Pandemic? Fashion must go on!
When we think of Slim’s, we think modern ternos and the most fabulous occasionwear, from those created by founder Salvacion Lim Higgins to the fashion and arts school’s famous alumni like Oliver Tolentino, Albert Andrada, Michael Cinco, Martin Bautista and Joey Samson.
The utmost expression of craft and artistry has long been in formal or cocktail codes, but for the fashion school’s fresh graduates, breaking into an industry with a pandemic turning it on its head, they must first tackle a new set of challenges.
The directive we gave to the designers in Slim’s Studio was to make sure that the clothes were easy to wear, easy to care for, and appropriate for these times.
Today, a shopper will ask: Is it functional? In the face of financial uncertainty, or to shop responsibly for the planet, will I be able to wear this forever? Is it gender fluid? Does it spark joy? In Slim’s Studio, an Instagram-based platform selling capsule collections by alumni, we see whether or not they are up to the task.
“The directive we gave to the designers in Slim’s Studio was to make sure that the clothes were easy to wear, easy to care for, and appropriate for these times. So most of the clothing is for intimate gatherings or everyday wear — there is nothing, really, for large-scale events on our site,” explains Slim’s director Mark Higgins.
China Parado’s reversible top may be worn long or cropped with the push or pull of its drawstring detail.
Damaris Chua’s shirtdress features a back cutout with a functional drawstring detail to adjust its fit so you can wear it tight or loose.
Looking for a Zoom party top? Hannah Adrias’ take on the ruffle top is the party itself, with its oversized double gauze ruffles.
For something prim and proper, there’s Yvonne Tabanao’s oversized cocoon top with pleated sleeves and oversized fringe pilgrim collar made from corduroy fabric and a soft houndstooth fabric.
Mario Santos’ cropped dolman jacket in cotton brushed twill has functional front cargo pockets and button closure that can accommodate your essentials for a quick grocery run but is fun enough for a socially distanced event.
Noel Marin’s boxy and oversized silk Jusi shirt imbibes the effortless allure of menswear combined with elevated loungewear with its spear point collar, flared hem, deconstructed chest pocket and snaps closure, dropped shoulders and elbow-length sleeves.
It’s all gender-neutral pieces and womenswear with inclusive sizing for now, but children’s collections will soon be out.
These pieces are mostly on a pre-order basis, executed and finished with the skills and techniques that are characteristic of the school’s standards — an occasionwear-like quality and flair for the everyday.
Now doesn’t that just spark joy?