5 F/W Accessories To Fall In Love With This Season
by Bithia Reyes
“Fall in love with this F/W season’s accessories, better yet, this season’s you.”
The runways have given their reports, the September Issues are out, and practically every weekend there’s a fair, convention, or a concert.
It is safe to say that everyone is geared up for the holidays. People are ready to make their debut into polite society and experience life in full freedom.
Of course, we can’t meet that energy without our trusty backpack, or as Carrie Bradshaw would say, without that ever perfect pair of shoes. Hence, whether you’re an adorable baguette or a formidable Birkin, it’s not too late to mark this year as your year and we’ve got just the selection for you.
1. Art Avenue
(L-R) Altuzarra, Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney, Fendi
The A.I. debate aside, art has always had a human touch. It serves as a medium to understand and connect with each other. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the runways would make an ode to the artisanal with weaves and plaits apparent in the works of Altuzarra and Bottega Veneta. Meanwhile, colorful graphics accent the catwalks of Stella McCartney and Fendi.
Artisanal Alternatives:
When it comes to handmade art, look no further than VESTI. Working with Mindanao weavers since 2012, they’ve earned a reputation for creating the most vibrant woven bags that combine the freedom of color with modern structure.
Known for their quirky woven bags in the shapes of a jeep or carabao, Zarah Juan has also recently launched a line of sustainable graphic bags made of deadstock tarp.
2. Unlikely Layers
(L-R) Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel , Schiaparelli
Bracelets, necklaces, belts– this season showed us a love of layers. With several brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Oscar de la Renta mix-and-matching miscellaneous materials or various shapes as a subtle flourish or an all-out statement.
Artisanal Alternatives:
J Makitalo’s pieces have been described as talismanic and ancient- modern. Worn on its own or mix-and- matching sets, Makitalo’s jewelry proves to work either way due to its often raw, irregular, and hand-cut quality
Almar Jewelry is made from indigenous materials, with designs inspired by Philippine culture and blended into the modern concepts of fashion design.
3. Outré Objects
(L-R) Botter, Cult Gaia, Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander
A hodgepodge of silhouettes and materials graced the runways, informing us that the future lies in the unconventional. Bottega Veneta delighted us with massive funky leather totes, while Cult Gaia charmed us with dainty acrylic clutches. Although the classics never go out of style, breaking the mold paves the way for new classics to enter the scene.
Artisanal Alternatives:
Ken Samudio explores the natural and organic forms found in nature mimicking distinct textures by using indigenous and recycled materials. Using plastic bottles, recycled sea glass and other sustainable materials, Samudio makes true works of art.
VESTI Mindanao weaves tell a story. A story of people who sailed the seas, crossed mountains and lived with an ancient heritage of love for tapestry. Combined with intricate beading and peculiar silhouettes, Vesti makes for an outré, yet wearable, object.
4. Functional Footwear
(L-R) Jil Sander, Fendi, Proenza Schouler, Miu Miu
The outside world may be partial to parties but that doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to comfort. Mules and flats stepped into the runways of Proenza Schouler and Miu Miu, with the latter opting for a unique pairing of preppy socks. While the likes of Jil Sander and Fendi serve as a reminder that mules present both the ease of the slipper, and the sophistication of the heel; a dream-come-true for every working woman.
Artisanal Alternatives:
Prioritizing quality and design, Le Scarpe promises that wherever you go and whatever the occasion, you’ll be comfortably fashionable with your Le Scarpe shoes.
Aishe uses local products such as abaca, canvas and yakan cloth for their shoes. They are one of the go to shops in Liliw for high quality espadrilles.
5. Maximalist Manner
(L-R) Loewe, Carolina Herrera, Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood
Major statements were a staple at the F/W shows with a number of brands from Carolina Herrera to Vivienne Westwood going all out. For a feminine yet bold appeal, consider giant floral earrings by Carolina Herrera, or a silver rose choker from Roberto Cavalli. For the punk-lovers out there, Vivienne Westwood proposes an interesting look in the form of safety pin earrings the size of your face. From the sweet to the macabre, the styling possibilities are seemingly endless with this trend.
Artisanal Alternatives:
For dramatic luxury that’s still grounded to local aesthetics. Described as raw, bold and evocative, with a mastery of local materials like horn, bone, seashells and others, Arnel Papa’s pieces are a statement you want to make.
Dedicated to making things beautiful and making beautiful things. Farah Abu is a brand known for its distinctive sophisticated aesthetic sensibility.
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