Falling in love with Ezra Santos and Albert Andrada’s Spring-Summer collection

Ever fell in love on the runway? I know I did. It was when Dubai-based designers Albert Andrada and Ezra Santos presented their 2013 Spring/Summer collections at the Philippine Fashion Week last Tuesday at the SMX Convention Center, baring their passion for extraordinary detailing.

 

Before the show started, almost everyone was in total silence—all trying to figure out why there were tall bamboo sticks and coconut leaves on the runway. From the front row up to the last seat, everyone was curious and just eager to witness the first model to come out to mark the start of the runway show.

 

'Morning at Etretat' with Albert Andrada

 

Just then, the music started to play. It was a semi-scary tune of church bells and Gregorian-like chants while all the lights were off and all we could see was Albert Andrada’s name. After a few minutes, really cool jazz music started to play, the yellow spotlights pierced the runway, and the first model stepped in.

 

It was Ford Supermodel of the World Danica Magpantay who opened his show wearing a dreamy pleated powder blue halter flowy cape dress styled with embellished ear plugs and nude pumps.

 

Two other models followed dressed in the same ensemble in purple and peach, while succeeding models showed off variations of silk cocktail and embellished chiffon dresses, which, when paired with white gloves, evoked pictures of Sunday picnics at the park. 

 

Andrada’s runway show reminded everyone how to fall in love. The clothes took everyone’s breath away. It was lovely and calm—the clothes were all easy on the eyes because they were in pastel colors. 

 

The first male model to walk Andrada’s runway was all preppy in a tailored beige blazer, lace powder blue button down, straight cut pink pants, and patent black oxford shoes.

 

The 25-piece collection of Andrada was inspired by the Monet painting “Morning at Etretat” that complemented the designer's use of Chantilly lace, silk, tulle, crepe, and chiffon. The models' makeup was youthful and light—rosy cheeks, strawberry lipstick, and smoky brown eyes. 

 

Toward the end, the song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” started playing, slowly at first as the closing model walked and posed at the end and the middle of the runway wearing a white sheer and silk gown with silver jacquard details. As she posed for the last time, the beat transitioned to a rock version and all the models came back for the walkthrough to see Andrada’s infatuating collection.

 

The architectural Ezra Santos

 

The venue was made dark again and all we could see was Ezra Santos’ name projected on the wall while a slow piano tune was played. After a few minutes, the yellow spotlight zeroed in on the first model that walked the runway dressed in a gold pearl-like architectural fairy dress with wing-like sleeves and bell-formed skirt. 

 

Santos’ collection had a mixture of fire and ice. It started subtle with hard fabrics mixed with wavy patterned chiffons. There were a lot of peplums, flowy dresses with fine beading, and subtle mixture of colors, plunging necklines, cage heels, and gladiators. 

 

The color scheme started minimal from champagne to gray and black that fit the spring trend perfectly. 

 

Santos also showcased a beautiful black one-piece swimsuit, with a chiffon cape that is attached to the shoulder and the waist of the garment, with daring short shorts made of lace. 

 

Two male models walked the runway dressed in a gray satin shiny two-tone blazer that had a belt wrapping in the mid-waist. To complete the summer and spring look, the blazer was matched with above-the-knee shorts using the same fabric and black gladiator shoes.

 

The collection had the vibe of a romantic comedy movie. In the middle part of the show, the music stopped and monologues from a movie started to play as the collection followed a roller-coaster romantic movie ride—boy meets girl in an event, he asks her out for dinner, they go to the beach, they attend a fancy ball, and then he proposes marriage.

 

The designer’s 27-piece collection was reminiscent of Antoni Gaudi’s architecture with fresh colors that matched the spring theme. The makeup was a real killer with turquoise eye makeup, orange lips, subtle cheeks, and strong brows.

 

Santos’ finale was dramatic. The first two girls walked the runway dressed in black. The first model was dressed in a daring perfectly detailed black gown, and the other one was in a tube ball gown. 

 

The designer’s walkthrough was the most dramatic, though. All the models found their place at the runway, clapping their hands as the designer entered showing his appreciation while passing by each garment he designed. –KG, GMA News Official photos from Philippine Fashion Week