Fashion liberation

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.