One of the country’s leading malls, in partnership with homegrown global retail brand Bench, launches the return of the annual BRAVO! Filipino by focusing on this year’s featured ternos at Ternocon III. Dubbed as “Ternocon III: Ang Balintawak Ngayon,” the ongoing exhibit puts emphasis on modern-day versions of the balintawak…
Now on its third edition, Bench’s TernoCon not only provides budding designers with a venue to showcase their skills and talents. It also honors and promotes the country’s national dress by making it more accessible and wearable to today’s generation of Filipino women. Text and photos Alex Y. Vergara Yssa…
Ternocon, a fashion competition originated by Bench’s Suyen Corp., resumes early next year after a two-year disruption because of the pandemic. Twelve finalists, who are being mentored this time by Inno Sotto, Dennis Lustico, Chito Vijandre, Ricky Toledo and Joey Samson, will compete for the top prize with their modern…
A dreaded virus may have momentarily stopped us from traveling, but it can’t stop our minds from wandering off, dreaming of the day we can once more visit and immerse ourselves in what many of us now consider our second homes. Someday soon. By Alex Y. Vergara So, where would…
What makes this national dress special and a reflection of its wearer’s pride in being Filipino? Despite the impression that it’s difficult to wear, what does it imbue its wearer that a contemporary or Western dress doesn’t? This Independence Day, a number of the country’s leading designers share their insights…
With the advent of social distancing and the absence of big events, one of the many industries that’s taken a direct hit during this pandemic is fashion. How are some of the country’s leading designers managing to stay afloat? What measures have they taken to deal with the bleak situation?…
By Alex Y. Vergara Some people are an acquired taste whose goodness grows on you over time. Fashion designer Ito Curata wasn’t one of them. He was one rare fellow whom you tended to like and gravitate to the minute you meet him. From his warm smile down to his…
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…
Virtual fireworks are set to explode and light up the runway, as 10 seasoned Filipino designers with totally different aesthetics participate in the ultimate fashion face-off on October 12 at Shangri-La at the Fort. Among this year's featured talents are Dennis Lustico, Jojie Lloren, Joey Samson, Rajo Laurel, Michael Cinco,…
Although influences from two of the most showy decades in fashion history seemed to loom heavily on his work, Dennis Lustico says his main inspiration for his latest collection for Bench Fashion Week 2018 was a flamboyant character played by actress Tilda Swinton in Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”…