by Nikki Gotianse-Tan
IT IS THE CHALLENGE of these fast-paced times for a girl to make clothing choices that are just as fash-packed. The schedules, deadlines and demands of work and home might seem manic, but her appearance and outfits need not be. Enter local brand Ensembles that has been working on that hotbed of reinvention otherwise known as corporate wear since 1991. Whereas everyone else was doing the run-and-tumble of black and gray suit sets, this accessible brand set itself apart by incorporating the aspect of luxury and strong femininity in their designs. It has been their signature to marry the frill of pleats, ruffles and embellishments with classic dress silhouettes and smartly tailored pieces. More than their designs, it is their execution of good fit that has given them longevity and edge in the landscape of women’s wear. Of late, they have enlisted the talent of designer Debbie Co who is nothing short of an artisan in their body of work. Having been a loyal client of Debbie’s for the past three years, I have grown familiar with how well she can manipulate fabric. In her four years as a designer, she has since come a long way using what she calls this 3D approach with tucks and folds. The texture she can create with her draping and gorgeous appliqués is at once romantic and modern. She does all this using a palette of colors that are ultra-flattering in their vibrancy. Debbie says that it has always been her aspiration to produce pieces that can make women feel confident and independent. In her 24-piece collection for Ensembles, she has assembled a colorful showcase in bold contrasts and pristine construction – still in keeping with her signature aesthetic and at the same time true to the sexy, chic spirit of the brand. Here you see her combine elements from her various inspirations such as ‘60s mod, the Victorian period and Japanese origami. After all, the genius in her work lies in the finer points. In the case of this collection, it is in the color-blocks, irregular cuts and distressed finishes. The shift dresses, military jackets, coat dresses and button-down tops in colors ranging from classic black and white to more experimental jewel tones are all commanding presence pieces that can take the modern feminine powerhouse on an assured stride to the boardroom and beyond. More than the hipness that the clothes exude, it is the boost in attitude that might as well be the grand idea behind the collection. Keeping things well-suited to the woman who likes to mix her sexiness with the propriety needed in her workplace, these are clothes that give a renewed sense of optimism to get up, work the daily grind and look shamelessly good while doing it. Ensembles by Debbie Co is available in Ensembles, 2/F Chimes Davao, Gov. Sales St., Davao City
