Fashion, Film, & Fright : A VESTI Halloween Breakdown

by Bithia Reyes

“This is Halloween, everybody make a scene!” (Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993).

Halloween in the Philippines is a contested occasion. Often pitted against Christmas, it’s not as widely celebrated or highly-regarded locally but it can’t be denied that the niche who celebrates it, really celebrate it.

And who can blame them? Horror has been a long-time inspiration for designers and artists alike, with McQueen’s S/S 1995 show paying homage to Tippi Hedren in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller, The Birds (1963). And Giorgio Armani designing the wardrobe for Phenomena (1985).

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Fashion and Halloween, at its core, are used to express complete individuality. It’s no wonder that the lovers of gore and lore are prepared when October comes around, but what of your everyday cosmo-girl?

Thus, I’ve interviewed fashion-people themselves, the amazing people behind VESTI, to talk about their fave kooky-spooky-style moments and how they celebrate the season of The Great Pumpkin.
After all, fashion, film and fright make a horrifyingly delicious combo you don’t want to miss out on.

Martha Rodriguez

Founder/Designer VESTI

Starting with a bang, VESTI's founder and CEO, Martha Rodriguez leans towards feel-good films but still appreciates angood horror when October rolls around. With her fave being The Others (2001) starring Nicole Kidman due to its (spoiler!) shocking twist.

For fellow mommies out there, one way to celebrate (and fill up your photo album) is a family photo session, with spooky cookies and treats to keep your kid smiling for the camera.

On the flip side, Rodriguez's TV style icon is, Harley Quinn! because of her “powers” of vengeance and humour.

(1) Pucci (2) Zella (3) Marland Backus (4) Trafalgar (5) Yohji Yamamoto (6) ASOS

Jenn De Los Ama

Product Development Officer, VESTI

There are two types of "scary" movies you can draw inspiration from: slasher and fantasy thrillers.

"Slasher" is what's traditionally associated with Halloween. Then came a new age of animation in the 90s. Jenn De Los Ama is a part of that new age.

"Monster House and Coraline are my favorite because aside from evoking such a strong sense of nostalgia, they still give me goosebumps everytime I watch them."

Albeit a fan of modern horror, De Los Ama looks towards the OGs for style, listing Meryl Streep’s outfit in the fight scene of Death Becomes Her (1992).

(1) Arnel Papa (2) Richealnana (3) Peter Do (4) VESTI Totem Cube bag (5) Dries Van Noten

Ghouls and ghosts aren't exclusive to the west. Filipinos have a long history of superstitions: from making "pagpag," to myths like "kapres" and "tikbalangs." Consequently, we have a rich local cinema that Salanga

himself is a fan of.

"Filipino horror classics raise the ante for me because of its rooted relatability. Think of Chito Roño’s Feng Shui or the Shake Rattle and Roll franchise, these hit close to home. Especially Yam Laranas’ 2004 Sigaw (The Echo).... supernatural & psycho thriller in one."

When it comes to the ultimate fashion fantasy however, "Aaliyah’s Queen of the Damned (2002) sexy bejeweled vampire look was etched in my mind when I was a young." Salanga’s top choice.

(1) Nordstrom (2) Pretty Little Thing (3) Givenchy (4) Ettika (5) Fernando Jorge (6) Nordstrom

Finally; classic horror. The slasher recipe of mystery and suspense this genre is most known for. As someone who knows and loves this genre, Villalon cited a tie between As Above, So Below (2014) and The Hereditary (2018) for her top picks.

"Both movies give me the creeps with how it was filmed; the setting, plot, build-up, and the amazing cast. The pace of the movies is not rushed, which I love, and it isn’t all about the jump-scares, as well. Making it scarier for me."

As for Villalon's muse, "My fave look would be from Jennifer’s Body (2009) due to being both simple, yet unforgettable.”