Manila witnessed a showcase of modern and unconventional menswear from the designs of Gian Romano, Jerome Lorico, and Kermit Tesoro last April 28 at the Glorietta Activity Center. The event was part of the Manila Men’s Week 2012.

Men in leather jackets exuding a devil-may-care vibe paraded the runway with Gian Romano’s Reverb collection. Romano studied Menswear Design at Central St. Martins London and apprenticed with Three Asfour in New York.

Entitled Resonance: The Sound of Blood, Lorico took inspiration from the tribal group of Southern Philippines. Black and red dominates his clothes that uses knits and metal embellishment. Lorico recently exhibited his designs at the London Fashion Week 2012.

“The collection was heavily inspired by the odd combination of Knights of Columbus and the Renaissance Wicca” says Kermit Tesoro. Tesoro is also famous for his signature heel-less and skull-heel shoes, as included in the Lady Gaga X Gilt Collaboration curated by Nicola Formichetti, and a participation with French designer Florian Jayet’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection in London Fashion Week.

Modeling in Manila under the management of Ahensiya Modelo is Gabriella Oliviera from Brazil. Her recent work in the city is for the local clothing brand Human.

Aside from Manila, she has also worked in Thailand.

Chynna Gonzalez is a fashion accessory instructor for Fashion Institute of the Philippines. She is wearing a neckpiece she designed. She acknowledges that she has more inclination in creating accessories from existing or recycled materials.

What does she think of Manila fashion? “It is definitely evolving. Right now, I think people are more open to unconventional ideas. Everyone is embracing trendier and different things.”

 Chynna, who has been teaching for the past four years, also like the idea that the local fashion is concentrating on using homegrown materials and fabrics instead of importing.

CJ Cruz is not new to being photographed street style. He was already spotted by Scott Schuman, The Sartorialist.

CJ is in his 3rd year living in London where he studies Fashion and Design Technology. From which he admits learning the whole manner of creating. “The process from inception to finishing. It was very nurturing to be doing arts in an academic structure, technically and conceptually .”

How different is the fashion scene in London and Manila? “It’s the total opposite. Just the city and the vibe itself is already an extreme contrast. Manila is Sunny bright and happy. London is grey cloudy and moody. It definitely affects my wardrobe/ensemble. But being the tropical person that I am, I always bring the tropics with me. “

CJ who is donning his self-designed reversible parka, is in town preparing for the launching of his own label this year.

Photographed at Ronac Art Center during the Platform Show Manila, is model-off-duty Marita Ganse.

Marita didn’t plan to model. After being persuaded by her friends, she tried. Since then, she has been walking for runway shows including that of Philippine Fashion Week. The most memorable show that she did was for the international designer Michael Cinco.

Marita appeared on a fashion editorial for Preview magazine, where she worked with fashion photographer BJ Pascual. She was also featured on campaigns for Ciege Cagalawan and Proud Race.

Marita plans to start and design her own clothing label in the future.