MODERN MUSE: Effervescence, Glamour, and Gladys Siao

Gladys has been a client for a while now, and over the years, I have had the privilege of creating a multitude of gowns and dresses for her. Sometimes sleek and architectural, sometimes frothy and fairytale-like, each garment is a style story waiting to unfold. We would sometimes begin with a color, sometimes a look or feel. We loved to vary each concoction, making sure the next one was a little different, but added something to the inadverted sartorial narrative we were creating.

When we had first met, and I hope she would agree, we had become fast friends and she had endeared herself to my entire family as well. Which is perhaps how this project, photographed by my brother Mark Perez, with makeup by my sister Marilene Perez, came about. Thanks to Gladys for the immense trust, and to her fiancé Terence Ang, who helped us with the shoot and also took behind-the-scenes photos. 

MODEL: Gladys Siao

PHOTOGRAPHY : Mark Perez

MAKEUP : Marilene Perez

Gowns by yours truly 

DESIGN DOSSIER: Goddess Goals on Solenn Heussaff for FHM August 2016

With an innate sultriness, a disarming charm, and of course the newlywed glow, Solenn Heussaff is easily one of the most alluring women in the Philippines. The Filipina-French beauty has long been making people fall for her sexy-kooky persona, and self-effacing humour. So when I was contacted by Maita Baello & Melville Sy of Qurator Studio to make a dress or two for her to wear to FHM's August cover shoot, and they told me the gorgeous concept, I was beyond ecstatic. Even if "sexy" wasn't really my go-to look, I knew I had to be a part of the dreamy, Renaissance-inspired shoot.



There's always a thin line between something being sexy and a little pushing the envelope, and just a bit too much. And yet with Solenn giving the style time carte blanche to go crazy, I knew we hand to make the dress a little bit scandalous. Hence, a down-to-there plunge held precariously together by slivers of a strap, finished off with a diaphanous tulle skirt. In creating the bodice, I wanted to make the tulle haphazardly drape over the bosom, be a little messy, but still flatter her gorgeous figure.

As a designer, I'm always excited about the process, and love sharing #BehindtheSeams commentary on my blog. I think it's important to always have conversations about fashion and its inspirations. For more pics & tidbits head on to marianeperez.blogspot.com (link in bio) !!! ✨👸🏻🖼 #MarianePerez #SolennHeussaff #FHM

A photo posted by Mariane 🦄 ✨ (@marianeperez) on Aug 12, 2016 at 3:18am PDT

Since the concept of the shoot were Renaissance paintings, I wanted to give the garment an effortless feel, with a certain diaphanous softness. I couldn't help but be inspired by The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, the eerie romanticism of John William Waterhouse, and the goddesses of John William Godward. At first glance, this photograph of of a woman caught lounging at a private moment truly feels right at home with these rich paintings. The mood is intimate, romantic, and artistic, with Solenn altogether fearless and vulnerable. Truly a visionary concept from FHM and the entire team, of Maita and Melville of Qurator, assisted by Sharmaine Tanael & Alexine Castillo,  photographer Mark Nicdao, makeup artist Robbie Pinera, and hairstylist RJ dela Cruz.

I couldn't be more pleased at how these photos turned out and am truly excited to be able to flex my design muscles and come up with more creative projects! Some my usual brand of feminine, and some a little bit over the edge and out of the box, which I think every artist ought to do once in a while.

DESIGN DOSSIER: Blush Pink Beauty

There is a certain old world elegance inherent in a ball gown — a statement making confection that compels one to glide onto the dance floor with the most lilting of steps like a debutante of seasons past. And then there is the promise of magic and make believe, of transforming into a fairy tale princess even for just a brief night. Such I think is the beauty and power of fashion, it gives us the power to dream and become whoever we want to be. Girl power at its finest, if I may be so bold as to say. 

Such was the ethos behind this pale pink gown for seventeen-year-old beauty Sofia Lopez for her senior prom. Even at first glance, she exuded a mix of teenage girly and fresh, sporty energy. For the Poveda Ball, she wanted a feminine gown that was fluffy, but not too much, and had just a touch of sparkle . We decided on a graceful an off-shoulder gown with a sweeping skirt and train, and a low back accented with a statement bow. 

I couldn't help but be inspired by the vintage gowns that figured prominently in the work of society photographer Cecil Beaton, who was a regular contributor to Vogue and Vanity Fair in the '40s and '50s. In fact, one of my favourite fashion images was that of a tabluea of models all resplendent in satin gowns by Charles James. The pastel hue, the grand silhouette, and the playful ribbon were all in homage to that uncomplicated and most feminine era of haute couture. 

The first fitting we had was just of the toile. The open neckline and deep back required a bit of contouring to get it to lay flat on the body. The sleeves which angled down also had to be tested, and revised to get it to drape properly but also with a bit of insouciance. Lastly, we draped the bow to make it look like it was oh-so-casually tied up behind but nonetheless retained its shape and gave the dress a bit of drama.

For the beaded belt we created for her a shimmering floral motif, with a bit of dimension to accent her gown and her trim waist. We tested a few samples but ultimately decided on a more elaborate version. 

In this day and age of normcore and fast fashion, rarely do we find the chance to really dress up. So when the occasion does pop up when we can don a twirl-worthy frock, then I think we should! Embrace your inner Cinderella, take risks with fashion, wear something you think might be a bit too much (but of course, really isn't because we checked with all our friends and they're all dressing up too). Life is but for making memories, and we can do it whilst being pretty, why in the world not?