The country’s biggest names in fashion and up-and-coming designers will go head-to-head on Sunday, Feb. 17, as Seda Vertis North and Inquirer Lifestyle present “Entwine 2019 Face-Off Bridal Edition.”

 

The first big fashion event for 2019, “Entwine” is the latest edition in Lifestyle’s long-running “Face-Off” series, which began in 2009 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

 

The concept brings together fashion designers on one stage for a friendly one-upmanship. “Face-Off’s” themes and concepts have evolved through the years, such as the “Masters vs Millennials” in interpreting the maria clara, and “Cut Above the Rest” which featured the top fashion design schools in the country.

 

This time, it’s bridal collections to cap the first bridal fair at Seda Vertis North, which is becoming a choice wedding venue in the north.

 

Directed by Jackie C. Aquino, “Entwine 2019 Face-Off Bridal Edition” will feature the works of JC Buendia, Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, Rajo Laurel, Dennis Lustico, Mike de la Rosa, Efren Ocampo, Randy Ortiz, Cary Santiago, Lulu Tan Gan, Michael Leyva and Vania Romoff.

 

 

Bridal design exhibitors in the fair this weekend will also show their designs. They are Julienne Syjuco, Zandra Lim, Patricia Santos, Haydee Garcia, Bella Borromeo, Mariella Garcia of 37LA Atelier, and Spain’s bridal RTW brand Rosa Clara.

 

Cesar Gaupo, the late veteran fashion designer who was supposed to be one of the featured designers, will be given a special tribute. (See related story.)

 

Color, ancient crafts

 

Here are what guests can expect from the show.

 

Rajo Laurel will show two gowns, “both with an introduction of color, the first of which highlights the Bulacan embroidery style called cadenete,” he said.

 

The other dress will feature enamel work of vintage plateros (silversmith). “I wanted to revisit ancient skills and crafts and take these to the present.”

 

 

Dennis Lustico’s first look will be an ensemble of gold-embellished jacket and linen-wool wide trousers. The other is a layered silk ivory tulle and blush duchesse satin dress with linear beading.

 

Efren Ocampo will present a bridal ensemble of pants in silk mikado and cropped top with ostrich feathers and sequins in ivory. His other look is a dress of blush peau de soie with lace appliques.

 

Michael Leyva, who designs red-carpet showstoppers for celebrities, will also show his versions of modern Filipina bridalwear.

 

One of Randy Ortiz’s designs is an ivory strapless dress with multi-pleated bodice in taffeta and silk tulle. It has a bouffant skirt in point d’esprit tulle draped with silk taffeta.

 

Cebu’s pride Cary Santiago will present looks from his spectacular avian-inspired bridal collection.

 

JC Buendia’s take on bridalwear is considerate and sensible: two-way wedding gowns that are modest for the church but transform into more relaxed looks for the reception.

 

 

 

Heritage wear

 

Lulu Tan-Gan highlights her signature fabric —traditional piña—in bridalwear that’s contemporary but also classic and elegant. TanGan the brand, says its designer, “goes through deliberate form shaping and surface treatment that’s Filipino-inspired. Though less formulaic, TanGan is definitely a heritage wear.”

 

Vania Romoff will present designs that show her signature clean lines and classic aesthetic, “vintage-inspired with a modern twist,” she says.

 

Rhett Eala will have two column gowns—one in silver, the other in off-white—with pleating and fringe details. They will sport hand-painted trains.

 

Mike dela Rosa’s will be a classic gown in blush chiffon, cut on the bias, with lace inserts. It’s traced with Swarovski crystals.

 

Bella Borromeo likes to portray softness and femininity in flowy designs, with some dainty and intricate beadwork.

 

Mariella Garcia of 37LA Atelier will show gowns of a “different color” in “unconventional materials and unique cuts” as she believes each bride wants to look unique on her big day.

 

Zandra Lim, who studied fashion design in Milan, will show spring-theme wedding dresses. Spring, she noted, “is a symbol of beginnings and a wedding marks a new phase in life… Brides love pastel hues, and cascading blooms transform an ordinary wedding dress into the prettiest [kind].”

 

Julianne Syjuco, like Cary Santiago, will present looks inspired by birds. The Parsons School of Design alumna will open with her own spin on the classic romantic ball gown.

 

“Among the crystals and delicate beading are tiny swallows nestling on the floral lace. It’s a fun surprise for brides who want to remain classic yet yearn for an unexpected twist,” she said. Her finale look will feature ostrich feathers with sprinkles of pearls and Swarovski crystals.

 

Patricia Santos will present samples of her classic, feminine style with hand-beaded details—one, in a serpentine silhouette with crystal embroidery; the other, an embellished ball gown with a long train.