Ben Chan Archives - Page 3 of 3

Seeing Red

If there was one takeaway the 10 participating Red Charity Gala designers probably reached or were again reminded of after the show, it’s never to compare yourself with others. Otherwise, you’d likely end up losing your way as a designer by producing pieces that are far removed from who you…

Just plain good, chic and often edgy clothes

For the first time in years, no young hard bodies--men or women--paraded in their underwear at the recent BFW Holiday 2019. Not that it mattered. Instead, the three-day event would be remembered for its many firsts—from Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez and Patty Ang’s respective debut collections for Kashieca as well as…

Temperatures soared, as Olympian hotties walked for Bench

As a veteran fashion designer drew inspiration from a NetFlix character for his latest couture collection, a leading fashion photographer captured iconic images of Philippine beaches and coconut trees, which ended up on boardshorts and swimsuits, using his trusty iPhone. By Alex Y. Vergara Bench Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019 ended…

Mark Bumgarner debuts at Bench Fashion Week with RTW collection for eponymous label

By Alex Y. Vergara Mark Bumgarner’s debut collection as an RTW designer, including accessories such as bags, shoes and jewelry pieces, shared the ramp with Kashieca’s latest collection worn by some of the country’s most iconic models on Day Two of the recently concluded Bench Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2019 at…

Rafé kicks off BFW ’19 with Siargao-meets-Hawaii collection

By Alex Y. Vergara “I didn’t even know that you could surf in the Philippines,” exclaimed Rafé Totengco. The New York-based RTW and accessories designer was referring to his eye-opening experience after his first ever visit to Siargao a few seasons ago. After being based in the Big Apple for…

Turning Japanese

Whether or not they chose to deliberately channel various Japanese influences, the three recent winners in this year’s Bench Design Awards – Ched Dalogaog, Otto Sacramento and Renz Reyes – produced off-kilter yet wearable collections that made sense. By Alex Y. Vergara Was it deliberate or purely coincidental? And how…

Ivarluski Aseron takes centerstage with “off center” collection

Once more, one of the best Filipino designers of his generation weaves his brand of magic with a collection for Bench Fashion Week consisting of pleated see-through skirts, hand-stitched trims, trompe-l’oeil shirts and woven panels made from labels unapologetically splashed with his name. By Alex Y. Vergara Amid hard, uncertain times, Philippine…

What Cole Sprouse finds romantic

One of the stars of the hit TV series Riverdale visits Manila as Bench’s newest global endorser. Articulate and self-effacing, Cole is into food, photography and archeology, and doesn’t mind wearing a white tank top, especially when temperatures sizzle in the Metro while riding a jeepney. By Alex Y. Vergara…

Eight inspiring stories to start the eighth month of the year right Pt. 2

How is the first week of August going for you? Hopefully it's been only all good, positive vibrations withÂ zeroÂ antagonizers raining on any parades (we get enough rain from the monsoon season). For those in need of a potent pick-me-upper, or for anyone simply looking to be inspired today, here is…