Fashion

Shades of Grès: A Fashion Design Competition

ZEE Lifestyle Magazine pays tribute to legendary French neoclassical couturiere Alix Grès through this fashion design competition open to all designers and aspiring designers whose clothes have not yet been photographed and published in its fashion editorial pages.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IS ON JUNE 20, 2012

Description

Recreate the drape and dynamism of the clothes crafted by Madame Grès in your own designs to become one of the featured designers in the fashion pages. The cover girl for the October Fashion issue will be wearing your winning piece.

Theme:

Channeling the drape and dynamism of the iconic jersey dresses created by Alix Grès. Designers recreate the fluidity of her creations while making the clothes wearable today.

Prizes:

WINNER

Winning garment on the cover of Zee’s 2012 Oct. Issue, “Luxury”
Prominent feature in Zee’s 2012 October Issue fashion editorial
Php 10,000 in cash
PhP 20,000 worth of scholarship from Fashion Institute of Design & Arts (FIDA) in Cebu.
More prizes to be announced.

FINALISTS

One Page feature in Zee’s 2012 October Issue fashion editorial.

Criteria:

Sketches

Design Innovation 40%
Relevance to Theme 40%
Photos Previous Works 20%

Interview

Previous Garment 30%
Knowledge in Technical Construction 30 %
Personality 20%
Vision 20%

Garments (FINALS)

Construction/Finishing 30%
Wear-ability” 30%
Adherence to the Concept 20%
Photogenic Appeal 20%

MECHANICS

i.ELIGIBILITY
a. UNPUBLISHED Only designers whose garments have not been photographed and published in the fashion editorial pages of ZEE are allowed to join.

i. Designers whose garments have been published as collaterals for fashion shows under the events pages can join.
ii. Designers whose designs have been published as fashion illustrations and not as photographs can join.
iii.
Designers whose clothes have been featured in pages of ZEE Magazine other than the fashion editorial spreads can join.

b. AGE Aspiring and professional designers of any age can join the competition.

i. Designers below the age of eighteen must submit a letter of consent from their parent/legal guardian along with their application.

c. GENDER Aspiring and professional designers of any gender are allowed to enter the competition.

d. EXPERIENCE:

i. Aspiring designers or sewers or anyone interested in fashion who are not yet working professionally as fashion designers but who have produced at least 3 garments that they designed themselves.
ii. Fashion Design students who don’t have dress shops or factories but who have produced at least three garments that they designed themselves.
iii. Any creative person who wants to be featured in the fashion editorial who has produced three garments of his own design.

e. REGION Only designers from Visayas and Mindanao are allowed to enter the competition

i. This includes designers who are currently living in the regions, were born in the
regions, have a permanent address in the regions.

ii. SUBMISSION OF SKETCH ENTRIES
a. NO. OF ENTRIES Designers are only allowed two (2) sketches as entries into the competition.

i. In the event that a designer submits more than two (2) entries, the first two (2) entries reviewed by the judges will be qualified, while the rest will be disregarded.
ii. Both sketches must be submitted in the same packet via email or hard copy.

b. DIMENSIONS Designers must submit their sketches (online or a hardcopy) on a Sketch Sheet with dimensions: 8.5″x13″ (long size bondpaper)
c. COLOR Sketches submitted online and through a hard copy must be rendered in full color.
d. SWATCHES:

i. For hard copy submission- actual swatches of all fabrics used measuring 1-½ inches by 3 inches per fabric should be attached to the Concept Sheet not on the Sketch Sheet.
ii. For soft copy submission- fabric swatches of all fabrics used measuring 1-½ inches by 3 inches per fabric should be scanned and pasted on the Concept Sheet, not on the Sketch Sheet.

e. ILLUSTRATOR Designers may use an illustrator and are not required to sketch their garments themselves but must indicate that they have done so at the bottom right of the Sketch Sheet.
f. SIGNATURES AND DESCRIPTIONS Designers must not sign the sketches or add descriptive marks on the submitted Sketch Sheet.
g. PARAPHERNALIA Paraphernalia attached to the Sketch Sheet are prohibited and can be a basis for disqualification.

