Ria Bolivar made her debut at Bench Fashion Week as a designer, presenting her four-year-old slow-fashion brand, Reveri. Known for her effortless and “simple” silhouettes, Bolivar focused on creating pieces that bring movement through handcrafted crochets, incorporating elements like fringe and tassels inspired by dried leaves and the everyday objects around her provincial life. The collection, while intentionally relaxed, can be transformed with a quick styling change to make it suitable for city life. Bolivar, who frequently travels between Iloilo and Manila for both her brand and her modeling career, has infused her designs with a personal connection to her daily experiences.
Roko Arceo, a stylist-turned-designer, showcased his brand, Maligaya Clothing Co., which lived up to its name by spreading joy through Filipino-inspired iconography. Using repurposed linens and vintage fabrics, Arceo crafted geometric patchwork pieces that evoked memories of classic Filipino art, with nods to Ang Kiukok and Fernando Amorsolo. The vibrant collection brought together contemporary design and nostalgic Filipino influences, creating a playful and joyful visual narrative.
In collaboration with the artist Vico Cham, Human presented the collection “A Mind Like a Garden,” which explored crochet headpieces adorned with floral accents, bringing a surreal quality to their designs. Cham, who is on the autism spectrum, brought his unique perspective to the collection, which was a reflection of Human’s commitment to inclusivity in fashion. The line featured bold graphic prints, including picnic scenes, on their signature boxy denim and cotton tees, celebrating Cham’s individuality and artistic expression.
Amato’s collection, marking the homecoming of designer Furne One to Cebu, brought a bold and theatrical flair to the runway. Inspired by Lady Gaga’s iconic Coachella 2025 performances, the “Birds of Prey” collection featured sculptural headpieces, bodices adorned with jewels, embroidery, and feathers, as well as dramatic sleeves reminiscent of wings. The collection celebrated the power of gesture and movement, with each piece designed to make a statement.
Meanwhile, Bench Club and La Vie En Rose evoked a sense of nostalgia, with Bench Club’s collection channeling the exuberance of the ’80s. Layered stripes, letterman jackets, and weather-appropriate argyle brought to life the optimistic spirit of that era, all while spotlighting the next big names in entertainment, including Robbie Jaworski and the P-pop sensation Hori7on. La Vie En Rose, with its vintage-inspired floral prints, captured the carefree essence of past summers, offering timeless swimsuits that provide both comfort and flattering fits, making it clear that there’s still plenty of fun to look forward to.
Urban Revivo, on the other hand, presented a more contemporary feel with a lineup of neutrals that balanced texture and visual appeal. Velvet dresses, timeless prints like polka dots, and frilly designs were paired with surprisingly diaphanous suits, all evoking a sense of early 2000s fashion, or Y2K. The collection showed how modern trends can still draw on past influences, creating a fresh yet nostalgic aesthetic.
Amid the rise of AI and digital innovations, Bench Fashion Week served as a reminder of the irreplaceable value of human creativity, empathy, and connection. The diverse and joyful fashion showcased at the event underscored the power of personal expression and the lasting impact of real-life interactions, proving that true creativity will always shine through in the fashion world.
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