After months of preparation and hard work, budding designers Kirby Cruz, Gabbie Sarenas, Geoff Zordilla, Nicee Atienza and Vince Tolentino claimed their reward when they presented their inspired creations at the recent SoFA Graduation Show, held at The Loft at Manansala in Rockwell, Makati.

Fashion designer and batch mentor Gerry Katigbak directed the event, assisted by Ringo Hernan and JM Manalang, who was also one of the male models.

Rehearsals started in the morning, then the models proceeded to the makeup room to be dolled up by the Make Up Forever team headed by Yuki Geraldo.

The female peg was the natural look, using nude colors that evoked freshness and youth. In contrast, the men went for the rock-star look, complete with thick black eyeliner and gelled hair reminiscent of ’50s icon James Dean.

An SRO crowd of designers, SoFA students, fashion bloggers, sponsors, media representatives and friends/supporters of the graduating class watched the show, which started with a tribute to outstanding SoFA alumni such as Danika Navarro, Kaye Morales, Noelle Llave, Fold Canela, Mark Tamayo, Dan Duran, Nino Angeles, Steph Verano and Pristine de Guzman.

The main show kicked off with designs of Kirby Cruz, who presented an all-male/solo female ensemble entitled “Fractals.” The collection was obviously painstakingly done, showing a passion for color, construction and detail.

Gabbie Sarenas’ flowing soft chiffon gowns overwhelmed the audience. The models sashayed down the ramp looking like princesses and queens from an English novel.

Another risky but successful move was Geoff Zordilla’s hummingbird-inspired collection, a visual feast of color and seductive feel.

Nicee Atienza’s rich use of fabric, meanwhile, embodied opulence.  Vince Tolentino showcased glamour and style evocative of red-carpet Hollywood. His collection was a fitting finale to the show.