iii. CONCEPT SHEET:
a. Dimensions are
b. Should have an image of the inspirational garment from Madame Grès.
c. Should contain detailed description of the design.

i. Description of additional fabrics used other than jersey.
ii. Description of techniques and special skills that will be used to produce the
designs.
iii. Description of embellishment if any is used.
iv. Description of accessories if any are used

iv. BIODATA/APPLICATION FORM
a. SUBMISSION Application forms must be downloaded from HERE or acquired from the ZEE office and submitted with Sketch Sheet and Concept Sheet. Entry packets should be submitted via email at shadesofgres@res210.servconfig.com or physically at the ZEE Cebu office.

v. ENTRY PACKET CONTENT: Submitted packets should contain 3 sheets namely: the Sketch Sheet, Concept Sheet, and official Application Form.
vi. INTERVIEW OF SIX FINALISTS
a. TIME AND DATE Time and date of interview of top six finalists will be set by Zee LifestyleMagazine and must be strictly followed.

i. CEBU Finalist in Cebu will be interview first on DAY1
ii. OUT OF TOWN Out of town finalist will be interviewed on DAY2
iii.TRANSPORATION Zee will not shoulder transportation expense for this stage of the competition.
iv. ABSENTEES

1. Cebu-based finalists who cannot make it on their interview date will automatically be disqualified. A new finalist from the waitlist will be picked and interviewed the following day.
2. Out-of-town based finalists will be given a grace period of one day only provided that they advise the organizers of their inability to travel ahead of time.
3. Waitlisted contestants who make it to the top six finalists may receive the cash allotment for fabrics, materials and production a day later but the same deadline of delivery of finished garments apply.

b. SAMPLES OF DESIGNED GARMENTS Semifinalists must bring a garment that they had
previously designed and created.

i. Designers must bring garment that they designed themselves and that they either
produced themselves or supervised during production.

1. Deconstructed garments from ready-to-wear and other designers are
prohibited
2. Refurbished pieces from old garments are prohibited.

vii. FINAL JUDGING
a. SUBMISSIONS Designers are to produce two garments out of the 5 thousand pesos that they have been provided and submit them for final judging.
b. FABRICS Seventy percent of the fabric used in both garments must be jersey.

i. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS Designers are allowed to purchase additional materials
beyond the Php 5,000 given to them but the costs will not be refurbished by ZEE.

1. OTHER MATERIALS Beads, feathers, metal, etc. are permissible only as accesories.

ii. ACCESSORIES Designers may provide accessories for the garment, but will
not be considered as part of the garment.

1. HATS AND HEADGEAR Hats and headgear made out of the primary fabric will be considered as part of the garment and will be judged as such.

iii. COLOR Designers are allowed to use any color in their garments.

1. DYING Coloring or dying fabric is permissible.

c. OWNERSHIP The winning garments are the property of participating designers. However, they will be kept by ZEE for the fittings, pictorials and launch of the Fashion Issue and will be returned after the event.

i. REPRODUCTION Loalde reserves the right to reproduce the design under any of its design labels but will credit the designer accordingly in press releases and sale pitches. ( WE HAVEN’T CONFIRMED LOALDE YET)

d. CONSTRUCTION Garments may or may not be sewn by the designer him/herself but he has to prove at least 75 % participation in its actual construction.

i. The designer may utilize a seamstress/tailor for the garments however; he has to overlook the production himself.
ii. As proof of his participation in the actual production of his designs, the designer
should present any one of the following during the final judging.

1. Patterns he drafted.
2. Toile or mock-up muslins.
3. Documentation such as a photographs or videos.

Download the application form

Fashion

Ramon Valera; Manila Society’s Fashion Darling

by Jing Ramos

Ramon Valera’s fashion sketches were drawn on paper as they flashed in his mind.

“Without Ramon Valera, there would have been no high society in the Philippines, but it may be right to say that without high society, there would be no Ramon Valera.” –Abe Florendo

Ramon Valera, the first National Artist for Fashion Design, was born in Sta. Cruz, Manila. He came from a wealthy family. His parents, Melencio Valera and Maria del Pilar Oswald, moved in prominent business circles in postwar Manila. He had the privilege of studying at La Salle College and later pursued a course in Commerce at Far Eastern University. It wasn’t long before his artistic inclinations prevailed, leading him to quit school and establish a fashion atelier. This marked the beginning of Ramon Valera’s profession as a fashion designer.

