It all starts with a line. Before that dress is paraded on the runway or worn at a party, designers sketch their ideas on paper.

 

The result might look completely different from the original sketch, but like many other things, it is a work in progress.

 

Industrial designer and hotelier Marianito “Rene” Alcala has long seen the potential of fashion illustrations as art.  He organized “Dressed to Kill,” an exhibit staged 16 years ago at a bar and art gallery he used to operate in Quezon City.

 

At the time, he chose 10 top Filipino designers. Now, the list is longer and includes John Abul, Pepito Albert, Albert Andrada, Ito Curata, Rhett Eala, Danilo Franco, Rajo Laurel, Francis Libiran, Jot Losa, Loretto, Nat Manilag, Randy Ortiz, Frederick Peralta, Raoul Ramirez and Edgar San Diego.

 

Sticking to its original name, “Dressed to Kill,” the new exhibit opens this Saturday afternoon, April 2, at Domicillo Design Hotel in Tagaytay City, and will run until May 3.

 

“I see fashion illustrations as works of art,” Alcala told Inquirer Lifestyle. “In a way, this exhibit is an homage to fashion designers.”

 

The framed drawings range from Albert’s draped figures and Peralta’s intricate bridal gowns to San Diego’s watercolors and Laurel’s Giacometti-inspired stick figures.

 

“With this exhibit, we hope to attract art and fashion aficionados as well as clients of these designers. We also want to attract young people who are interested in art and fashion design as a profession,” Alcala said.

 

The “Dressed to Kill” exhibit at Domicillo Design Hotel in Tagaytay City (tel. nos. 046-4133552/0917-6728182), with sponsors Aozora, La Finca and Don Papa Rhum, will be open to the public starting April 3. Pieces will be on view at the Hotel Lounge and M lobby of the hotel. Raoul J. Chee Kee