Project Runway Philippines

Can I tell you…about Project Runway Philippines. I’ve been addicted to the US version since it’s inception 3 seasons ago. Seriously, who doesn’t love a good catty show where fashion designers actually cut and sew their own designs, show them on the runway, get reviewed and then get axed or as we now say "aufed". Genius!
It was only a matter of time before other countries joined the hoopla and followed the formula. Last March when I was in Manila for my store opening, Teresa Herrera, (PRP's Heidi Klum) hinted that I might want to judge. I said "sure", but didn’t make much of it. I have a crazy travel schedule and coming home just for that would be next to impossible.
Serendipitously one night I was chatting with Rajo Laurel (PRP's Michael Kors) on Facebook and lauded him on how fabulous the show was ( I’ve been watching it religiously on youtube) when he asked me when I would be in Asia next.
Coincidentally, I was scheduled to be in Jakarta for the opening of Harvey Nichols at the end of October. He then asked me if I could move my schedule up and come a week early to Manila to be the finale judge. “Let me think about it…Yes!” Hello, I wasn’t going to pass the chance to be in a hit show and give the contestants my two cents.
The other judges were fashion editor and columnist Apples Aberin-Sadhwani ( PRP's Nina Garcia) and ready to wear designer Cesar Gaupo. It was fun reunion especially for me. Apples used to model for me and back in the day, Cesar and I used to watch Style by Elsa Klensch along with his contemporaries, the late Caloy Badidoy and Inno Sotto. They used to call me 'bagets'. Imagine?!
Cut to the finale show. It was as much fun as I expected it to be. The producers were able to replicate the feeling of being in Bryant Park. My only complain was the choice of models. Don’t get me wrong. I like healthy looking girls but some of them needed a little gym time. Know what I mean?! I’m sure you were thinking of the same thing so I’m just calling it like it is.

Another unfortunate situation was the lack of fashion editrix and celebrities on the front row. That would have made it a more stellar event. There was some inside drama ensuing that prevented any of the major fashion editors from attending the finale. I hope they work it out for next season. Like any fashion show, which models you use is as important as who you assign to sit on the front row.


Here are my comments about the contestants:
1. Phillipp – His attention to detail and ornamentation is excellent but he just needs to pull back a little. Do a little cha-cha. Two steps forward, one step back. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” is what I said about him. What he has going for him is that he really knows how to flatter a woman’s body and he has femininity down pat.
2. Veejay – “Working, working day and night”. He aims to dress the modern working girl. Confident, sexy, streamlined and she means business! He had a lot of great ideas but I felt that he could have lightened up a bit. The collection was too monotone for my taste and the choice of fabrics could have been taken up a notch. An injection of color would have helped his collection too. His choice of accessories also brought him down. The shoes had nothing to do with the belts. They were out of left field and distracting. A glossy patent leather belt, even in taupe, would have been a nice finishing touch.
3. Aries- He impressed me as soon as the first look hit the runway. His combination of textures, brocade, iridescent organza, sequins and silk sounds like a lot but he worked them seamlessly. This designer doesn’t have ‘basic’ in his vocabulary and it was a joy to watch him exert his techinical skills and imagination. His accessories complimented the collection. He also knows how to put on a good show. He concocted a convertible ensemble ( you know which one!) and that could have been a disaster, but it worked and at that point, I think he had won everybody’s vote. This collection however had nothing Spring Summer 09 about it. But hey, “vive la difference”.
The next day we had to go to the studio to film the final part of the show, the deliberation, the judging, and announcing the winner. What was really endearing about these contestants is that they have become BFFs with each other as a result of the show. They were genuinely happy for Aries when he won. That was an emotional moment I have to say. I think everybody got a little misty eyed when he broke down.
One thing is certain, if these designers represent the future of Philippine fashion, then our future is bright, chic and absolutely fabulous! Don't you agree?