Life & Times

Cutting and sewing at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines

By Remedios V. Lucio Contributor

As in relevant education, so too in fashion: less is more. Everything that is superfluous needs to be cut out. The value of a school’s tuition is gauged not only by what it teaches but what it leaves out in its lessons. Those itching to go out into the field don’t want a minute more than they need to be in the classroom. This is the philosophy behind Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP).

The first five-star hotel in the country was born 97 years ago. Many dubbed the hotel as the “Showcase of the Philippines” and “Address of Prestige” as prominent figures milled around Manila Hotel’s ethereal lobby, from heads of state and movie stars to royalty. Its roster of illustrious guests includes Gen. Douglas MacArthur, US Presidents Lyndon Jonson, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton, their Royal Highnesses Edward and Charles, princes of Wales, Ernest Hemingway, The Beatles and Michael Jackson, just to name a few.

Sexy maxi dresses seem to be Phoemela Baranda’s fashion preference lately and she has been experimenting with styles and colors inspired basically with just one dress, the multi-dress.