Previously, Valera had apprenticed under Mina Roa, who made ternos for the elite and was known to be a dominant figure in the fashion industry. Mina Roa taught Valera the rudiments of the classic European techniques of construction and draping.

It was during the 1950s and 1960s that Ramon Valera’s career flourished, coinciding with the golden era of a new and modern Philippine society fueled by progressive postwar entrepreneurship and the undeniable presence of old-money families. The designer was celebrated for his craftsmanship and originality, but his most important contribution was revolutionizing the national costume.

Ramon Valera is credited with revitalizing the traje de mestiza, otherwise known as the Maria Clara, traditionally a four-piece garment comprising a blouse, skirt, overskirt, and scarf. The terno was soon transformed into a one-piece ensemble and, instead of being fastened with hooks, was secured with a zipper. The butterfly sleeves were emboldened in volume, which remains a staple among contemporary designers. Valera also discarded the pañuelo, exposing the woman’s décolletage, which was considered very risqué at the time. A few of his clients dared to wear them, including Mrs. Claro M. Recto and Mrs. Primitivo Lovina, who were broad-minded enough to ignore public scrutiny. He brazenly transformed the Maria Clara into a wedding gown and successfully established it as an icon. It soon appeared in countless society weddings because Manila brides could not get enough of Valera’s originality and flawless execution.

Ramon Valera was known among his peers as the consummate snob. His random impromptu remarks often left people in stitches. When he saw his niece, Peching Zulueta Gomez, dressed in a combination of red, white, and blue, he commented, “Now you can sing the national anthem.” On another occasion, when asked why he had turned down a very important potential client, he replied, “She doesn’t have a torso.”

He had the luxury of choosing whom he wanted to dress, focusing mostly on formal gowns and bridal trousseau for a highly select clientele. He attended to his clients personally, tape measure in hand, and it was not so much “by appointment” as “by invitation only.” His demeanor was dignified, and he was a man of painstaking habits and judgment.

Ramon Valera’s famed dinner parties were planned meticulously, and his distinctive style left its imprint on everything—from the dinner menu to the floral arrangements, down to the silver and fine bone china used for the occasion. Everything was executed with impeccable taste.

A stellar list of Manila socialites wore his creations. Susan Magalona, when she married Carlos Ledesma, appeared in an extravagant lace-and-tulle terno. Pacita de los Reyes wore a groundbreaking terno without a pañuelo. Chito Madrigal donned a terno with a futuristic bubble skirt made from sixty-five yards of silk, hand-painted with flowers traced in beads. Pressy Lopez wore a white evening gown ruched throughout, complemented by a capelet of the same motif. Elvira Manahan dazzled in a leopard-print beaded evening dress paired with an opera coat in blue silk.

The list is seemingly endless, serving as a reminder of Ramon Valera’s influence on Philippine society and politics. In spite of all the accolades attributed to this brilliant innovator, and long before he was lionized as the Philippines’ National Artist for Fashion Design posthumously in 2006, the Valera brand had already been firmly established. Retrospective exhibitions were mounted in museums, countless articles were written about his contributions to the fashion industry, and his impact on Manila society was already secure.

Today, that legacy lives on, honoring the master who lived by his motto: “Cada traje es una obra maestra”—every dress is a masterpiece.

Margarita Romualdez

Fe Dolor Serrano

Rosemary Arenas

Leonila Dimataga Garcia

Imelda Romualdez Marcos

Lisa Tinio Bayot

Elvira Ledesma Manahan

Fashion

Cloud Dancer: The Resonant Reset of 2026

by OJ HOFER

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026, Cloud Dancer, signals a deliberate shift toward clarity and restraint. This off-white hue—balanced, soft, and lightly luminous—emerges in response to visual saturation and constant acceleration. Rather than competing for attention, Cloud Dancer provides a neutral foundation, allowing design and intention to take precedence over excess.

