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Amber Ultralounge, The Fort Studio 54 became the melting pot of Manila's most creative fashion set last night for make-up artist Jake Galvez' and hairstylist Buern  Rodriguez' annual collaborative beauty and style exhibit. Aptly called Visions, Philippine's top photographers were paired with bright young stylists to share their visions by turning an assigned celebrity/personality  as two-faced beauty. Stylists went all out turning their fantasies into a no-holds-barred reality. Photographers got to showcase their mastery and went very technical with their photography. Celebrities and personalities showed strong support as they lend their bodies and faces and became the perfect subjects for this annual beauty showcase. 

I was privileged enough to be assigned to 3 photographers representing different generations and was challenged  by most-photographed faces as subjects. My first shoot was with master lensman Raymund Isaac and celebrity sisters Toni and Alex Gonzaga. Raymund veered away from his usual portraiture signature and explored 3D video effects for Toni and Alex. Niccolo Cosme shot my second lay-out with the flamboyant Ms. Tessa Prieto- Valdes. Niccolo is known for his post-processed digital art but for this shoot, he barely touched the photo and went minimalist. My third and last lay-out is with new blood BJ Pascual, whose fashion editorials consistently amazes me. For this shoot, BJ took moving images to capture different faces and never-been-done Tim Yap looks and edited it himself.

The turn-out of support is overwhelming that I  got dizzy with the throng of people appreciating the photographs. Even the alcohol didn't help much to calm me down albeit numerous trips to the bar and finally taking fortress right next to it. From my vantage point, I saw lots of celebrity models in attendance. Magazine peeps were there, too.       Gigee and Badaf Punk provided the background music which turned everyone in dancing mood. Guests were  asked to vote for their favorite photo and Patrick Galang x BJ Pascual photo of a topless Mela de Luna had won the most votes.

 

 

  

 

  

 

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I so love the photo above and every time I come across it everyday my desire for an ostrich feather coat increases. I really like the opulence it brings and as it is, I can see myself wear it in jeans and shirt. I really like the multi-colors in one coat but I will settle with any solid ones, too. The Gucci coat below claims to be made from exotic feathers and sells for $6000. Not that I can afford it, I just think that it looks so gorgeous in all it's golden glory! The black feathers gives a rock and roll/glam  vibe which is probably the best bet but the colored ones make it extra special and gives off a modern glam/boho feel. If the day comes when I own one, boy, I'd wear it all the time! Even on sleep. I just can imagine the soft and delicate feathers touching my skin. I'd wear it while having breakfast, drinking cofee and I would absolutely look fucking gorgeous while smoking in it. 

top: John Paul Peters, Emilio Pucci, unknown, Donna Karan, vintage Gucc

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candy colored biker vest from jaiden rva james used in the fame monster tour; metallic boots, DM's, christopher kane cosmic shirt (seems i can't shake it off my head); d&c ; pink hair

jacket from no discount

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one day to go before VISIONS exhibit ;P

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I did a shoot today and I'm so happy with how it turned out. It's true what they say that everyday is a chance to outdo yourself. Well, this one went beyond my expectations. Watch for it on 2011. :)

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I apologize for the blog lag. It's been a crazy week for me racing for deadlines, doing shoots and  last night, putting up an exhibit for the private launch party of this new lounge club called Opus at the posh Resorts World in Paranaque . Opus prides itself to be the magnum opus of a group of business men who not only excelled in their chosen fields but also succeeded in their prior clubbing endeavors. In line with that idea, a group of stylists and designers were called to interpret different themes in the club's four rooms I and stylist Lotho were teamed up to give a colorful interpretation of the theme Ostentatious Extravagance. Each team must create an installation and an outfit to help communicate the theme. The room already bears a reproduction of a Michaelangelo mural/wallpaper which I think already is ostensibly extravagant. The idea is to create an in-your-face bastardization of the theme with subtext of rebelling against fine art using street art as a tool. The result is a vignette of tank balloon and living toy soldiers against a backdrop of a thoughtless renaissance hipster. I could go on with the details of what's the meaning behind this installation but I don't really think people would actually try to think why it's there. They were there to celebrate and get drunk and not to appreciate some street art but hey, I realized something while I'm doing this. Aside from the fact that I can actually do it, I loved doing it. I guess I'd create more of something like it if I get a chance, huh. 

Here is our room as seen in the lens of the great Eddie Boy Escudero:

Designers Tina Daniac and Norman Noriega interpreted the theme Overindulgence by creating a gown made of gold pleated paper. Perhaps a reflection on how people spend on fashion like it's gold. Designer Gian Romano and sculptor Leeroy New interpreted Opulence by creating a fantasy of black and dark world. Stylists Jujiin and Melvin Mojica created a romantic white room of tivoli lights, glasses and smoke with the lovely Ria Bolivar in white modern hippy outfit.

check out jujiin's blog to see their works. http://www.jujiin.com/2010/12/opus-opening.html

Opus is beautiful and it's for those set of people who wants more chikahan and drinks and  have more to spend. Definitely not like me as I personally prefer to drink,and dance in a more gay-friendly place with not-so-expensive Jack Daniels. While the guests enjoy themselves inside the main lounge, I preferred to be surrounded with non-ostentatiously extravagant girl friends, gay friends and a bartender with an open bar.