Luxury, opulence, lavishness, and illusions of grandeur-- these are the things that were alive and breathing on the stage of Vancouver Fashion Week, as 16 beautiful models sashayed down the aisle in KARIMADON's 2017 Serene Siren collection.
For those of you who aren't familiar with it, VFW is Jamal Abdourahman's week-long fashion playground held in British Columbia, and is one of the fastest growing fashion events of the century. After 28 seasons, pioneers of haute couture have strutted down that legendary runway, celebrating emerging talent and multiculturalism one carefully curated outfit at a time. Only the most elite up-and-coming designers from around the globe have been given the privilege of gracing this grand stage.
So you can probably imagine my excitement when I discovered my favorite homegrown brand, KARIMADON, was extended the invitation to showcase their own Fall/Winter collection in the production.
Without a doubt, the brand's entry into the exclusive roster of young designers for this year's runway is more than just an exciting new opportunity for the company itself. Moreover, it symbolizes something much bigger than an additional business venture-- KARIMADON, a local company whose humble beginnings started in a simple store located at the heart of Virra Mall, has represented the authenticity, creativity, and modernity of Filipino women since the 1980s. For the past 37 years, it has never failed to grow up with its customers and aid them in celebrating their milestones with only the most elegant and chic ready-to-wear outfits.
Because of that, being selected as one of the only two Philippines-originating fashion houses to appear in the show has opened doors and possibilities for aspiring local designers everywhere. VFW is of the rare events that celebrate global labels, so for KARIMADON to embody its country among the 25 chosen capitals brings in a new era for the entirety of the Filipino fashion industry.
But I will not try to tell you what I saw in the outfits that made me understand how they landed such an opportunity, instead, I will tell you what one feels themself become after gawking at these masterpieces.
There's an old saying that goes "Dress for the life you want, not the one you have." and I believe this is exactly the kind of idea that the collection represents. Serene Siren is all about embodying the modern woman-- 21st century moguls who not only dream for the lush life, but never forget to look good while working for it too. Intricate embroideries paired with velveteen, satin, and fur textures inspire its audience to not only imagine a lifestyle where outfits like those are considered the norm, but motivate them to get there too.
Somewhere in between ogling over the rich designs and minimalistic aesthetic, my mind wandered to a place far, far away from where I am today. I saw glimpses of grand staircases, Victorian architecture, lavish parties, and sparkling champagne-- "Wow." I thought to myself, lost in the daydream that seeing those outfits prompted. "I can't wait for the day that I get to walk down the stairs of my mansion dressed like that for no reason."
Take Look One for example. I love everything about this-- the structure and organization in the textures makes each unique piece complement the other. From a simple alice blue base in cotton, to royal blue layering in leather, to jet black topping in fur, then a transition back to dark blue with velvet bottoms, I could not help but feel a sense of order as I viewed the ensemble overall. Embodied in this outfit was a young, in-demand, fashion magazine editor, on her way to select the season's newest featured collection, wide strides in her step as a wide audience of gawking passers-by stepped to the side in awe.
Look Two says "I'm playful, but I'm not here for your games". A plain turtleneck starts the outfit off with a relaxed and laid-back vibe, until your eyes set on the grand, suede, navy-blue, open-sleeved, high-low dress that layers it. Now? This cape-like ensemble is far from any variation of "chill". It's the perfect piece for a hands-on, aspiring, millennial director, creating visions into realities, one movie reel at a time.
They say that third time's the charm, and no doubt, Look Three has got me smitten. I've always been a lover of the lavish life, and nothing says lux like red velvet body cons and fur. Everything about this ensemble-- from the fabric choice down to the cut has got me in a trance. I've always believed that the best kinds of outfits are the ones that have an attitude, and this one is sass and fierceness personified. There's a mischievous glint to this look-- as the heavy fur layer gives an impression of demureness and conservatism, the unapologetic off-shoulder and deep v-neck tell another story. Such mystery makes it the perfect match for a 20something CEO, sashaying down the streets of New York City right after she finally closes a deal with that big-time investor no other competing start-up company could land.
And this is it. This is the dress that all my high-class fantasies finally lead up to.
Every good luxury movie has that one iconic scene in the grand ballroom, when the belle of the evening comes cascading down the staircase, dangerously armed in to-die-for diamonds, as her gown trails behind her like a floating goddess.
And Look Four channels exactly that.
But for a moment you might pause and wonder how that could be if this gown obviously does not suit the usual fantasy dress description. And you are right to question, because, truly, it doesn't. But that's because it does not replicate the dream.
It create the reality.
Stopping just a few inches above the knees, this velvet long-sleeved gown displays a simple yet astounding embroidery fit perfectly for a queen. But not the 19th century cake-topper glued to her throne in order to refrain from tripping on her hems that you're thinking of. Instead, the 21st century multihyphenate who never lets her clothes get in the way of her dreams. Elegance and grace is alive in breathing in each seam and stitch of this look. This represents every single profession that a female takes on and uses to empowers herself with.
This is the end-goal of all the hard-work girls put in everyday in order to make their own fantasies into truths.
And now that you've seen my four favorite looks from the collection, I hope you now understand why I support this brand as much as I do. KARIMADON is not just a go-to for fashion-savvy women. KARIMADON is also a breeding ground for women who want to make a change in the world. They cultivate girls who do not sit in their seats and wait for their Prince Charmings to come by-- they make their own magic happen, right from their very fingertips. With KARIMADON, you are a feminine enchantress but a force to be reckoned with too.
Nothing can limit you, and thanks to the "fashionable and functionable" philosophy of this brand, your clothes won't either.
Photographs provided by Ms. Embi Nicolas.
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