Mood: Vintage-modern bohemian-Renaissance with Mediterranean inspiration (flowy frocks, soft tailoring) for Spring/Summer 2013. Invest on classic silhouettes like basic shifts and sheaths, slouchy tops, blousons, palazzos, flowy bias skirts, couture shorts. Fabrics: Soft to hard. Color statement: Green!

 

Ruby Gan, fashionista, chief operations officer of Shop Manila Inc. (Myth, Schu, and Chocolate by Schu boutiques)

 

I see more pastel and neon colors on clothes, accessories, bags and shoes. I would suggest that shoppers get edgy pieces like a pair of bright/neon pair of danglers or necklaces in pastel and gold combination so they can easily update their wardrobe. Last year’s sorbet colors can easily be updated with these accessories. Degradé is once again relevant, this time in denim (either top or jeans).

 

Joel Escober, fashion designer

 

Peek-a-boo veilings, couture ruffles, and a new take on the kimono. People should invest in good white tops, whether tailored, with ruffles or sheer.

 

Rhett Eala, fashion designer, creative director of Plains & Prints

 

Tailored black pantsuits like what Raf Simons did for Dior; printed dresses, long and short; white eyelet pieces with nude lining. Wedge cork shoes in neon shades of orange and green. Green is the color of the year. Emerald green is my favorite.

 

Noel Crisostomo, creative director, Collezione; featured designer, Myth

 

There’s no major trend for 2013 because not a few designers in the world’s fashion capitals offered so many looks this year. Having said that, the must-have look for 2013 for women is, ironically enough, heavily influenced by menswear, such as tailored pieces with enough lady-like chic.

 

As far as colors go, bright colors and hints of neon for men and women as well as black and white graphics, also with hints of neon, will be big in the coming months.

 

A major look for summer 2013 for men is nautical. For  Collezione, I created the traditional navy and white striped polo shirts with hints of bright yellow and green.

 

Consumers should invest on formal wear this year. Every man should own at least one dark color suit that can take him to a formal wedding or a dress-up black-tie event.

 

Women should invest on a classic evening gown. Pick a style that is on-trend but still classic with just a hint of bling.

 

At Myth in Greenbelt 5, I’m offering styles that are classic but effortlessly chic with just the right amount of drama and bling, which I hope the ladies would find perfect for almost any formal occasion.

 

JC Buendia, fashion designer

 

Every year, there’s a forecast color, but every time we always end up with black. I feel though that this year, color will be back. There will be a renewed desirability for such shades as green and orange.

 

Tops will have lots of couture manipulations—unexpected tucks, pleating and bias inserts. Pants will be more structured. Skirts, either flounced or embellished, will come in more festiveshapes and looks.

 

Last year, I collaborated with Kashieca. I’m not yet free to reveal the details of our future collaboration this year, but hopefully there will be one.

 

Francis Libiran, featured menswear designer, Myth

 

For men’s fashion, must-haves for 2013 are still skinny pants with stretch material, including stretch cotton, for easy movement.

 

Super shorts for this summer are out. Instead, men should buy shorts with a more relaxed fit and hemlines just above the knee.

 

Prints, in the form of animal, camouflage and various fun prints, combined with vibrant colors are also in, especially this summer. Since the mood is generally fun and vibrant, forecast colors include happy ones like yellow, jade and bright blues.

 

With regards to suits, the double-breasted style, with a slimmer fit, is also making a comeback. Not too many Filipino men are used to accessorizing their suits, but incorporating such items as a pin or a flower is ideal for double-breasted suits.

 

Sheree Gotuaco, CEO of Elite Garments International Inc. (Ensembles, Freeway, Solo boutiques)

 

Leaf green would be a fresh color addition to the past holiday “brights.” As for investment on wardrobe, it’s always good not to be victim of trends. It’s more important to choose styles that flatter your figure. In the end, you will tend to gravitate toward such pieces anyway. You’re bound to make more worthy purchases if you know your body as well as your strengths and limitations well.