An eclectic mix of influences set the tone for Chito Vijandre’s latest collection
On day three of BENCH Fashion Week Holiday 2024, the runway featured three different collections that mutually celebrated one thing: style beyond the conventional. Front and center was Filipino designer Chito Vijandre and his collection The Dawn of a New Era. A fusion of the seemingly unmergable, it’s an ode to the free, eccentric, and sentimental.
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“Fun. Relaxed. Nostalgic.” This is how Chito Vijandre describes his collection. Known for his bold and vibrant designs, the Filipino designer showcased his signature style in his collection. He thoughtfully married the revival of the 60s and 70s with elements of futurism, disco, and ethnic style—a feat only a talent like Chito could achieve.
From beginning to end, the audience witnessed a grand parade of eclectic ensembles. The collection opened with a retro-futuristic theme, drawing from the iconic Space Age looks by Pierre Cardin, Paco Rabanne, and André Courreges. It showcased silk jersey mini skirts, pantsuits, and other pieces adorned with paillettes and gilded metal discs; not to mention the chain mail hoodie à la Joan of Arc that kept the audience’s eyes on the runway.
Fast forward to the Age of Aquarius, where Chito brought new life to hippie-chic staples. This segment gave bell bottoms and hot pants a fresh twist, replacing the usual denim and polyester with silk velvet and paisley prints. A reimagination of disco, he incorporated folkloric, Renaissance, and African styles with luxurious brocades, ruched silk organza, and intricate crochet.
Still in the disco days of Studio 54, the designer fused different cultures, eras, and styles for the Disco Glam section. “The 70s was the era of women’s liberation, “burn the bra,” hippie culture, and a reaction to the materialistic sheen of pop culture,” Chito explains. In response, he infused his designs with elements of Eastern spirituality, turning them into the colorful, multicultural ensembles that graced the runway.
“I didn’t want it to be too literal or costume-vintagey,” the designer shares with MEGA. The result? A collection that successfully honored bygone eras while breaking ground in contemporary design, making for a truly unforgettable show.
