JC Buendia, celebrated for his ability to tell a million style stories through minimalist details, is a master of clean, chic lines in fashion. Eschewing frivolity and nonsensical embellishments, every element of his designs contributes to their overall elegance.
Inspired by cinematic portrayals of Chinoiserie, Buendia’s first fascination with the Qipao began with Gloria Romero’s iconic portrayal of a Chinese princess disguised as a ‘sampan’ girl in the 1957 film “Hong Kong Holiday.”
“This admiration for orientalalia only deepened as I watched films like “The Last Emperor” and “In The Mood For Love,” JC recalls.
Buendia’s latest creation is a testament to this cinematic influence. His interpretation of the Qipao for the Year of the Wood Dragon features a cropped top crafted from silk Dupioni, embellished with diamond brooches on the reverse closure for a touch of glamour. Paired with a tea-length bouffant skirt made from frothy layers of delicate tulle, the ensemble exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.
With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, JC Buendia’s Qipao captures the essence of cinematic glamour while offering a contemporary twist on a classic silhouette. It’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Chinoiserie and the timeless beauty of the Cheongsam.
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Silver leather jacket, black and white geometric pattern dress shirt, scarf, black trousers and bag, all from RAOUL
Niya wears a golden tassled evening gown by JUN ESCARIO. All accessories from JEWELMER. Rafael wears tuxedo suit by JC BUENDIA.
Rafael wears a blue suit by M BARRETO. Gingham shirt from ZARA. Niya wears a rust ball skirt and crepe turtleneck jersey top by JUN ESCARIO.
From the Swan collection: earrings with two golden South Sea pearls set in 18-karat yellow gold from Jewelmer. A pearl strand necklace with 369 golden South Sea pearls from Jewelmer. A pearl strand necklace with 42 golden South Sea pearls from Jewelmer.
Niya wears an orange and black houndstooth coat and silk top over a black wool skirt with zipper detail, all from RAOUL. Her accessories: A pearl strand necklace with 93 white South Sea pearls from Jewelmer. From the Rosone collection: a ring with a white South Sea pearl set with diamonds in 18-karat white gold from Jewelmer.
Niya wears a rust ball skirt and crepe turtleneck jersey top by JUN ESCARIO.
Niya wears a vintage lace little black dress, shoulder bag and shoes all from TORY BURCH.
Red leather gloves, stylist’s own. A pearl strand necklace with 369 golden South Sea pearls from Jewelmer.
Niya wears a gray wool coat with a beaded collar, an embellished gray dress, and shoulder bag from TORY BURCH, neckpiece by JUN ESCARIO.
Emerald green tunic dress with leather detail and green leather flats from RAOUL. Bag from TORY BURCH. From the Lautitia collection: Ostrea ring with a white South Sea pearl set with 12.75 carat diamonds in 18-karat white gold from Jewelmer.
From the Rosone collection: earrings with two white South Sea pearls set with 1.65 carat diamonds in 18-karat white gold from Jewelmer.
Blue leather tailored top and knee-length skirt, and shoes, all from TORY BURCH.
Niya wears a handmade leather jacket with knit sleeves, orange silk top, silk scarf and white trousers, all from HERMÉS. Earrings and watch from BULGARI. Rafael wears printed cotton shirt, rust colored scarf and shorts, all from HERMÉS. Watch from Bulgari.
Rafael wears a blue cotton shirt from TYLER. Dark gray jacket by JC Buendia.
Rafael wears a blue suit by M BARRETO. Gingham shirt from ZARA.
- creative direction Melo Esguerra
- photography Gonzalo Mena
- styling Charmagne Palermo and Vanessa Johnson
- hair and makeup Eric Maningat
- models Rafael and Niya of Elite Manila
- locale Makati Shangri-La, Manila