On the third day of BYS Fashion Week, ORIAS and Cheetah Rivera reminded us of the joy that fashion brings
Within the intricate folds of fashion lies a deeper narrative, one that extends beyond the garments themselves and delves into various profound themes. This sentiment resonated loudly on the third day of BYS Fashion Week as ORIAS and Cheetah Rivera showcased that fashion is not just an art of clothing, but also a canvas for the expression of the soul, where emotions and ideals find their voice, leaving audiences enchanted and inspired. Read on to discover how these designers breathed life into their collections, showcasing the transformative power of love, beauty, and freedom.
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ORIAS
The fashion spectacle kicked off with ORIAS debuting their Spring/Summer 2024 collection, marking their very first solo showcase. Prior to the grand reveal, MEGA sat down with Vin Orias to gain insight into his latest creation. Filled with a sense of accomplishment, he expressed that this was the first time he felt a true connection to his role as a designer. His profound love and passion for his craft were evident as he shared the creative journey of Intersection, which began with the creation of nearly 100 looks before finalizing the selection of 40 exquisite designs.
Since 2016, this fashion label has been synonymous with sleek and impeccably tailored suits. When asked about how he worked on maintaining an elevated essence within his newest collection, even when centered around the simplicity of this classic ensemble, Vin confidently asserted that their tailoring prowess and the carefully selected fabrics speak volumes. Undoubtedly, the brand presented interesting silhouettes, encompassing cropped jackets and more relaxed styles, all while creatively incorporating brocades, high-quality wools, and Japanese denim into their textile palette. Among the standout looks and moments include the denim ensembles worn by fashion-forward couple David Guison and Angelique Manto, who walked for the brand. Their statement bags also effortlessly complemented their respective outfits. Even Robi Domingo made a striking appearance at last night’s event, donning an all-black ensemble. His oversized coat and loose trousers added an element of nonchalant coolness to his already suave persona.
Another noteworthy element that truly set the collection apart was its celebration of Solihiya’s charm—an artful weaving of delicate rattan strands into radiant sunburst designs. The designer expressed his immense pride at being among the trailblazing brands to showcase how this distinctive pattern can be gracefully integrated into the fashion landscape. He also expressed that this signifies his commitment to achieving the goal of positioning his brand alongside the most renowned international fashion houses, all while celebrating our Filipino heritage. With this vision in sight, it’s genuinely exciting to see how ORIAS will persistently push their limits and take their brand to new heights, one showcase at a time.
Cheetah Rivera
Cheetah Rivera opened her show on a high note, setting the mood with the infectious beat of Donna Summer’s “Last Dance,” a choice that immediately commanded the audience’s attention and felt like an invitation to groove with the forthcoming runway creations. Named Retrospective, this collection celebrates Cheetah’s remarkable decade in the fashion industry, and she dedicated it to women who, despite the constraints and stereotypes imposed by society, continue to ascend and shine.
Empowered by an unwavering love for fashion, the designer skillfully explored the elegance of femininity through a diverse array of techniques, fabrics, and silhouettes. From the spellbinding pleated skirts, eye-catching floral dresses, bold and daring outlines, to scintillating sequined ensembles, Cheetah unveiled a plethora of looks that proudly and wholeheartedly celebrate the essence of womanhood.
The runway presentation concluded with a bridal masterpiece, featuring a veil adorned with finely embroidered birds—a moment of sheer poetry that elegantly portrayed the union of love and freedom within Cheetah’s newest collection. As she articulated in the video played before the show started, every thread carries with it a narrative of specific moments. In this case, it’s a spirited celebration of her 10-year journey in the fashion scene and an ode to womanhood. As we cast our eyes forward, our anticipation brims with excitement as we eagerly await how Cheetah will continue to channel her artistic prowess, weaving collections that not only entice, but also ignite meaningful discussions—stories destined to shine in fashion’s grand narrative.
Photography EXCEL PANLAQUE