Last week at the Green Sun Hotel, marked rookie designer Sari Lazaro debuted her latest runway show in Manila entitled “Luxe Ethereal.” As per industry standard, the crowd consisted of the town’s most sought-after celebrities, personalities and the occasional handful of titas. The venue was abuzz with anticipation, waiting to see what the Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion alumnae had to offer, as the collection was inspired, interestingly, by both royalty and nature.

While Sari definitely knows how to flatter the female form, the collection felt a little too circa 2011 for us with its dated techniques and use of the materials (silk, lace, chiffon, sequins). We’ll give it to Sari, though: The construction and craftsmanship of the gowns were remarkable. Those laser-cut dresses were killer, but then again, they weren’t concepts we haven’t seen before. There were a few draped pieces in pastel shades that had potential, but the overload of sequins and sparkly beads happened, and it all began to spiral down into prom queen territory. And the platform heels? Let’s just say they didn’t aid her vision in any way.

There were, however, a few redeeming numbers that showed that Sari does have potential as designer. The navy blue jumpsuit with the little side cape action, the off-shoulder princess gown that had just the right amount of poufiness and leaf details on it, and the series of nude and black laser-cut column gowns with fringe detailing. Still, even with those wildcards, we didn’t find the collection cohesive with its jarring transitions into different color schemes, varying moods, and a plethora of ideas that just didn’t mesh well together. It sure showed Sari’s range and skill, but we wish she revealed them to her audience gradually.

Is Sari Lazaro a terrible fashion designer? No. Is this her strongest collection by far? We don’t think so, and look forward to witnessing her aesthetic evolution.

To see photos from her collection, click through the slideshow above!

Photos courtesy of Visions and Expressions