The Mayor’s Gala: Shoe showcase in Manila
mis à jour le 7 October 2015 à 00:07
Marikina City aka Shoe Capital of the Philippines celebrates craftsmanship and local designers at the 'Mayor's Gala' fund-raising event.
Marikina City, i.e. Shoe Capital of the Philippines, conducted its inaugural The Mayor's Gala showcasing works of seven designers in the country. The event was part of the 3rd Sapatos (Tagalog word for shoes) festival in the city. It was held on November 12 at Kapitan Moy, a significant place where the first shoe in Marikina was made. The gala was hosted by actress Angel Aquino and American-Filipino shoe designer Brian Tenorio. Aside from being set up to promote the craftsmanship of Marikina shoemakers - who collaborated with the designers for the show - the occasion also aimed to raise funds for The Marikina Sapatero Scholarship Fund.
Each designer showed a 6-piece collection constituting of a variety of styles; from simple to unconventional, monochrome to multi-coloured, understated to fully adorned…you name it, it was there.
Andre Chang
Andre Chang's collection was all about experimentation and exploration. The first two designs were a knee-length leather sandals and killer boots all in black. An edgy monkstrap with metal details followed to complete the capsule collection which can be best described as 'S&M meets punk.'
Brian Tenorio
Swarovski crystals, pearls, and ribbons were featured moderately in Brian Tenorio's feminine collection. The elegant heels were mostly in light shades but nowhere boring especially the transparent pairs. We don't know any girl who wouldn't want the flattering nude pair of pumps with gold sculptural detail in the back (photo, left).
Kristel Yulo
Shoes with classic craftsmanship from colour to embellishment were shown by Kristel Yulo. Minimal features were incorporated to the design keeping its simplicity and occasional experimenting with peep openings in unconventional places.
Leeroy New
After dabbling with shoe design in 2010, Leeroy's first shoe collection had its début at the event. Apparent in his pieces was the influence of his sculpting work - unconventional forms that evokes sinister mood were used as highlights to the heels and soles. Some models walked carrying what looked like art pieces resembling shoes. Or were they shoes, just not for walking?
Leeroy is a Visual Arts graduate of the Philippines High School for the Arts and University of the Philippines Fine Arts.
Maco Custodio
The most playful collection came from Maco Custodio who used plenty of colours, playful details, and textures to illustrate his "Summer in Russia" theme. The collection also featured some interesting mens' shoes with layered soles and accented multiple-laces, glitter and fur balls!
A leather craftsman and designer, Maco was a graduate of Industrial Design before pursuing further studies at the Philippine Footwear Academy and in China for shoe engineering. His design training started immediately after graduation in 2003. In 2012, Maco also ventured into creating bags and accessories with leather elements.
Nereku
Nereku's designs were bold and dramatic as each model transformed the shoes they were wearing, on the spot, giving them an alternative look. Audience were particularly in awe when one of the female models converted a strap of the shoes into a vest (photos). Woven leather was mostly used in the designs complemented with what looked like faux fur. Translucent heels were also seen in few pieces.
Vania Romoff
Classy and feminine shoes were paraded by designer Vania Romoff. Snake skin was prominent as well as the classic pointy toes with elegant minimal details and bright colours. Straps, tassels added a fresh touch on the classic shape and style.
Onin Lorente
Photos: Terence Saw and Wilbur Po
