Nothing beats the magic of live runway shows
Remember Rihanna’s 2017 Met Gala garb designed by Rei Kawakubo? Or Anne Curtis’ recent Y2K style ensemble? What about Catriona Gray’s Lava dress at the 2018 Miss Universe? All these looks are iconic but what took them to the next level was their matching makeup. Rihanna’s severe blush, Anne’s pastel eyeshadow, and Catriona’s red lips were the key elements completing their looks. For the longest time, fashion and beauty worked hand-in-hand in creating such remarkable style moments. Both fields have been on a mission of turning people into works of art, which has been best depicted through magazine editorials, red carpet sightings, and even on the sidewalks. Locally, the relationship between fashion and makeup has been perfectly showcased through a recent style fest led by BYS Philippines.
As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, the beauty brand gathered Filipino designers for its first-ever BYS Fashion Week. From Oct. 6 to 8, the country’s stylish crowd witnessed not only the bests of Filipino fashion but also new and imaginative makeup looks celebrating diverse beauty, inviting everyone to present their best selves with its #YouPlayYou initiative.
BYS Fashion Week is divided into five stages—Sustainability, Glam, Break Your Stigma, Euphoria, Skin, and Street. From new romantic dressing and modern takes on street style to reimagined Filipino craftsmanship, here are some of our favorite style moments from the three-day fashion and beauty spectacle.
Sustainability stage
Kicking off the beauty brand’s fashion week were Randolf Clothing and Russell Villafuerte. Style meets purpose in both of their fashion shows. Fashion designer RJ Santos of Randolf Clothing presented a colorful parade of pieces spotlighting artsy embroidery and tulle garbs. Among the top pieces were the reimagined barong and that ombre suit with butterfly illustration. Sneakers turned into corsets dominated Russell’s show. His take on the “body accessory” was matched with a myriad of prints and textiles, overall, giving a show that presented an innovative view on sportswear.
Glam stage
Day 1 continued to a fantasy garden and helping it bring to life were the designs of Cheetah Rivera and Jaz Cerezo. Inspired by the whimsical illustrations of Cicely Mary Barker, Cheetah’s collection explored romantic silhouettes, floral ornaments, and dreamy color combinations. Jaz, on the other hand, took everyone to the Garden of Eden with her collection echoing the biblical tale of Adam, Eve, and the serpent. It presented new suiting, skin-baring dresses, and play serpent embellishments.
Break Your Stigma stage
Supporting the brand’s advocacy, Break Your Stigma, Kaye Morales’ collection aimed to empower people dealing with mental health issues. Shown on Day 2, her “Unchained” collection featured rebellious pieces. Her design aesthetic was best shown through her dramatic sequinned garbs, texture play, and hardware adornment.
Euphoria stage
Day 2 carried on with a ball courtesy of Bonita Penaranda, the designer behind the brand Just Bonita. Disco balls lit her pink runway presenting pieces in lace, metallics, velvet, and sheer. Her signature corsets were worn both by male and female models. Putting her show to an electrifying end was Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi wearing an all-denim dress styled with a feathered headdress.
Skin stage
Issa Pressman introduced her eponymous fashion label, I S S A, on the third day of BYS Fashion Week. Her collection, titled “Time & Space,” presented wearable art through an array of versatile scarves named after the top travel destinations in the world.
Street stage
Kyle Cruz of homegrown label Cruz presented for his first runway show a reimagination of classic pieces, such as chill suits and wardrobe-staple separates, through genderbending style and unusual textile choices. Also making his Philippine runway debut was Thian Rodriguez as he ended BYS Fashion Week by showcasing his works in collaboration with the artisans from Marikina. Rough and edgy, his collection featured his knack for hardware, leatherwork, and Filipino weaving heritage. Ending his show was actress Nadine Lustre. Think of Aaliyah in the “Queen of the Damn” movie because that’s the vibe she is serving.
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