SCENE IT.: RUNWAY FASHION PREVIEW 2012

Saturday, January 7.

My afternoon nap lasted longer than I planned. At 5PM, I was rummaging through my closet to find the right outfit. I was running late. The event in Abreeza-Ayala Mall was scheduled to start at 6PM, and there I was, trying on different clothes and shoes at 5:45PM. Finally, a test shot on the camera convinced me to stick to the orange, black, and blue ensemble.

Test shot with Little Miss Attitude

I made it to the venue in no less than 20 minutes. Whew!

It was a fashion show to open the year 2012. Produced by M (Life and Living in Mindanao) Magazine, Runway Fashion Preview 2012 is a celebration of Davao's homegrown talents.

The invite sent to me by the M Magazine team.

A good lineup Davao brands were being featured alongside fashion designers Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Aztec and Popoy Barba, and Edgar Buyan. These 5 have gained greater recognition in Manila during the Philippine Fashion Week last year. Aside from the fashion show, there was also an exhibit of M Magazine's memorable stories and photos from old copies dating back from the time they began publication in 2008.

After exchanging pleasantries with friends, I sat on the front row and set my camera on multiple shutter speed. The show was about to begin.

Seen and scenes:

I missed the cocktails but, at least, I got my chance at the photo wall with M magazine's Editor-in-Chief Ian Garcia, Mindanao Times Editor-in-Chief Amy Cabusao, DOT Reg.XI Director Art Boncato, and my colleague from the hotel, Boodie.

Generation X. The new blood of writers otherwise known as bloggers. I have to give it to these fab looking bloggers who have put their fashion sense and creativity to good use. They have, in their own way, spurred interest throughout the nation that helped boost Davao City's fashion retail industry. Davao brands are now crossing borders and we should give due credit to the bloggers for their widely read fashion reviews online.

Speaking of bloggers, here's one! Cheyser Pedregosa (left), author of The Walking Recessionista, was also in the audience together with pinkmother Mimi Tupas. Cheyser is a one of the loyal supporters / customers of Mimi's clothing retail brand, SOUL. I have the highest respect for Mimi for her creativity and impeccable taste.

Runway Fashion Preview 2012

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AZTEC BARBA

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Brand: MAGS
Styled by AZTEC BARBA

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DODJIE BATU

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CHIMES SPECIALTY STORE
Styled by DODJIE BATU

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This one already on my shopping list.

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EMI ENGLIS

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THE MAZE
Styled by EMI ENGLIS

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EDGAR BUYAN

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THE MAZE

Styled by EDGAR BUYAN

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POPOY BARBA

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SOUL

Styled by POPOY BARBA

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The Finale

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Emi Englis. I enjoyed taking photos of his set. The fabric and design incite fluidity and grace as each dress swayed to the movement of the models.

Popoy Barba

Mimi Tupas of SOUL takes her final bow. You're one inspirational SOUL, Mimi.

The designers' shining moment with the brand managers and M Magazine's Editor in Chief Ian Garcia.

I just had to have a closer shot of the models. I was impressed with the marionette-inspired look done by makeup maven Otoi Mercado. This reminds me of our collaboration with Paul Borromeo in 2007, when we did a doll-themed photo shoot for a Christmas Catalogue.

As always, Otoi does great work.

Great clothes. Wonderful artistry. Inspirational works.

Congratulations to the M Magazine team and to everyone involved in the event.

'Til the next one.