What is fuss-free, bucks trends, makes the thinking woman look even smarter and would never go on sale?

 

Harlan + Holden has come out with B.C., a permanent collection of wardrobe staples composed of simple, no-brainer clothes “designed to simplify decisions” for those who have better things to do.

 

“The ultimate luxury is time. We don’t want anything that has to be dry-cleaned,” H+H creator Eman Pineda explained.

 

In a world saddled with the commotion of daily choices, wardrobes should no longer add to the agony.

 

“B.C. is H+H stripped down to the core. (It is) a more disciplined approach to design and dressing, with the idea of ease in wear, care and bear,”

H+H managing director Mia San Agustin stressed.

 

Maiden collection

 

Inquirer Lifestyle was recently invited to an exclusive peek at B.C.’s maiden collection composed of 15 recommended pieces that are ideal for work, travel and leisure.

 

The palettes are neutral (only two color-ways for each design) because it takes more time to mix and match if clothes have color. And no prints, please! They only distract from the cut and finish.

 

 

“So we eliminate that factor to make (dressing up) even faster. If you save 10 minutes to dress up, our mission is fulfilled because you can use that (time) to eat breakfast, read the newspaper or even talk to your child,” Pineda said.

 

The clothes are also designed for comfort and ease. H+H’s makers obviously wanted to incorporate in the creative process the necessity of getting dressed speedily and simply.

 

“H+H has a uniform approach to dressing. But with B.C., we have qualifying criteria to make (a piece) part of the collection. It has to be easy. We count the number of (steps) to wear a piece,” San Agustin pointed out.

 

There is something called a “tunnel shirt” which is actually the more chic cousin of the T-shirt. It takes two seconds to put it on or take it off.

 

Cabin wear

 

Dressing with the cowl neck blouse or the hoodie pretty much involve the same amount of time.

 

“The cowl neck can be worn with one stroke. We developed the hoodie with the idea of cabin wear, that when you go around, whether on a train, a plane, a car, you can put it on and feel

good (because) you look good),” San Agustin said.

 

The trousers are a marvel of well-thought-out and streamlined design and can be worn with either flats or heels. San Agustin confessed she wears hers three to four times a week.

 

The B.C. T-shirt retains the classic silhouette but is done in soft luxurious fabrics that do not require ironing. The pleated skirt, meanwhile, embraces the waist with a garter.

 

“Everything should be easy to care for, not malukutin. You can roll it up in your suitcase. Wherever you go, just hang it. So this was really a challenge for the design team,” San Agustin said.

 

With 1 B.C. out since the beginning of April, the line promises to come out with a new collection every six months.

 

“Expect light and airy, something serene and with no drama,” San Agustin said.

 

Photography Marc Nicdao
Styling Luis Carlo San Juan and Krista Rodriguez
Styling assistant Krista Rodriguez
Makeup Justine del Rosario
Hairstyle Mark Familara for L’Oreal Professionnel
Model Monika Sta. Maria of Mercator Models

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