Serendipity
By Joanne Marie Combong-Pijuan

Fashion 101

I love fashion shows. There's something palpably exciting about them – the colors, the textures, the shapes, the sound and the sight of models cat-walking on the ramp wearing the latest creations of talented fashion designers. I've been a part of so many shows throughout the years as spectator, organizer and model and the experience has definitely made me privy to what goes on and off stage. What could be more exciting than all the hype and the hoopla contained in 30 minutes of non-stop runway action? Of course, not all fashion shows leave you pumped up and satisfied after the first half hour. Some of the shows I've witnessed in the past have made me wince, cringe, laugh and cry at the same time. Others have made me literally ill and nauseous, while the really bad ones should best be viewed right after a lobotomy.

Thankfully, last Saturday, I didn't have to go through psychosurgery before watching Bo Constantino's show with friends Eric de los Santos , Jasmine Castelo and Roy Sesbreño at Club Plazo. As usual, Bo whipped up a fashion storm with his classy, sexy, and ingenious resort creations. My best friend Aldrich Aparicio directed the show and of course, you can accuse me of being biased but his direction is as always, flawless and original. As for Bo, he never fails to inspire me with his “classic with a twist” and ultra-stylish designs. I've never had a dress made by him that I didn't adore. And I can say that he's one of the few designers in this city who really has genuine talent, creativity and vision.

Watching Bo's show after months of my self-imposed fashion hiatus (why go out to the malls and torture myself with substandard ramp shows when I can watch FTV) made me realize how I truly love fashion. I must admit that my love affair with it didn't quite start on the right foot (meaning I went through varying degrees of fashion faux pas through the years before I was able to get the hang of it). But after years of experimenting and trying different styles and trends and junking fads that don't work for me, I have come up with my own fashion rules.

Here then are my 5 unsolicited fashion rules that I live and swear by:

Be you. Know who and what you are before choosing your clothes. The kind of clothes that look good on you are usually the clothes that reflect your personality. Try wearing a suit and 3 inch stilettos when you're a free spirited, eccentric bohemian and you'll probably trip after the first step.

Invest on the classics. One classic article of clothing or accessory (shoes, bag, jewelry) will go a long, long way. Think Audrey Hepburn – she still lives (in every true blue fashionista's heart) even after she's long gone. And this rule applies to almost everything: books, movies, etc.

Research is the key. Watch and read (don't just look at the pictures). You'd be surprised on what you can learn about fashion by watching fashion shows and occasionally leafing through Vogue or Mega (no, Tom Ford is a designer, not a car and yes, vintage is here to stay).

Accessorize. I love accessories and how powerful they are. They can either make or break an outfit. A trinket, a hat, a scarf, a pair of earrings or a brooch – they can all make a statement as long as you know how to use them.

Mix and Match. Go ahead, experiment. Combine different colors, fabrics, style and price range. I always believe in the fusion of cheap and chic. If I have a P99 blouse on, I'll try to wear expensive shoes with it. And who said you can't wear pink and green or tweed and chiffon at the same time?

I think it was Yves Saint Laurent who said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” And so, my best advice is: Be yourself and be original. Develop your own style and work around it. Don't be a fashion victim and don't take fashion too seriously. Fashion is fun – enjoy it!

Congratulations to Eric de los Santos for a successful gala show in Manila last week. If you're in Boracay for the Holy week, check out Bo Constantino's show on March 24 and kudos to the Fashion Designer's Council of Iloilo (FDCI) for once again making it to Philippine Fashion Week! Watch out for their show on March 29 in Ayala Center , Makati .