a taste for tribal

A few days ago, we talked a little bit about the Tribal trend that is sweeping THE WORLD! I don't want to oversaturate you with all this gushing, but the ethnic/tribal trend is really one of my favorites.  In the last few years, it has been getting stronger and stronger, particularly during the warmer seasons, and it looks like it has no plan of stopping!

Another great thing about this trend, apart from the beautiful colors and bold and intricate patterns, and the boost it gives to tribal communities, is that it is so easy to incorporate them into ANY wardrobe. seriously!

There are so many versions out there to suit your needs.  If you're a simple gal, you can go with a big statement piece, or something with subtler tribal hints to dress up your minimalist wardrobe.  In fact, this makes the look stronger and really helps the ethnicity of the piece shine through!

You can also go the "traditional" tribal route, which means layering the prints and colors.  For the longest time, we've always been hesitant to use more than one print in an outfit.  But whenever you see the Ifugaos up in the mountains, or even the Badjaos who are playing on the streets in modern clothes styled according to their taste, the explosion of color is always a pleasant surprise.

Girly? Rocker? Serious, no-frills type?  There's a tribal girl in you, roaring to be unleashed. Roaring, get it? eh, oh well!  The joke may be the lame, but the trend is far from it.  Enjoy!  And watch out for the upcoming Gameng ni Maria collection for summer! it's gonna be H-O-T!!!!

The very first piece from Palamuti's Summer 2011 Collection

Going Tribal

It's official. Tribal is IN again! Hmm, was it ever even out? Unlike gladiator shoes and colored skinny jeans, we can never have too much of the ethnic.  Why is that? Well, perhaps it's because going tribal is simply like returning to our roots.  In other countries, their national costumes are worn everyday.  they have slightly more practical versions of it, yes, but it's still unique to their culture.  Tribal is such a good thing that the Western countries are even adopting this and incorporating it into their dress.

Here in the Philippines, there is an abundant and very diverse selection of fabrics and traditional clothing from all over the provinces.  Our way of dressing is very Western because of the influence of the nations which have colonized us, but as the clamor for a truly Filipino culture grows louder and stronger, so does that for authentic Filipino wares.

What does it mean, to be Filipino? and what does it take for something to receive this kind of label? That might take more blog posts than can be read.  I urge you to consider these questions because these are significant to our cultural recovery.

Going back, of course, just because something is on trend doesn't mean you have to jump on the bandwagon--it only means you have more options!! See, although the above necklaces were manufactured by big fashion houses, even practical Filipinas can proudly wear their own.

Palamuti Gameng ni Maria

Palamuti's PJ Valenciano has come up with yet another collection of delightful statement neckpieces--this time made all the more wonderful by the use of Abel Iloko, a fabric we can proudly call our own.  By going tribal, we are able to not just look good and help support a cherished but endangered industry, we also come closer to developing our sense of Filipino-ness.

So go ahead and unleash the true Filipina in you!  You'll love her!

Gameng ni Maria (wealth of Maria)

Inabel with embellishment
* Bringing tradition to contemporary costume jewelry


~for my Inang, love PJ
Pride and wealth of the north
...Of culture and tradition
Of now and eternity

***

"Abel Iloko, also called inabel, has a long tradition and history, and is justly
famous for its quality and durability. Its patterns and colors are derived from
the natural environment of Ilocos - the whirlpools in the water, the
whirlwinds that bring much destruction, the leaves and flowers of local flora,
the stars, indeed the Milky Way itself."

Dreaming of Prom

It's already February! and although for some that would instantly translate to Valentines, the month also ushers in the Prom season--which is THE most important event in a young girl's life (well, maybe after graduation).  But it is the most important fashion event, at the least!

Of course, the focus is usually about the dress.  But in recent years, the trend has been moving from elaborate prom dresses to much simpler ones accented with statement jewelry.  why is that?  well, economically, a simple dress is really more practical.  the cost of labor and materials will be less, and the design will enable you to wear it on other formal occasions such as weddings, etc.  Also, the detail on the gowns is usually lost in the photos, which is why some prefer to amp it up with statement necklaces, earrings, or hairpieces.  After all, the photos usually focus on the face, so anything face-framing is best!  Here are a few ideas for you prom-goers (or their mothers)!!!

