DISTRESSED edges of
the denim
collection
We whooped real life and inspiration blurred in a long, block platform of air-kissing and posturing as the local audience was delighted to see—and be found in—this precious, famous place.
And there were many to digest, all orbited by some notably great shoes anda profusion of bags and hats, and clothes galore. At the end—or nearly the end— the cult of models danced out onto the runway.
This was a great show, packed with a whimsical multiplicity of characters, all united by the newest collection from the in-house brands of Rustan’s,
ushering the 65th anniversary celebration in the retail community: Facets of Extraordinary at itsboutique in Ayala Center Cebu last Saturday,
Sept. 23.
The clothes that hung on railings here and there within today’s generation would have been a fine wardrobe to inhabit my Canal Street crash pad:
utilitarian jackets and retro cashmere-blend tracksuits in brown.
Some fine jacquard topcoats with big shaggy collars. Some leather sport shorts.
A suite of vintage reissued and tweaked heritage Bally trainers, which were gorgeous but also close to their cousin the Dunlop Volley (Best. Sneaker. Ever.), Spring Courts, and Reeboks.
And in the meantime, we can look at all those made-for-Instagram moments: the lineup of serene, elegant ’90s cuts by Jojie Lloren for Jill—pleats
and asymmetrical patterns; the stomping cool girls of Oleg Cassini, basking in the glow of solid colors.
The brand’s menswear also took a fresher route on sports jackets and modern pleated slacks. Delight were the chic entrances and exits of trends delivered by the designers of Lady Rustan: mullet hemlines, trapeze sundresses, which were literally head spinning. Others had subtle detailing using soft drapes and pleats, too.
Criselda Lontok’s seemed like glowing orchids in the dark—Mikado corseted evening gown, wide-legged pants made of lace, and floral prints to boot. You can delight in the shows with more diverse castings of models from a wider size range.
But compared to Rustan’s marketing strength 65 years back, now you can watch the streams and videos, and get all messy and emotional with Bowie, Elton, and Nina Simone in the background.
In pictures, and in person, it was a weekend show that did not disappoint. There were some incredible collections—a wrap blouse and palazzo pants stood out especially for me, and I was moved as well by the fresh “undone” beauty direction of the looks—and loads of cool clothes.
If one is feeling lazy to dress up come December in Cebu, there are strong boots, oversize jackets, and swingy lace dresses that will be well worth the wait. But here’s the rub: For all the wonderful items on all those amazing wardrobe, there just wasn’t much news being delivered.
One thing uniting the Rustan chain of department stores is a devotion to design, and last Saturday night in Cebu, we toasted all things luxe and new.