THE COLLECTIVE

For those in the know, the place to be in for some alternative indie partying is The Collective, with B Side as the anchor bar right smack in the middle, and a periphery of spaces serving as galleries, fashion fixes and artsy hubs. Browse around and you just might find that rare vinyl, designer toy, or particular one-off item that instantly gives you bragging rights. For me though, it was an unpretentious hole-in-the-wall, (actually, its a huge warehouse) where you can just go in your most uneffortless, care ko, self without worrying about velvet ropes, the right shoes, i.d. or not having your name on the guestlist.

The Collective, 7274 Malugay St. San Antonio Village, Makati

The man behind the concept (and the frame, haha), Dustin Reyes, with Vince Uy

Cubao X represent, Sharon Atillo of I love You Store. Flat front trousers rolled up with a fedora is menswear reworked.

Designer Carlo Vicente in the scenester choice of all black.

Philippine Star's new Young Star Editor Paolo Lorenzana. (I sooooo love how this guy writes!!!) Congratulations!! Sorry Pao, I know I was suppose to upload this a week before your first official stint as editor, therby 'announcing' your new position through my blog, but wala eh, so swamped with work, heeeeh. Better late than never?

Erwan Heussaf rocking a deep scoop tee and even-ing out the proportions with a cropped jacket.

Leather is just edge and a half. Sculptor Noli Coronado.

Here's another leather rework. Agoo Bengzon mixing tough with soft.

Okay, if there's one photo that totally encapsulates how fun that night was, this has got to be it. Sanya Smith shows that with every sunshine colored outfit comes happiness that knows no limits.

Twinset. Identical styles on Gino and Mano. (Even their names rhyme.) Buttoned up shirt, rolled jeans and burnt hued footwear in suede and leather.

Aw, Too coot. Garovs, can i just take you home and make you my pet?

Pero sorry, cute pero fersh ang hair!

Yes, the alcohol comes in teapots. Least you have the choice of drinking from the straw or the spout.

Grendel, keep the new hair hue, it suits you. =) Here's the appropriate dress code for heaving on a sweaty night, barely there knickers.

And barely there shorts.

Solen Huessaff with the summer's footwear weapon of choice, the wedge.

If a flimsy tee isn't light enough to keep you cool on a humid party night, you could either go out in your lingerie, or you can slash the sleeves to non existence.

Xtina working that body con and blonde hair to the max!

Jabbawocckeez unmasked.

Well, it's B at B Side.

And here are some toys, for the inner kids in all of us.

NIHONGO FIESTA

Cecile and Jujiin, two of the creative movers and shakers of the metro had this exhibit in collaboration with the Japan Foundation in Mall of Asia. Featuring street fashion here and in Japan, AC and I had photos taken by Cecile blown up into this size.

Heres the shot in close up, sorry about that light thingamajig, it was right on my face kse ech. This was taken at the Syquia Party last December 2009.

And here's AC's version. He actually had two images up, but I like this one better.

This was taken even before, summer of 2009? I'm thinking, I can't remember.

Cecile, Japanese aesthetic all the way through.

Jujiin and Pao, fierce fabulous.

Of course the consummate Japanese aficionados came in their layered best with the lobby of the Mall becoming an instant Shibuya district. Designer Ava Paguyo playing with textures.

Yup, the beads work.

Sock covered shoe or shoe covered sock?

And the contestants are.... Backstage at the street fashion competition, it was cosplay at its effortnest. Infurrnesst, looks like it was well though out, I mean diba? If your are to rock this right, you might as well rock it to the fullest? No half baked shiznit here.

ALIEN SPEW + DC

I just wanted to show off my two toned tights. Dats eet.

OUCH

I said, as I stepped too close to AC.

SLIM LECTURE SERIES 1

At the Couture construction and conservation talk last Saturday, Feb, 20, the Nyoras came out to play, Cary Santiago (on left) gave a witty and funny presentation (looking serious here, but trust me, funny sha!!!) on how to create the inner bodice on a body form as well as the basics on draping, while Christian Espiritu (on right) gave a talk on Haute Couture then and now.

Opening the presentations was Preview EIC Pauline Juan in a beribboned dress in deep blue. Liking that contrast fuschia strappy sandals very much.

Hard at work finishing her speech with an impromptu interview backstage with Cary. A peek at the back detail.

Haylaveet.

SLIMS heir, Mark Higgins. Regal bearing.

in Lacroix.

A smattering of surface texture on the audience, Lace applique on brocade. Vintage dress from New Yorker on Geolette Esguerra.

Sheer, rosette and pearls on Treisha Vanns.

The wedge is the new heel of the season.
Though some might have an aversion to toes overshooting the shoe shape, this one is literally made to look just like that. Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

And heres the outfit that went with it. Print on prints! Marble-lized tights with a skull print dress on Nicole Puentevella.

Ahoy matey! Pirate dressing ala Cheetah.

How high can you go?

And on the other end of the spectrum, easy dressing on Curithy. Gray was a popular choice, simple tank, drapey loose trousers and embellished flats.

And here's gray again with the Chictopia uniform on Tere, tank, bubble skirt and open toe booties.

And even more non color on the twins, Paul and John Herrera.

I likey that bubbly skirty! Just in case you obsessively compulsively want your personal space. Marc Jacobs skirt on L.A. Ferriols.

And some gold sightings too! Cinch waisted harem pants. Cool.

A refreshing floral vintage number on Rosanna Aranaz. This outfit I saved for last because I just love how a classic dress can beat any trendy number given that the fit is superb, and paired with the right footwear and accessories. I've done a piece on Rosanna's style and she has that quirky adventurous taste that experiments vintage with contemporary. Ladylike dressing has never looked so effortless, tasteful, and so young! Check her wardrobe blog here: littlemissdressup.com