Its relevance is underscored by the Year of the Fire Horse, which officially begins on February 17. Traditionally associated with momentum, decisiveness, and forward motion, the Fire Horse introduces an energetic rhythm that benefits from focus. Cloud Dancer offers that counterbalance. It tempers intensity without diminishing drive, creating space for action guided by intention. In this context, color operates not as decoration, but as a framework for decision-making.

RESTORATIVE SPACE. Natural tones set the calm, while subtle touches of black, deep brown, navy, or olive add quiet contrast—bringing depth and character to Wabi-Sabi spaces without disturbing their sense of balance.

In interiors, Cloud Dancer supports environments shaped by longevity and ease. Applied to walls, ceilings, and architectural surfaces, it reflects light with subtlety, enhancing spatial clarity without austerity. The hue pairs naturally with wood, stone, linen, and ceramic, reinforcing a preference for tactile materials and functional design. Homes become spaces for restoration and daily living, rather than display.

EFFORTLESS POISE. Louise Trotter’s Spring 2026 ready-to-wear for Bottega Veneta pairs a billowing jupe-culotte cotton trouser, anchored low on the hip, with an ultra-stretch silk tank for quiet, modern ease.

Fashion adopts Cloud Dancer as a study in form and construction. The color allows silhouette, proportion, and movement to take the lead. Tailored separates, fluid dresses, and layered essentials in this off-white tone read as considered and adaptable. It aligns with a continued shift toward wardrobe longevity and thoughtful repetition, where garments are designed to endure.

MODERN EASE. The white Chanel 19 brings relaxed refinement to your wardrobe with its soft, slouchy shape, oversized quilting, and mixed-metal chain hardware for a quietly chic finish.

CELESTIAL RADIANCE.White jade and selenite glow in warm, milky restraint, punctuated by a sculptural gold lotus and a serene Buddha face—an intimate expression of harmony, quietly attuned to the wearer’s birth rhythm. Available by appointment: 0910 418 2028

Accessories extend the narrative. Bags, footwear, and eyewear in Cloud Dancer offer continuity across seasons, while jewelry in pearl, brushed gold, and muted silver finds balance against the softness of the hue. The effect is understated, with design serving function rather than statement.

TIMELESS STRIDE. First unveiled in 2013, the Y-3 Qasa endures as a cult icon—its avant-garde silhouette carrying a vintage pedigree while remaining rooted in present-day wearability and select global availability.

Beyond aesthetics, Cloud Dancer reflects a broader lifestyle orientation toward simplicity and clarity. Its application across tableware, stationery, wellness spaces, and personal objects encourages mindful selection over accumulation. As 2026 unfolds, Cloud Dancer frames the year as one of refinement—supporting forward momentum with focus and restraint. Cloud Dancer is the resonant reset for 2026.

Fashion

To See and Be Seen: Philippine Terno Gala, A Celebration of Heritage and Couture

by Kingsley Medalla | photography Emmanuele Sawit

The Philippine Terno Gala 2025, curated by Cary Santiago, has evolved into a key feature in the Filipino fashion agenda, highlighting the iconic Terno—a traditional Filipiniana garment that represents a significant part of our cultural legacy. The prestigious fashion event was supported by the Cebu City Government, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Cebu Tourism Commission.

Now on its third edition, the gala fashion show was marked by the creative forces of six highly acclaimed designers: Jun Escario, Edwin Ao, Protacio Empacis, Cary Santiago, Jojie Lloren, and Joey Samson. Their body of work produced a collection that showcased intricate craftsmanship and delicate hand embroidery, enhancing traditional aesthetics.

Maybelle Padillo

Bernie Aboitiz, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, Pacita Agoncillo Sode, Oj Hofer, and Rose Cayetano-Henessy

Michael Waechter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Simon Piggot, Margie Moran-Floirendo, and Cary Santiago

Javi Martinez and Daryl Chang

The evening was complemented by a live orchestra, creating an ambiance to match the designers’ reimagining of the Terno. The experience offered sensory stimulation that reflected the harmony between fashion and live music, punctuated by the presence of prominent personalities in the fashion and social circles.

No other fashion garment embodies the richness of Filipino heritage and culture quite like the Terno. The Philippine Terno Gala serves as both a celebration and a tribute to the Filipino identity, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage in a contemporary context.