Bench’s ripped jeans and underwear, respectively.

A display of kung-fu acrobatics and a dragon dance soon ensued, introducing the next segment, China. Ji Huan Bo, top male model and the face of Bench Underwear in China, preceded the parade wearing a Furne One architectural armor inspired by Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium. Futuristic and structured, the armor-like trappings worked well with the minimalist designs of the underwear in this segment. Actors Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson made for a fantastic ending, both wearing One’s elaborate and remarkable, silver metallic armature.

Upbeat and theatrical, Brazil opened with an uproarous performance from Sushi Slam, a Los Angeles-based dance troupe. Taguba captured the spirit of the South American country in stunning and seductive, feathered ensembles. Inspired by the birds of the Amazon, the show exhibited exoticism and exuberance through a costume worn by actor Katina Halili and a moss-coloured flamboyant frock on comedienne Pokwang.

The fourth part featured Africa. Haute couturier Santos delivered daring accoutrements that flattered Bench’s underwear. Men dressed as African tribal warriors sashayed in multi-colored underwear paired with black accessories. Pinoy Big Brother’s Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros, or Melason as they are fondly called, came out adorned in African royalty-inspired creations. Of course, Francisco’s sheer sleeveless top was paired with Bench’s studded, copper denim jeans.

Finally, there was Russia, with the models marching to Cinco’s collection. Known for his intricate beadwork and genius craftsmanship, Cinco delivered the dazzle of Anna Karenina-esque proportions. A favorite was the red-and-white number worn by actor Shaina Magdayao and an arresting train worn by a model that was paired with bejeweled intimate wear. The whole collection oozed sex appeal and was, in a word, breathtaking.

The Uncut: A Bold Look At The Future, masterfully directed by veteran fashion-show director Robby Carmona, ended with a glorious and magnificent runway rundown of all the collections. It was an amazing look ahead to the future and I’m just wondering how Bench is going to top itself next year. We’ll just have to wait.