RTW

It’s one of a kind. A rare occasion on my life so far. I can’t believe I went there and appreciated whatever was there. I’m talking about the show I attended, which is part of Philippine Fashion Week.

Fashion is the keyword. Who would expect to see me there? Nobody. The fact of knowing it is taken as a kid or joke. But I did. Thanks to my former student, Mike Lavarez, who invited me to come and watch. Mike is one of designers participating in this season’s fashion week. It was his show, together with other designers, that I watched.

I was a bit hesitant when invited me before. I was like: It’s not me. As some would put it, it was funny to know I’m going in such activities. Maybe because of what they perceive about me and how they know me. But then, it’s a break and Sunday. I’m free and have nothing important to do.

I came. It was stunningly cold. Good thing I brought my jacket, surprisingly jiving with the ‘fashion’ theme of the event. Inside, I’m wearing my usual teaching attire in response to the semi-formal dresscode indicated in the ticket. From the moment I entered the venue, I felt like a total outlier and stranger, a visitor who missed the tour and went somewhere else. But then, it would be shameful to step back.

I’m there, right at the middle of many people with varying fashion tastes, some outlandish but tolerable. But I am amused by the sight. The guests came with their own style. Uniquely different. I, on one side, is like a corporate executive amidst these fashionistas.

It was my first time to see models walking in what they call runway. It was my first fashion show. For me, it was like undertaking a qualitative research using participant observation, trying to absorb their culture, and observe the nuances between and among individuals in the room.

The designs would need an artistic eye to be appreciated. I was not a stranger in this sense, thankfully. I like the minimalist designs but evoking elegance. I think the models also add a factor in the elegance of an design. Colors are experimented on. I’m used to monochromes. Some designs were too colorful to be placed in one item. But I don’t have proper training to criticize those designs. Mike’s however was simple. It does not seek to impress nor does it sink into oblivion. Simple and good.

All in all, this experience is something new to me that I will add to my chest of knowledge. I hope this allows me to expand my universe and be able to socialize (in a positive sense) with other people.

Again, I thank Mike for this chance, and also congratulate him for the great show. That’s all!

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