Three Nights of Fashion, Cebu Style

I know, I know, this is a food website. But some readers may find a quick fashion related post interesting. And if you are inclined, consider this AN INVITE to a pretty snazzy fashion event THIS EVENING in Cebu, with some wedding gowns by Monique Lhuillier as the anticipated highlight of the show. Marketman, Mrs. MM and The Kid have been in Cebu since Friday to attend a number of related fashion events as part of some of our business commitments. We aren’t “fashion show type of folks” for the most part, and I have never attended one in the Philippines before, unless you count a charity event that The Kid walked in when she was aged 8 or so. But we were game and even made sure we had something “casually chic” (what the heck does that mean, really?) to wear for three consecutive evening shows…

Most folks have never been to a fashion show, but most will probably secretely admit to a fascination for some or all of the elements it involves… perfectly sized and beautiful models with legs up the wazoo, glamorous clothing, lights, cameras and catwalking like there is no tomorrow, usually teetering on 4 inch heels. Fashion shows would seem to be one of the most vacuous, and least redeeming activities that one can be a part of, but let’s face it, fashion is a multi-billion peso industry. All you have to look at are the tenants of our local malls, the myriad of food outlets then the clothes/shoes stores. This is the first time I have attended an adult fashion show(s) in the Philippines in the past 10+ years. I once attended several seriously with-it fashion shows of some top designers in Paris many years ago, and I have to say, it was a stunningly impressive experience that I recall with fondness…

As a spectator, the primary consideration is where you are going to sit so that you have a good vantage point from where to see the spectacle, or lack of it. The front row is definitely the choice location and these are reserved for big buyers, or in this case, guests of show sponsors. This particular set of shows was sponsored by Samsung, Metro Magazine and Monterrazas de Cebu and the guests apparently included the who’s who of Cebu society and several hundred other guests with an interest in fashion…

The first evening featured collections from 14 up and coming Cebu designers. While refreshing and nice to see new talent, their clothes left much to be desired and looked clearly like they were done by newbies. That’s alright, they have to start somewhere. The second evening, or Saturday night, from where these photos were taken, featured 7 well-known and established Cebu designers who are part of the Cebu Fashion Council and they put on a much more impressive show overall…

From our vantage point at the end of the runway, between the phalanx of photographers and the stage, we got a superb view of everything going on. One designer had his models walk out in what looked like 7 inch platform heels and I am amazed that anyone can still walk in such outrageous monstrosities…

Overall it was an interesting evening with a lot of different clothes on the runway…

…and The Kid and I traded whispered light criticisms like “Eew, too futzy…” or “Yikes, she left the price tag on the sole of her shoes…” or “what the heck is that? Speedos with a fur coat in Cebu?” Hahaha. You can tell we had no idea what was going on… but we had fun.

But the first two shows were really just a build up to tonight’s show, a Bridal Fashion show called Sposabella that will feature gowns by the wildly successful Monique Lhuillier, as well as Rajo Laurel, Rhett Eala, Jojie Lloren and 10+ other designers. And here’s the Marketman tip… you too can attend if you want to and are in Cebu tonight. Just get dressed up and show up at around 7:30p.m. at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu, the show is in the main convention hall. Just hang out until the doors open and make your way in. Most seats are reserved for invited guests but the standing room area is huge and actually, a great vantage point from where to watch the show. Since it only runs 30 minutes or so once it starts, you won’t be standing for too long. If you are a people watcher, this is the place to be this evening in Cebu… and shhh, don’t tell them I told you about it. Seriously, admission is free and you are all most welcome. So if you want to see the show, head on over to the Waterfront tonight. And yes, Mrs. MM, The Kid and I will be there tonight as well…