FASHION REVOLUTION - DON PROTASIO

( Revolutionary designer Don Protasio at Philippine Fashion Week wearing a neckpiece by Tina Daniac)

( Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2009 - Ready to wear )

Cambodia-based Ilonggo designer Don Protasio treats his design process as an experiment in an art form. Deconstructed understatement and evolution that come along with it – personalized by a lot of handmade materials and accessories that he imagines. A mix of architecture and traditional couture techniques combined with sharp cutting to obtain a very personal style built-up of contrasting volumes and proportions– truly revolutionary.

HIGH-LOW MIX FASHION HEROIN

Dressing in head-to-toe monochrome can be really stylish and sophisticated as long as looks good on you. These days, having your own distinct personal style is the new trend in fashion.

With a pinch of creativity, DIY and vintage shopping is the best alternative to saving yourself from unwanted cash flow.

Crisp, fresh and modern – it’s like fashion heroin, you’ll do anything to wear it daily.

Photo credit: Timmy Sy Ang of Dean and Trent (http://greigematter.blogspot.com)

DESIGNER I'M LOVING - MICH DULCE

In the past years, Mich Dulce has built a flourishing fashion business in Manila – no small task in a country brimming with design talent but without the money or manufacturing facilities to help nurture it. Although Dulce’s fashion certainly isn’t for the meek-ostrich-feather bodies, sculptured avant garde have all been featured in her recent collections – her business has grown steadily each season. Her creations range from sculpted, couture-inspired designs her signature collection to the utterly accessible concoctions she makes for the Filipino fast-fashion retailer look new. Dulce has proven that homegrown designers can remain in Manila and still be commercially successful.

photo credit: everywhereweshoot.com