1. Balance is key! so if you're wearing a strapless or gown with a very open neck (which is the trend nowadays), try to find something to fill the space a bit, though not covering it entirely. this can be in the form of a necklace, or long earrings.  also, you might want to have one center accessory, while the others enhance that piece.  Big necklace? keep the earrings and hairpiece to a minimum, but still complementary.
2. Theme! your pieces don't have to be matchy-matchy, but it would be to your advantage if you stuck to a certain look or theme. Gypsy? you can play with colors and textures and be a bit eccentric.  Diwata/Goddess look? you can go with big mother of pearl or capiz pieces.  Ethnic? maybe more wooden or gold pieces.  Tribal? go with big, bold pieces.  Princess? dainty and girly will do the trick.  Be creative!  Think of your prom as a fashion editorial, but not a costume party (unless it really is one).

3. Break the rules! no, we don't mean you should take the plunging neckline route.  but think out of the box!  and don't let norms restrict you.  got short hair? you can still accessorize with a hairband and break that notion of short hair = tomboy! backless dress? you can even turn that necklace around to further emphasize your back.

4. She who is most comfortable is queen of the night.  Keep your comfort in mind.  5-inch heels may look nice, but that grimace on your face won't.  and they won't be taking your photo next to a meter stick, so why bother?  if you're not the type who wears heavy earrings, use clip-ons or go with a different statement accessory instead.

5. Don't stress!  In the end, your smile and twinkling eyes is still your best accessory (yes, even better than that arm candy of a prom date).  So just have fun! You're only 16 once!

Mayumi

Una tayong nagkatagpo sa isang dula

dula-dulaan, parang panaginip

parang isang biro ng tadhana

hindi kita kilala

hindi kita pinilit

oo,

naglakad tayo

isang saglit, isang pagkakataon

at hihintayin ko muli

ang susunod na dula

In the Neck of It

If you’re reading this blog right now, chances are, you’re also aware of the changing trends in weddings the past few years.  Weddings, regardless of whether they are big spectacles or intimate affairs, have really become much more stylized.  From themes, to outfits, to prenuptial photos and the wedding video itself—it’s as if girls are orchestrating their own fairytales come true!!!  Heck, even the wedding bands aren’t placed in the traditional satin pillow anymore!

What girl doesn’t love a good wedding?  And who among us doesn’t feel a thrill when getting dressed up for them.  You ever felt like it’s your chance to participate in some sort of romantic comedy film, even just an unknown extra?  But this time, that isn’t gonna happen.  Because it’s your big day, and today, you are the most beautiful woman on the earth.

Back to styling though, there really are a multitude of options available.  Some girls go all out with the ball skirt and the fully beaded bodice.  Others prefer a simple yet elegant column, while some hover in between.  That’s okay! It’s your day, you ought to have fun! If you want, you can up the ante with the perfect accessories to match your look.  Today, we’ll talk necklaces.

Depending on the style of your gown, you want to use a neckpiece (or any accessory, for that matter) that complements it instead of distracting or overpowering.  Most especially, all the pieces need to come together to allow your inner princess to shine.  Here’s a tip: USE YOUR NECKLINE AS A POINT OF REFERENCE.  If you’re showing off a large portion of your neck and shoulder, you can wear a statement necklace.  This can also go with the opposite, which is a round neckline close to the base of your neck.  If it’s in between the two, you might consider a simpler or slightly less ornate neckpiece, or even skip it altogether and substitute with earrings or a belt instead (more on that in another article).  

Also, KEEP YOUR THEME and VENUE IN MIND.  Make sure the style of the necklaces, especially if it's a statement piece, is in line with the theme of your wedding.  It could take from the color scheme to a more literal translation even.  Vintage theme? Try an ornate cameo neckpiece.  Fun and playful wedding?  Now might be a good time to use a kooky neckpiece.  Traditional wedding?  You can't go wrong if you're dripping in pearls or diamonds.  Take note of the venue of the wedding too.  Beach wedding?  Something with pearls or shells would be nice. 

And of course, ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR PERSONALITY! Comfort is key.  If you're the type of person who finds necklaces itchy, don't overdo the necklace--your grimace might be caught on cam!  Just go with whatever makes you happy.  Yes, in spite of the rules! Because in the end, if it feels right to you, then that's the best choice! It’s your day and you can do whatever you want ;)