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.