Candie’s, the pop culture brand from the U.S.A., joined Philippine Fashion Week 2011 last May 14, 2011 in a first ever conceptual frozen show. The brand’s fun and playful energy was translated into an exciting display of feminine confections that’s glazed by frosted air—literally. Candie’s take on modern day princesses were super-cooled in a crystalline runway.
The brand hired several student-designers/stylists, including myself, to help the show kick it up a notch. The Candie’s Fashion Show Holiday 2011 experience was a great opportunity for me because I learned a lot from working with such brilliant, fun-loving, self-motivated, witty, diligent and forward-thinking individuals with cutting edge skills. I have gained knowledge on the fashion industry, from accessories sourcing to seeing ideas develop from mood boards to tangible pieces.
Here are some B-T-S photos from our three weeks’ worth of distress and eustress:
Our workplace was filled with inspirational photos as well as pictures of Vanessa Hudgens, who is the recent face of Candie’s.
We went to Divisoria (a market district known for its wide variety of low-priced goods) and other places on the second day of work to buy the necessary materials for the accessories and styling. After our Divisoria trip, we went to the office and immediately proceeded to work. Actually, during the duration of fashion week preparations, we went to Divisoria numerous times so imagine the exhaustion we had been through.
Student-designers working on their assigned tasks
Head stylist Rcxy
Clothing rack and model line-up
D-I-Y shoes for the Romanctic Daydreamers collection
This was the first headdress that I made
Headdresses for the Poetic Folklore collection
Colorful leg armours for the Sports Luxe collection
On the day of the fashion show, our call time was at 830 am at the Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink. We decided to pull an all-nighter the previous day to ensure that we would come on time. We realized that we had a boatload of work due and there was no way we can waste time sleeping. Despite our complete lack of sleep, we were thrilled to get moving!
We were kept back in a small and cramped holding area. I usually wear heels to work; however, on that day, I gave my feet a rest and wore flats. It turned out to be a good idea because we had to run back and forth to check on the clothes, accessories, and hair and make-up of the models, among others. Not to mention, there were some very slippery areas! It was one of those moments wherein I didn’t want to sacrifice usability and comfort for fashion.
Models with their hair and make-up done
Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 winner Danica Magpantay
Fashion bloggers Laureen, Camille, Kryz and Lexi, rocking their outfits and headdresses! Laureen modeled for Sports Luxe, Camille modeled for Romantic Daydreamers, Kryz modeled for Prima Ballerina, and Lexi modeled for Poetic Folklore. They reinterpreted Candie’s with their brand of blogger style.
The holding area was filled up quickly. It was getting quite chaotic because we had to make sure that the models, clothes and accessories were complete. At that moment, I was feeling excited and nervous at the same time!
Right before the show started, fashion director Robby Carmona led a prayer and gave last-minute instructions to the models.
Let me take you to the show through these photos:
The Ice Skating Rink at the Mall of Asia was transformed into an enthralling park, with street lamps, benches and ice sculptures.
Poetic Folklore – a bohemian rhapsody of floral maxi dresses, pretty smocks and feminine jumpsuits
Romantic Daydreamers – blooming pink foliage headdresses which ushered in the collection of crochets, delicate laces and denim
Prima Ballerina – tutu skirts and dresses, pink feathers and cherry headpieces
Sports Luxe – bright crayon play with eye-popping shades of graphic frolic
Models hurriedly changed their outfits into Candie’s cropped shirts and sequined hot pants for the finale.
I am really indebted to the Candie’s team as they got me to help them with the styling and accessories design. It was so much fun working with them!
I hope you enjoyed the photos!
Additional photos courtesy of Kookie Buhain, Lexi Gancayco and Paul Jatayna
Related articles: Where & Wear: Behind the Scenes in Manila (Philippines) ; Behind-the-Scenes: The Making of Avant-garde Fashion Video by Joel Soh and Andy Yap ; Top 10: Multitasking Models
