Designer Sassa Jimenez creates high-glam '80s clubwear

Sassa Jimenez envisioned young, independent, and fun-loving women who value self-expression for her Club-Glam line. The collection, which was unveiled in last month’s Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010, was influenced by the ‘80s. The young designer visibly turned down the outlandishness of the era and refined the elements that defined the ‘80s such as striking prints, strong colors, and funky cuts. Jimenez, who is only 22, is obviously fascinated with this period. “It was an era I grew up in, but was never able to fully appreciate because I was still too young," she explains. “I chose some famous fashion silhouettes from that period and incorporated it into my pieces, such as bold shoulders, peplums and body-skimming dresses."

Essentially, the elements Jimenez chose scream “big, bold, and powerful." Jimenez enhanced her color palette— electric blue, black, and gray are the main colors—with interesting materials such as snakeskin and metallic-sheen fabrics. No shoulder pads or other baffling style elements—as Jimenez’s interpretation of the era’s fashion sense is smart and very well-edited. “[In a way], my clothes represent the change in women’s roles in society during the ‘80s," she relates. “During that time, women took on bigger roles and positions, particularly in the workplace. It was a great time for us because we were finally beginning to have a more solid voice in the community, and therefore a bigger opportunity to instigate positive change." Also channeling the hedonistic vibe of the ‘80s, Jimenez designed her pieces for glamorous nights out. “For this collection, I focused on creating clothes that are meant to be seen and photographed on different occasions," explains Jimenez. “This is my way of paying tribute to the modern partyphile—the woman with the active social life who always stands out without having to do anything too over the top." - Faye V. Ilogon, GMANews.TV