Fashion trailblazers and scorching styles

LIFE

LE NGOK is an immersive journey through the narratives, whether highs or lows, of its designer, Carla Zhang. "Lè" embodies the quest for genuine happiness, pushing the creative boundaries of experimental design in fashion through storytelling via mixed media and a variety of innovative techniques.

Get ready as Bench Fashion Week Summer 2024 heats up the local fashion scene with a fresh lineup of local and foreign designers and brands.

Rhett Eala's repertoire of fashion creations showcases his creativity in every detail. With a career spanning over three decades, he has graced countless runways, fashion editorials, and significant social gatherings with his exquisite designs. Many of his iconic creations from the early 2000s have since become timeless classics, cementing his legacy in the narrative of Filipino fashion history.

With summer approaching, the upcoming Bench Fashion Week draws inspiration from the season, spotlighting the latest collections set to kindle every wardrobe with fresh energy and style.

BFW Summer 2024 will present collections honoring local craftsmanship, poignant narratives, intimate relationships, self-love and self-discovery, coupled with elevated fashion ethos and sartorial sophistication.

Jo Ann Bitagcol's journey in fashion has always been guided by her fascination for design and photography. As a model and muse, she brought a monastic, almost otherworldly persona to garments that highlighted a designer's vision, genius and essence. Her photography style was immediately distinguished by rawness and striking simplicity, inspiring introspective storytelling.

BITAGCOL'S line of wearable art pieces has evolved and expanded — from her debut assemblage of vintage photographs in 'baul' to nostalgic floral prints of 'alaala.' | PHOTOGRAPHs COURTESY OF Jo Ann Bitagcol

The roster includes: Rhett Eala for Kashieca, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Gabbie Sarenas, nicolò, LE NGOK and Joey Samson.

After obtaining a psychology degree, Nicolo Perez pursued a career in fashion design. Prior to launching his menswear brand nicolò, he had already participated in numerous design competitions. Since then, he has made ready-to-wear clothing available online and at various pop-up events.

Gabbie Sarenas earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design & Marketing Management from SoFA Design Institute. She then worked for fashion designer Hindy Weber. In 2014, she took a summer course at L'Ecolé de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, focusing on Moulage Débutants (Draping for Beginners) and Moulage Avancé (Draping Advanced Level). | PHOTOGRAPHs COURTESY OF Gabbie Sarenas

Joey Samson is hailed as a "garment surgeon" for his unparalleled mastery of garment construction and deconstruction. With expertise spanning both menswear and womenswear, he applies his tailoring skills with precision. His creations have graced the pages of numerous publications and captivated audiences in exhibitions across Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.