Bench Fashion Week Recap: Summer style 2025 is Sizzling Hot!

And just like that, it’s May, and beach season is halfway through. That doesn’t mean that sizzling hot summer style is ready to take a back seat. Bench Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 made a statement of this at their recent presentation, serving up all the looks needed for a chic wardrobe refresh — whether you liked it clean and classy, sexy and sassy, or high on haute couture.

RETAIL THERAPY

Bench set the tone for the two-day affair with the high-energy vibe of its retail brands. Whether your bias is for a mélange of neon brights for a day at the beach, or neutrals for a day tripping in the city, or preppy with an edge for hanging with the crew, it was giving IG-worthy at every turn.

Swimwear brand La Vie En Rose took its cues from the summer sun with cute bikinis and maillots in fluorescent pinks and greens. Florals were also another big trend that took to the runway, perfect for those Hampton-esque beach parties come the weekend.

Urban Revivo kept it casual chic in crisp whites and classic gray, and the ultimate closet must-haves — the perfect LBD. This was a collection for the busy man or woman whose schedule goes straight from day to night.

It was Gen Z represent for Human in a special collaborative collection with visual artist Vico Chan — Humankind X Vico. Channeling an Japanese-inspired aesthetic, models walked in wearing denim jackets hand painted with flowers, and shirts were embellishments and wearable art.

Bench Club was all about country club and campus style with preppy stripes, varsity jackets, chinos, and cheerleader-inspired looks. Actors Jameson Blake and Robbie Jaworski played campus jock for a hot minute as they walked the runway.

CROCHET AND COLOR

The focus was on crochet and color for the two designers making their Bench Fashion Week debuts this season. Both collections were a celebration of days spent in the sun. Expressed in sunny shades of yellow, orange, and gold alongside the soothing shades of blue and green.

As one of Manila’s top models, it makes sense the Ria Bolivar’s next foray would be into fashion, by way of crochet. After releasing a series of bags made of T-shirt yarn, and her popular shell bags, she is redefining the bohemian wardrobe staple. She took inspiration from lazy summers on the family farm in Iloilo, evoking a sense of slow, quiet days. “This is a personal story — about where I come from, and the quiet moments that feel small but stay with you,” shares Bolivar. Fellow designer Louis Claparols, and beauty queen Ariella Arida were among her muses in the show.

Roko Arceo’s collection for Maligaya Clothing Co. echoes the same sentiment, aptly named “Maligayang Mundo.” As a stylist and fashion director, he understands how to use clothes in telling a story, this time capturing the essence of how colors can buoy one’s spirit through the day. He also showcases sustainable materials, without losing out on the playful spirit of his designs.

HOT, HOT, HAUTE

Closing out this iteration of Bench Fashion Week is Dubai-based designer Furne One, presenting a visually stunning avant-garde collection under his label Amato. Birthed from his imagination, he designed “Birds Of Prey” as a representation of transformation, strength, and the emotional power of a long-awaited homecoming. What stands out is his astute attention to detail, meticulously crafting each piece as though it had its own story within waiting to break free.

As they say, style is really what you make of it. In the tropics, where almost everyday is some version of summer, pretty much anything goes. The only caveat is you wear the clothes, and not let the clothes wear you. This season’s Bench Fashion Week took this concept, and ran with it. With much aplomb, and a confetti shower. The designers delivered on the creativity, and drama, while the retail brands pushed the envelope on playful. Now all it needs is you to put your fashionista face on, and take on the world.