Photos by Van Sombito
Are sewing machines still relevant to Cary Santiago?
Synergized by both the rise of the hem to a high slit and the drop of the neck to a décolletage—the science of lines, hereunto—he’s a master of precision who could be the lone guardian of the finest pair of scissors in town.
The first decision to forge in any Cary Santiago show, even from the front rows, is the identification of the division of tasks at his atelier on Juana Osmeña Street: sewn by machine or labored by hands?
Records show his supremacy over hand manipulated drapes and skin-exposing silhouettes that are so unforgettable; any attempt to replicate would fall short and cheap. Say, at the 2018 Islands Souvenirs’ Cut and Style: Journey of the Senses at the Northwing of SM City Cebu last Friday, Jan. 19, crowned Bb. Cebu 2017 Apriel Smith wore a black long sleeves gown with deep V-neckline.
The viewer who has a technical eye on dressmaking would certainly throw a round of applause for the exact balance and proportion of the pattern of both the back and the front to stabilize the elongation of the line on the bust.
Smith’s court—Samantha Lo (Bb. Cebu Tourism) and Maria Gigante (Bb. Cebu Charity)—has reunited for this particular collection of fluid frocks all in black jersey fabric.
Hemlines were freed from threads, yet, dependent on a skillful hand that maneuvered the scissors following sleek slopes and contours of the ultra feminine cut: high slits, column, off-the-shoulder, Venus, and halter. Nods to the metallic gold tribal tracings on their headdresses were the coin-like embellishments Santiago positioned on strategic spots. One by one, he lined them up as piping on the side seams and outlines on the sleeves and neck, and then, augmented the entire, cohesive look with dimensional manipulation.
Still of the same material and color, harem pants (baggy trousers that swag down to the ankles) were matched with Islands Souvenir’s Sinulog shirt for men.
He also customized some shirts with the word “Sinulog” painted on the sides, the same patterns seen on event host Blinky de Leon who was in a teal blue sequined micro mini skirt.
Hello, fashion people
On the runway, too, were community models who expressed personal style through varied renditions of the merchandises from Islands Souvenir. Lor Torres opted for tight leather pants.
Sarrita Pimentel’s camouflage shorts complimented her figure in the same way that the ruffled asymmetrical skirt (with white sneakers) on Toni Pino-Oca defined her waist well.
Jacky Chang was a show stopper, culminating the program with her own pop hit song “Pero Atik Ra.” Alias Medyo Maldito, Rowell Ucat (wearing ripped sleeves in dark blue ombre fade) garnered loud cheers from the ladies in the crowd.
Malaya Macaraeg danced through her walk on stage along with fellow comedy video blogger Jomie Hospital.
Online platform’s newest star siblings Donny and Hannah Pangilinan completed the circle of personalities—making everyone happy.
As in, everyone, you know … society ladies in the front row, too—Elvira Luym, Rosebud Sala, Teresin Mendezona—who were as delighted as those fans.
Of course, the smell of teen spirit wafted in the air and invigorated us, but we’re the kind of fanatics, rallying for any type of Cebuano fashion: fast trendy, sweet, feel-good chic.
And everything Cary Santiago, too.