Fashion liberation
R.A.F. x Nicolo rewrite the Filipiniana narrative
RAF x Nicolo collection.
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
Daily TribuneR.A.F. x Nicolo rewrite the Filipiniana narrative
RAF x Nicolo collection.
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
ROXANNE Ang Farillas and Nicolo Perez.
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
SIDNEY Yap, Sam Lee and Jaz Reyes.
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
CLAUDIA Barretto
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
DARYL Chang
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
JANLEE Dungca and Xtina Superstar.
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
KELLY Misa
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
MARIANA Zobel de Ayala
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
MIMIYUUUH
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
PHOEMELA Baranda
Photo courtesy of R.A.F.
Last 10 February, in the style habitué of the moment in Makati City, Open House World rewrote heritage in the now.
The venue became the setting for the premiere ready-to-wear (RTW) collaboration between R.A.F. and Nicolo, titled “Untrajé.”
For designer Nicolo Perez, the collection is a masterful abstraction of the traje de mestiza (often called the Maria Clara gown). His artistry brilliantly transformed colonial history into a modern dialogue of Filipina empowerment. His statement signature menswear-inspired structure was successfully translated and reimagined into fluid, feminine landscapes of sheer layering and free-flowing ribbon ties.
The room was a tapestry of some of the city’s most compelling muses — Marj Clemente, Daryl Chang, Xtina Superstar, Janlee Dungca, Mimiyuuuh, Jaz Reyes, Belle Rodolfo, Cenon, Mav, Renee de Guzman, Marj Maroket and Claudia Barretto. Each personified the “Untrajé” spirit: an unyielding, active energy that refuses to be bound by the past.
The super packed event was breathing forward fashion and authentic style. Beyond trends, the collection is a milestone for Philippine RTW.