These bright and colorful ready-to-wear jackets are probably what the fashion doctor ordered to help buoy everyone’s spirits during these dark times.
By Alex Y. Vergara
PPE-inspired fashion made of microfibers with bright Pucci-esque prints? Loose-fitting ensembles fashioned from an exclusively designed printed fabric inspired by vintage Philippine stamps celebrating the country’s flowers? These lively ready-to-wear separates are probably what the fashion doctor has ordered all along to help uplift everyone’s mood during these difficult times.
And Noel Crisostomo, creative director of Queen Street West, has responded by launching a collection consisting of six PPE-inspired women’s jackets made of digitally printed microfiber, which, he says, is similar to what accredited hospital suppliers use to make PPEs.
This time, though, Noel’s versions aren’t only easier and happier on the eyes, but also fashioned from a higher-grade fabric that allows the wearer to use and reuse the washable garments. And, in this era of mindful spending and sustainable fashion, the best part is these jackets can go a long way when mixed and matched with existing items in your wardrobe.
“Although my jackets are not designed for hospital use, they can still provide you with some protection when you step outside your home,” he says. “And they’r not just fashion items. They’re also perfect to be worn outdoors as rainwear. I also took into account durability. Disposable fashion was farthest from my mind. These items are washable and reusable.”
They also come in Small, Medium and Large, Noel adds. He and his staff can also cater to special orders in the form of larger sizes. Customers are welcome to drop by at Queen Street West in San Juan. To make it safer and more convenient for off-the-rack clients, they need not go personally to his boutique if they wish, as Noel’s staff can have their choices delivered to them. Each jacket purchase comes with a free matching face mask.
As a special treat to collectors, Noel, apart from channeling bold, ’60s-era vintage scarves, for his jackets, is also introducing pieces made from an exclusively designed print inspired by vintage Philippine stamps. Dubbed as “Filipina Flora,” the print celebrates the beauty and colors of such locally grown flowers as sampaguita, ylang-ylang, bandera Española, gumamela and the Philippine orchid.
“I want to bring a Pinoy element to my designs to represent our resiliency and unity as a people, especially now that we’re all facing a pandemic,” he says.
As for his pieces inspired by vintage scarves, Noel updated the shades and made them fresher, happier and “more delicious” to mirror hope and optimism, which we all could use plenty of these days to buoy our spirits.
Queen Street West is located at 194 Mabini Street, Addition Hills, San Juan. For inquiries, call 0915-1766440.
