Cover (From left) Designers Gabbie Sarenas, Carla Zhang of Le Ngok, and Jo Ann Bitagcol
(From left) Designers Gabbie Sarenas, Carla Zhang of Le Ngok, and Jo Ann Bitagcol
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This season's designers promises innovation beyond measure, championing self-love in the most fashionable sense
Look no further, as it’s that time of year when the Filipino fashion community comes together to celebrate all manners of style. Bench Tower will again host the Bench Fashion Week (BFW), a biannual showcase of unparalleled craftsmanship and bonafide taste. Designers, influencers and models are gearing up for a weekend of fashion extravaganza from March 8 to 10, bringing together some of the country’s most sophisticated artistic talents.
The Spring/Summer 2024 edition of BFW will emphasise stirring narratives, the dynamics of intimate relationships, and the movements of self-love and self-discovery.
Audiences can expect to witness new looks from seasoned names like Jo Ann Bitagcol, Rhett Eala, and Joey Samson. The three designers will share the runway with up-and-comers such as Le Ngok, Nicolò, and Gabbie Sarenas.
Related: Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2023: Meet the designers
Jo Ann Bitagcol
Above A previous look by Jo Ann Bitagcol
Above Jo Ann Bitagcol
A previous look by Jo Ann Bitagcol
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With her graceful demeanour and aptitude for unique yet elegant forms, this supermodel-turned-designer has proved time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with. Scouted at a panciteria at 18, Bitagcol made her foray into the runway, eventually becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after models. Since then, she has expanded her creative eye, endeavouring fine art photography and fashion design.
Bitagcol’s oeuvre is drawn towards androgynous shapes, blending masculine and feminine aspects into each ensemble. Recurring materials and motifs include embroidery, floral patterns, and iterations of traditional clothing such as the balintawak and the barong.
Rhett Eala
Above Rhett Eala for Kashieca
Above Rhett Eala
Rhett Eala for Kashieca
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The fashion community is familiar with Rhett Eala’s name and eponymous brand. A staple couturier of local high society, Eala started his professional career in 1990 when he was tagged by Rustan’s to contribute to their house label “Due.”
The designer’s collaboration with Kashieca recalls his early collections. Think dresses patterned with lace detail and classic blue jumpers cut in flattering silhouettes, plus polo shirts lined with demure ruffles. This will be the second time Eala has worked with Kashieca on a BFW show.
In case you missed it: What Keeps Filipino Fashion Designer Rhett Eala Inspired?
Le Ngok
Above A previous look by LE NGOK
Above LE NGOK
A previous look by LE NGOK
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From the creative mind of Carla Zhang, design label Le Ngok seeks to challenge traditional notions of couture by using a mixed media approach, and implementing various sustainable techniques. Hailing from China, Zhang moved to Manila over a decade ago and completed her fashion studies at SoFa Design Institute.
Le Ngok is a featured brand of PHx Fashion Group. We can expect looks to include 3D printed materials juxtaposed with macrame, various iterations of knitwear, and structures based on organic shapes.
Nicolò
Above Nicolò
Above A previous look by Nicolò
Nicolò
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Established in 2018 and helmed by designer Nic Perez, Nicolò promises to create garments that seamlessly integrate style and wearability. Each piece is made locally and in-house, executed with meticulous attention and thoughtful design. Last November 2023, Perez made waves when it was announced that he had designed new uniforms for local fast food chain Jollibee.
Previous collections are drawn on streetwear elements with a twist, incorporating materials such as denim and organza.
Joey Samson
Above Joey Samson
Above A previous look by Joey Samson
Joey Samson
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Household name Joey Samson is perhaps best known for his “cage terno”, a modernised interpretation of traditional Filipiñana. A graduate of Slim’s School for the Arts, Samson apprenticed under legendary couturier Danilo Franco, from whom he learned some vital aspects of the trade.
Samson’s aptitude for merging feminine aspects of Filipino dressing with the masculine, and vice versa, has earned him a permanent place in the local fashion pantheon.
More from Tatler: Paskong ‘TernoCon’ 2023: Couture, culture, & celebration
Gabbie Sarenas
Above Gabbie Sarenas
Above A previous look by Gabbie Sarenas
Gabbie Sarenas
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Gabbie Sarenas describes her style narrative as a “love letter to the Philippines”. Shortly after graduating from SoFa Design Institute, she went on to work under designer Hindy Weber. Her brand was born from a passion for local textiles with a mission to preserve heritage. Her creations have been featured at the ArteFino Fair and several local publications.
Sarenas’s work exudes soft femininity, replete with dainty embroidery and images of local flora on removable collars and panyo.
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of Bench Fashion Week
About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
