I’ve been watching PhFW (Philippine Fashion Week) shows for 3 seasons now, and I get amazed by our local designers every single time. PhFW shows how talented our fashion industry is, which is why I make it a point to see a few shows every season, just to see how much the industry has grown.

Blazer: Sabrina | Tank : Zara | Necklace & Shorts: Peaches On Top | Pumps: Chick Flick

What you see above is my outfit for the first show I watched this season, the Arnold Galang, Jun Jun Cambe, M Barretto, and Ronaldo Arnaldo show.

And here are my show favorites:

Arnold Galang

Prints have always been a big thing for me, and it amazes me how designers manage to manipulate them. Case in point, designer Arnold Galang. When the models sashayed down the runway, I was fixated. I was mesmerized by the use of prints, vintage-looking and minimalist, with the tiniest touch of ethnic. My favorite look above, is the perfect example of using prints, in a very luxe manner, the flowy silhouette helped too. :)

Jun Jun Cambe

It’s my second time to attend Jun Jun Cambe’s show, and I must say, you can honestly see where he comes from, and what his aesthetic is. Last season, it was very East Asian, a healthy mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Korean styles, with the stamp of a great Filipino designer. This season, one cannot help but remember the movie Sex and the City 2, where every piece just shout Dubai glam. Luxurious, glamorous, and definitely statement making, everything was just stunning. I call it, Middle East glitz and glamour, without the conservative abayas. Transition from look to look was also well thought of, from desert couture to party glam, as in sparkly, shiny fabulous dresses, to the harem-ish wedding gowns. It was truly a sight to behold.

M Barretto

I think I suck at incorporating menswear into my wardrobe, save for boyfriend blazers, but I really enjoyed the M Barretto part. Especially when the pair above emerged! The adult model is soooooo good looking, and his little partner is such a cutie too! (Me and my affinity to cute Chinese-looking babies) HOHO. Anyway, back to the designer’s work. He brought back military and utilitarianism trends, and turned them into more sophisticated looks, for the metrosexual man. If only I had the moolah, I’d dress the men in my life with M Barretto jackets and trousers. Aside from the military inspired pieces, sleek, tailored suits also made appearances on the runway. Hmm, I think military is the new sexy, in menswear anyway.

Ronaldo Arnaldo

Lace, tweed and leather, I’d never thought I’d see them in a collection together. Ronaldo Arnaldo does a great job with pairing, tailored outfits with sexy stockings, and gets away with it too. The collection speaks corporate chic to me, but with tons of appeal. Sort of like the sexy librarian look, boys always fantasize about. HAHA. Humor aside, the collection is very noteworthy as each piece looks well made, and luxurious, perfect for the powerful women of today.

To view my previous PhFW runway reports, click here

Official PhFW photos by Nelson Villarica, other photos by yours truly

click read more for outfit shots!