Let's look back to some style trends and moments that still made this year a celebration of Filipino fashion
End of the year already? Honestly, we wish we could say that the months just flew by. But with the aftermath of all the things that has happened and with Covid-19 still looming on the sidelines, it's kind of hard to forget the days that went by.
Looking at the brighter side of things, we'll realize that not all of 2020 is that bad. In the fashion department, we've collected great stories just to prove that, from our modern take on the humble pambahay and newest style essentials to how the industry as whole helped in fighting against the pandemic.
So before we bid goodbye to the challenging year that is 2020, let's look back at some style trends and moments that still made this year a celebration of Filipino fashion.
Workleisure
Strange times call for strange combinations. As the world was taken by surprise by the pandemic, so was our way of operating things. Soon enough office work is taken to our living room and workleisure is born. Wearing a head to toe corporate look in a work from home is quite impractical, especially when we only see each through Zoom windows. To add a little ease on office wear, some skipped the crisp white or pinned striped button-downs with easy tops but still kept tailored pieces on the side. Others ditched the trousers and pencil skirts for a more breathable and dressed down bottoms. Opting comfy footwear over stilettos is the style parting we never knew we could do.
Designer face masks
What started as an essential piece to help lessen the spread of the virus, it soon became everyone's fashion must-have. After months of creating protective wear for medical frontliners, fashion designers channeled their creativity on making face masks that do more than just keep the virus at bay. With most of the facial features covered, face masks now become a way for self expression. Think of Ha.mu's retaso monster masks, the Lava mask by Mak Tumang, and Randy Ortiz's collaboration line with Aerian Essential. Nothing could make you feel chic and safe this time than a designer face mask.
Protective wearable
Another product of the pandemic, fashion designers rendered the pattern of medical hazmat suits into pieces fit for casual outings. Designs like wrap dresses, jumpsuits, and jackets are produced in an array of colors, styles, and patterns. Other fashion designers even mixed new textiles with traditional weaved fabrics crafting truly Filipino items.
Pambahay reimagined
From the outrageous to glam ones, fashionistas stuck at home defied the laws of pambahay, turning them from being boring to something that has a little extra touch. From hand-dyed 'fits and cozy cardigans to luxe sleepwear, we may never look at pambahay the same again after this pandemic.
Virtual runway shows
As many things took a digital leap this year, so are some of our fashion practices. Shopping online is not relatively new to many, but virtual runways are. Just like the major fashion capitals, the local fashion scene brought the runways to the web with designers Rajo Laurel and Francis Libiran and retail giant Bench leading the online spectacle.
Clothing modern heroes
The fashion industry is among the many that suffered the Covid-19 perils. But during its halt, fashion creatives found their own ways to contribute in the combatting the unseen enemy. From sourcing materials and sewing PPEs to raising funds for charities, the industry proved to be a substantial part of the community, beyond its offering of luxury and fantasy.
