Sun Kissed: A Decade Of FashionTech

Here is the feature article of APJMA's FashionTech 2012 I made. This will appear in the 3rd Term Issue of The RAMpage: The Official Newsletter of Asia Pacific College. Please note that this is the raw article and the editors might still make some changes.

---------------------------------

Spotlights and strobe lights in motion. The crowd all pumped up. Temperature’s rising. Prepare to get sun-kissed…

Fiamma Ristorante Enoteca – Fiamma’s air-conditioning units may have been turned all the way up that night, but they were no match for the scorching atmosphere created by models as they proudly flaunted the fantastic creations of Philippines’ top designers.

From the creators of ‘Tokyo High Fashion’ ‘Fashion Revolution 8th’ and ‘Black Propaganda’ comes Sun Kissed; marking a decade of FashionTech, an annual event organized by the Asia Pacific Junior Marketing Association (APJMA). This year, APJMA takes it a notch higher by selecting only the country’s top fashion designers, the most wonderful garments, dresses and apparel, and booking the ultimate venue.

Upon arrival, ushers draped brightly colored leis around the guests’ necks as a sign of welcome, affection and appreciation, which is typical of the Hawaiian tradition of lei-giving. Faculty and students of APC. Fashionistas. Celebrities. Members of the Media. They were all present.

When the lights were dimmed, and the spotlights were set into motion, everyone knew that the most anticipated ramp show was about to begin.

Mark More and Kat Marie Lopena, this year’s hosts, took the stage, gave the introductions and kicked the show off.

The ambiance was suddenly filled with an aura of allure, charm and excitement. As the exuberantly swinging upbeat music filled the place, the models that are assembled in the second level descended the stairs with all their resplendence. Every beat of the techno music made everyone want to move with the rhythm of the joyously unrestrained sounds.

The models’ every step left the amazement-overcame audience no choice but to applaud and lift up shouts of spirited cheer. They brought with them the warmth and exhilaration of the coming summer.

There was no catwalk. There was no runway. Fiamma provided a radically distinctive venue for the fashion show. Stairs and hallways were used as runways as the models displayed proudly the ingeniously designed shirts, shorts, dresses, coats, apparel and accessories great for enjoying summer while being stylishly in. Trendy garments with vivid colors and vivacious elements teased the eyes of the crowd. Comfortable yet fashionable; creations that were presented that glamorous night were exactly just that. 

Guests got the privilege to witness the show with a 360-degree view as the models walked across and around the room, showing off not only what they’re wearing, but their gorgeous bodies as well. What can I say? This is not your typical fashion show!

Photographers went out of their way just to capture that perfect moment. Flashes of light filled the venue, all the more adding glitz and glamour to this event. Everyone present was treated to an awe-inspiring song number by the talented Janine Navarro. Exciting prizes were also given to raffle draw winners drawn in between segments of the show.

FashionTech started in 2003*. Fast forward to 2012, APJMA, led by President Mary Joyce Valdoria wanted something different for the 10^th year of Asia Pacific College’s prestigious and glamorous event.

When asked why FashionTech 2012 was themed “Sun Kissed”, Ms. Valdoria remarked, “Since summer is just around the corner, we thought that it would be great to have a summer theme for the decade of FashionTech.”

“…I don't think the past FashionTechs had a summer theme and also, the designers planned to release their new summer fashion trends/get-up,” she added.

Fashion Collections of The Vatican Fashion Museum and Tealberry by Alexene Cabantac were showcased that night. FashionTech gathered the most talented Filipino designers to exhibit their works: Arnold Galang, Alexene Cabantac, Eric Delos Santos, EsAc, Estien Quijano, Ulysses King, Jerome Ang, Lizanne Cua and Yako Reyes.

Fashionistas would recognize these are familiar names in the fashion industry and their works are showcased annually at the Philippine Fashion Week and other international fashion shows.

Sun Kissed: FashionTech 2012 was made possible by the generous sponsors: Nivea, Vladimir Lima Photography, Magnolia, Magudayao Trading, AsPac Boys, Bernard Yago and Ron de Guzman.