Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino, who most famously makes clothes for Imelda Marcos, rolled out his show at the MOCA Geffen Contemporary space last night — harnessing sumptuous spring bouquets as a motif.
The collection was a mixed bag of hits and misses. On the winning side were dramatic floor-sweeping gowns bound to be a hit with the red carpet set. There were also beautiful billowy silk and chiffon blouses – boasting shoulders exaggerated well beyond Balmain levels and pretty handmade rosettes.
But the candy colored collection, doused in turquoise, coral and apple green, also had its sour moments. A salmon pink-and-lime green silk number reminded me of the Little Mermaid, and the heavily beaded bustiers and blouses also bore a costume-y effect, more suited for Broadway than the catwalk. Meanwhile, boat-neck collars and raised bust lines were an unnecessary reminder that Tolentino tends to design for a more mature crowd.
–Noelle Loh
Photos by Lennard Ong
Related Posts from The Spiel:
