FASHION STORIES: Princess Parties & Wishful Thinking

Once upon a time, there was an an adorable 6-year-old named Cherdelyn, who for her birthday, wanted to be the plucky little Princess Sofia. A friend of hers, 13-year-old Kyla also wanted a princess party for her family and friends. This is the story of how that simple wish came true, with the help of Make a Wish Philippines and a few very generous fairy godmothers. 

I came into this little fairytale by way of a very stylish client, Ms. Linda Ley. We had been fitting her own gown when she started talking about a children's party she and a friend were throwing in partnership with Make A Wish Foundation Philippines. Along with Ms. Tina Cuevas of the Sulu Riviera Hotel, they were throwing a bash for Cherdelyn and Kyla. She had gotten renowned designer Ito Curata to make Kyla's dress, and asked me if I'd be up for dressing up the other wish-kid Cherdelyn. Needless to say, I said Yes! Who in the world turns down an opportunity to make a little girl into a princess, really!?

To all you nineties babies who don't have a clue who Princess Sofia is, she's the newest Disney princess who is somehow friends with all the other princesses in a magical land. She goes on lovely adventures in a purple gown with pearls and and a peplum and flowers on her petal skirt. The dress wasn't really that complicated, but I think the trick with these things is how to translate the fantasy into real life. Another challenge is that I only got Cherdelyn's height and waist measurement, and since it was a surprise, I would only get to see her on the big day!

It took yards and yards of tulle, layers of satin, three shades of purple organza, and a lot of pattern making prayers to hopefully get the dimensions right for this dress. But, after a week or so of pondering and sewing, we finally finished the garment. I thought it was pretty cute already in its bare state, but knew it needed a lot of Sofia's signature details to finish the look! 

The silver and crystal trims were obviously de rigeuer for any royal garment. The bigger challenge was the white flower that was on the scalloped hem of her dress. I used satin appliqués cut into a petal shapes to get the look and I think it really gave the dress it's wow factor!

I was really excited with how the dress turned out, all fluffy and princess-like and bedazzled, with a life of its own. I thought it really captured the Princess Sofia look and couldn't wait to see it on my muse! Can anyone say Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boo!?!?

On the day of Cherdelyn and Kyla's party, we were waiting for them in a beautiful room in the Sulu Riviera Hotel. Of course, the hosts Ms. Linda Ley, Ms. Tina Cuevas and their friends from Angels to Street Kids (ASK) were all busy preparing the party. First to arrive was Cherdelyn with her Mom. Ms. Linda Ley was so excited to see them and couldn't wait to show the girls all that was in store. First up was of course the dress! By God's grace, it fit perfectly, like it was really made for her! Cherdelyn started twirling almost immediately! Truly a happy occasion!

CHERDELYN AND HER MOM WITH MS. LINDA LEY | ME SURPRISING CHERDELYN WITH HER GOWN

Next came Kyla and her Ito Curata masterpiece suited her like a dream! Ms. Len Olbes and Ms. Mia Reyes were in charge of hair and makeup and the girls really enjoyed getting all dolled up. And to complete their looks, Ms. Mayenne Carmona got them the perfect sparkly shoes! The girls were finally ready for their grand entrance! 

FROM LEFT: MS. MIA REYES & MS. LEN OLBES WITH KYLA | KYLA IN HER THRONE | MS. MAYENNE CARMONA SURPRISES KYLA WITH SPARKLY SHOESIES

When Ms. Linda first told me about the party, I was imagining a very simple affair. But I can say the hosts went all out! A function room of the Sulu Riviera hotel was transformed with pink balloons and tulle on the ceiling, and a beautiful backdrop that really set the mood. There was a magician, bubbles, face painting, lots of yummy kiddie food, a sorbetero, beautiful cakes, presents, games, karaoke, and the works. Cherdelyn and Kyla celebrated with their families and other wish kids, most of whom were being treated at the Philippine Children's Medical Center and National Children's Hospital. Even for a few hours I think it was fun for the kids to just focus on having fun with their friends and loved ones. As many know, Make A Wish grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to spread joy and inspire. Parties like this is just one of the more than 1600 wishes, big and small, that they've granted since the inception of the Philippine chapter in 1999. 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE KIDS PLAYING PARTY GAMES | CHERDELYN IN A GIANT BUBBLE | CHERDELYN GETS SOME FACE PAINTING | WITH MY MOM AND MS. LINDA LEY

It was likewise a memorable day for all of us who were helping prepare the party. If I was busy making one dress, I can only imagine Ms. Linda Ley, Ms. Tina Cuevas, and everyone else who were planning and coordinating the entire affair. With every detail -- from the personalized decor & cake, to the gifts and games, to the little touches like the loot bag and the cotton candy, no detail was too small. It was obvious how much love Ms. Linda & Ms Tina & all her friends put in, I'm certain it was no easy task. But being able to bring cheer and spread kindness is indeed a beautiful thing, and we were all blessed to have been given the opportunity to do so. 

FROM LEFT: MS. LINDA LEY RECEIVES A CERTIFICATE FROM MS. ANA CHUA OF MAKE A WISH PHILIPPINES | MS. TINA CUEVAS & MS. LINDA LEY

ME WITH THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE OF ANGELS TO STREET KIDS (ASK)

When I first met Cherdelyn, she was very quiet and shy. But after a few hours of merrymaking, she started to really blossom and started to act like the kid that she is. She did twinsie poses with all the Princess Sofias in the room and was really having fun with all the activities, as were the other kids. She was still relatively quiet, but totally all smiles. Her Mom said they were supposed to have chemotherapy on the day of the party to treat Cherdelyn's leukaemia, but requested an earlier appointment from the doctor to so they can have some fun. And I do think she did, as did all the other kids. 

But despite being able to be princess for a day, with a crazy-beautiful party to boot, her Mom said that Cherdelyn's real wish was to get better. Amidst all the fanfare, this was a dose of reality; that sometimes even the most innocent of us have to fight battles that seem a wee bit too big for their young ages. We pray for the continued and quick recovery to all the kids, and even more princess parties in the future! Of course as in any story that begins with "Once upon a time", we are sure this one will have its own "Happily Ever After". 

BRIDAL BLISS: Floral Elegance at Chris & Jillian's Big Day

Like a lot of modern, millennial relationships, my friendship with bride Jillian began online. I had seen the Cosmo.Ph EIC @jillyqg looking her bright, bubbly self in a lot of my friends snaps, so much so that when I first met her, I couldn't help but feel like we were old friends. Consequently, and I believe upon the recommendation of Cosmopolitan Fashion Director Donna Cuna-Pita & Fashion Editor Happy Lopez, when it became time to plan her special day with beau Chris Cantada, she also found me on Instagram. Needless to say, I was extra excited to get to work with the couple, and am extremely grateful for their trust. 

Even before our first meeting, Jillian had already sent me photos of her girls, a short bio, and what silhouettes they wanted to wear, all packaged neatly in a PowerPoint. She had such clarity of vision, truly knowing what look she wanted for her entourage, and yet allowed me and her girls the artistic freedom to create unique ensembles that made each lady feel her prettiest. That, to bride Jill, was the most important part, that the special people in her life feel gorgeous as well.

MALEN, TIFFANY, JENNIFER, BRIDE JILLIAN, KARA & CHESKA 

THESE BRIDESMAIDS ARE GETTING FIRST DIBS ON THE BRIDE'S BOUQUET! 

Jillian wanted something fresh and blooming for their garden soiree, and ensembles her bridesmaids could wear again. Prompted by the floral pret-a-porter skirts I had been designing, we decided on formal separates for her entourage. It was indeed a challenge to find a botanical print that matched her color scheme of pink and pistachio, but I guess Cupid was on our side and we were able to find one with such a glorious old world feel that we all fell in love with. The Matron of Honor Jennifer, the bride's sister, opted for a floor length ball gown skirt paired with a halter top. The bridesmaids chose their own tops and skirts, everything from crop tops to cutouts to elegant three-quarter sleeved blouses. I really think we were able to showcase each girl's unique style whilst creating a cohesive and elegant look for the wedding.

Having had the privilege of working with such lovely ladies, I was able to make so many new friends. I am thankful for all the chats we had at fittings, the funny stories, the bloopers, the stuff I learned, and all the memories. Some parts of our journey were easy, some hard, but all worth it for the beautiful moment it all comes together and the individual pieces become greater as they become part of the whole.

TIFFANY, CHESKA, MALEN & KARA 

And of course, no wedding is complete without an adorable flower girl to sprinkle petals down the aisle. Meet my favourite new friend Ysabelle who looked like a little princess in a cloud of pink tulle. When I first met her, she was still a bit shy. But after our first fitting, after she got to try on her tutu dress, I can say that she really warmed up to me. She gave me the a biggest hug, and waved back to me all the way from my place to their car parked across the street. Being fairy godmother to little girls has its perks, I tell you. 

THE BRIDE & HER NIECE YSABELLE | RINGBEARER DAMIEN & YSABELLE

THE BRIDE'S SISTER & MATRON OF HONOR JENNIFER, WITH HER DAUGHTER YSABELLE

And to appease the romantic in me, I also consider it a true act of fate that I got to work  with Jillian. Obviously, we had worked in the same publishing company but at different times. But I also learned that Jillian had been studying in New York the exact same time I had been in school there. Furthermore, I would like to give a special shout out to the groom's sister Cat Cantada. I had heard so much about makeup artist extraordinaire Cat back when I was working in Preview, but in all that time, I never had the chance to work with her. People would book her for shoots before I could, and we always tried to work with different talents each month. I found out that Cat's just as silly as I was, and now I stalk her on Instagram. 

CAT, ANGELINA, TIFFANY, MALEN, CHESKA, KARA, THE COUPLE & THEIR DASHING GROOMSMEN 

I was equally impressed by our rockstar groom, who is none other than famous YouTuber and drummer Chris Cantada. During his Spongecola days, I learned that he had penned a love song named entitled Jillian. Guys, seriously, can you top that? The couple had been dating for more than 10 years, and sometimes long distance, before this momentous occasion that has brought two  beautiful, quirky souls together. Truly, any occasion to celebrate true love is something we each must cherish.

And with these lovely photos by Nice Print Photo taken at Angelfields in Tagaytay, I bid you adieu. I thank you Jillian and Chris for making me a part of your special day, and wish you all the best as you  both continue to pen the lyrics to your unique love story. 

THE BRIDE & HER ENTOURAGE 

THE RADIANT BRIDE & HER BRIDESMAIDS | JILLIAN SHARES A MOMENT WITH BIG SISTER JENNIFER

STYLE FOCUS: 6 Ways to Wear a Ballgown Skirt

Who doesn't love a good, old-fashioned, princess-worthy ballgown? With it's cinched waist and glorious full sweep, it's so easy to fall in love with these versatile stunners. And aside from being so gosh darn pretty, they're easy to style too, and perfect for the multi-hyphenate of today who looks just as effortless in a boardroom as she does at brunch.

Which is why I was so excited to launch my Willow midi skirt, and Emma ballgown skirts last year! At that time, there was a dearth of such ladylike options, and  I thought a pleated number would not only be glamorous, it would also be able to camouflage a lot of secrets (I mean hips, people, hips). And the pockets were just the icing on the cake. Imagine having your phone right beside you for selfies! A lot of my clients have been asking me for tips on how to wear and then rewear them, so without further ado, here are our fave ways to style these full-flared marvels.

1. Pair it with a white shirt

Two classics are always better than one. At least that's how we feel about white shirts and tea length skirts – a look that exuded nonchalant elegance for Audrey Hepburn, and still looks just as fresh today. Witness Marian Rivera in all her button-down and pink skirt perfection, as she shoots scenes for her role as Jade in her upcoming soap, The Rich Man's Daughter. Or our clients Abby and Minette as they navigate everyday life with uptown panache in crisp shirts and tropical skirts. It's a great look that goes from office to after hours with a quick change of accessories, and one I'm sure us girls will always love. 

MARIAN RIVERA PHOTO FROM JOHN PAUL DIZON

2. Slip on a Slinky Tank 

The easiest way to make a look interesting is to add contrast. Pair a Stepford-Wife inspired skirt with a slinky camisole and you are sure to have a head-turner. It shows off skin, maybe even a bit of décolletage, without going overboard. And adding a bit of shimmer never hurt anyone either, as we can see from Max Collins and our client Kymi who paired our Arya sequin camis with their full-length skirts. For day, take a cue from stunners Cristine Reyes and Isabel Oli who look fresh and fabulous in their laidback but girly pastel ensembles. 

CRISTINE REYES PIC FROM CHASE CHUA, ISABEL OLI PIC FROM JOHN PAUL DIZON, MAX COLLINS PIC FROM ASH AQUINO

3. Go Glam in a Long-Sleeved Top

Nothing exudes understated elegance more than a fitted black top with a cinched waist skirt. There's something about it that oozes femininity from a bygone era, but with a laid-back elegance that's just a relevant today. Just one look at J. Lo's red carpet ensemble and you get how delightfully lovely the look is. It's the perfect outfit for when you're in a celebratory mood, as seen on our client Trixie who twirled on her birthday in full-flaired crimson. For maximum impact, add pearls, and channel Liz Taylor in all her vintage glory.

4. Be Feminine in a Lace Top

Show off slivers of skin in this demure, date-ready ensemble. We love how our clients Macy and Kathlyn made the floral skirts their own by pairing them with dainty lace tops. Aimee Song does a modern take in a boxy lace number paired with a bright pink skirt. But if you really want to drive the girly point home, then there's nothing like traipsing around in head-to-toe blush. To make it less precious, opt for a neutral pink and finish off with retro sunnies and studded pumps.

5. Dare to Bare in a Crop Top 

Crop tops and full skirts are an unlikely match made in fashion heaven. By showing just a sliver of skin, one teeters on the brink of sexy, whilst still being feminine and fun. We love how LJ Reyes is just owning the look in a femme fatale black top and sweeping gold faille Mariane Perez skirt. Or teen princess Liza Soberano who was naughty and nice in her ensemble of cutouts and garden florals. Not to be outdone, our client Minette restyles her Willow skirt (see No.1) into a vacay-ready ensemble by switching her polo shirt for a bikini top. It's a look that's just as home in a resort as it is in a red carpet and we can't wait to get styling!

LJ REYES PIC FROM STYLEBIBLE, LIZA SOBERANO PIC FROM PERRY TABORA

6. Showcase your heritage in Filipiñiana

Any stylish Pinay worth her salt would have a few Filipiñiana looks at her beck and call. And while butterfly sleeves will always be a fave, there are days when a gamine look beckons us with its understated allure. Witness actress Bela Padilla in her barong-inspired blouse and shantung Mariane Perez skirt. Or PR maven NJ Torres, and our client Nica, who paired their duchesse satin skirts with piña and jusi stunners. And as an ode to the baro't saya silhouette, Chynna Ortaleza dons a boxy top with flutter sleeves on top of her orchid pink skirt. With these lovely looks, the Maria Clara ethos truly lives on!

CHYNNA ORTALEZA PIC FROM JP DIZON, BELA PADILLA FROM INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT @BELAPADILLA, NJ TORRES PIC FROM MEGASTYLE.PH

What are your favourite ways to wear a ball gown skirt? Share your photos by tagging @ateliermarianeperez on Instagram or leaving a comment below! We'd love to have a look-see!

BRIDAL BLISS: My Best Friend's Wedding

It is a rare privilege for designers to become a part of the lives of their brides, as through loving hands they literally craft the last garment one wears as a single woman. It's a transformative piece, one sprinkled in fairy dust and bestowed on with such power and reverence that holds us all in its thrall. And if it's to be worn by your childhood bestie, then I do think it becomes all the more magical.

PHOTO BY JUN SONG

That is the story of me, and Karaine, my BFF from grade school who moved to Australia and met the love of her life Victor. I was in New York (studying at FIT and interning at Marchesa and Vera Wang) when she got engaged and given that we were continents apart, we weren't sure how to pull off making her princess wedding gown. But love can truly move mountains and I was so excited that I had to come back home to Manila to start making it! 

Like all crazy endeavours, we started off with a plan, a.k.a. a sketch. She ultimately chose this design, a drop waist lace bodice finished off with ruffles galore! 

She could only come to Manila once or twice for fittings before the big day, so we had to make it work. At this point, I would like to commend my friend's immense trust in me, that I would come up with something pretty for her special day. During the three months or so that we were crafting her gown, all she got were progress photos. We got so fond of the dress we've nicknamed her Ms. Fluffles (now, Mrs. Fluffles, naturally). With more than a hundred yards of organza (plus plus plus), I would say she's earned her moniker. 

I got to Perth two weeks before the wedding, and with bated breath, Karaine tried on her gown. Thankfully, it was a great fit and apart from a few length issues, it was perfect!!! More importantly, the bride-to-be was happy, and that's all a designer-friend could ever ask for!

The wedding was held on a gorgeously sunny day in Perth, Australia. The ceremony was in a quaint chapel in Fremantle filled with a lot of history, followed by a lovely reception of close family and friends at Caversham House in Swan Valley. The couple's adventurous photographer, Jun Song, took these photos around the port city of Fremantle and at the wedding reception venue. 

Aside from the wedding gowns, my other favourite thing to make are flower girl dresses! Who could resist all that cuteness, really?! Karaine wanted mini-mi gowns but she still wanted them to look like sweet little girls. The result, organza ball gowns with lovely pink sashes!

The two flower girls plus a third, honorary one who was smart enough to match the color scheme! 

This was us at flower girl Amelia's dress fitting in Perth. I also got her measurements via email so we were so happy the dress fit. Her little sister was equally excited and joined us for a nice, little cuddle on the floor. 

And finally, the bride and her entourage. It was like a mini-reunion as it had been me, another bosom buddy from grade school Stephanie, and the bride's cousin Wena. 

And so ends my little tale of love, rendered in cascading ruffles, beautiful bows, and sparkly lace. But as this bridal gown bids you adieu, for it's served its mission well, it does usher in a beautiful new life for the couple filled with a lifetime of bliss and a future of hope.

MARIANE'S MUSES: Anne Curtis Smith for Primadonna

Anne Curtis. Her given name may not be idiosyncratic enough to allow her the luxury of dropping her last, but trust me when I say, she is a star who needs no introduction. She's like Beyonce, who despite having the same 24 hours in a day, was able to sing, dance, act, host, model, have amazing abs in the time you and I Facebooked, Buzzfeeded, Instagram-stalked our crushes (and frenemies), Whatsapped the news to our posse, got a latte, and then napped.

Her versatility and down-to-earth-glamour is akin to fab shoe brand Primadonna, whose trendy boutiques are filled to the brim with haute heels for sexy nights out, beaded sandals for the beach, or cute flats for day. It's a label I love so when I was asked to make clothes for their 2014 Holiday campaign shoot, starring Anne Curtis, I couldn't say YES fast enough! 

Chanelling the festive holiday season, the campaign of sexy stilettos and metallic hues was a sight to behold! This was one of the final layouts captured by lensman BJ Pascual of Anne in a metallic jersey mini with chain-strap detail paired with strappy black heels. Shoes are getting very delicate and this black one is a classic!

Naturally, I couldn't stop myself from snapping a photo of the larger-than-life poster in the store. It just makes everything feel super legit! 

A photo posted by Mariane (@marianeperez) on Dec 27, 2014 at 8:20pm PST

And for some déjà vu, I also designed this gown for the label's Pre-Holiday campaign last year, which reveled in  a punk-rock theme. Melville, one of Pam Quinones' styling associates, asked for cutouts, slinkiness, and a slits galore! Rendered in velvet, I do think the whole outfit had a sultry quality about it, and looked great with Primadonna's silver platforms. 

Going back to gold...the 2014 ad campaign was actually shot earlier in that year, I would say maybe a week after Anne's unfortunate jellyfish incident. And despite being on the road to recovery, Amazing Anne posed with such glamour and moved with such infectious energy. Seriously, what jellyfish?

Here are some behind the scenes goodies from the super fun and high energy shoot. Anne was such a natural at posing, and was gorgeous in every frame! 

In between takes, hairstylist Raymond Santiago makes sure her hair is super perfect! 

Of course after the shoot, we all kinda lined up to get photos with her. There was a bunch of us, but she had time for every little fan girl on set! 

Me and Valerie of Primadonna taking pictures of ourselves, while Anne was taking pictures. Priorities, priorities! 

Was also such a treat to bump into makeup maven Robbie Pinera and hairstylist Raymond Santiago. Back when I was styling for Preview I used to see them at shoots like ALL THE TIME, but this was a welcome little catch-up! So nice to see that everyone's still as sweet as always! 

Naturally, before I left I had to stalk the Primadonna shoesies on the shoot. Some had yet to drop in stores, so I had time to plan my hoarding trip! 

To keep updated on all things Primadonna, like their Facebook page or follow @primadonnaph on Instagram! 

MARIANE'S MUSES: Max Collins

She's a breath of fresh air with a classical beauty and refined elegance that allows her to portray mahinhin roles with such impact. Exuding serenity and confidence that belies her young age, she's any director or fashion designer's dream. Which is why when her stylists Happy Lopez and Donna Cuna-Pita asked if I could dress her, my answer was a resounding YES! 

For Max, we chose ensembles that reflected feminine glamour and modern flair. It was something that suited her personal style and also her role as Esperanza in the soap Innamorata last year. Needless to say, we really went to town with it! 

Of course, one of my faves is when she wore my peony print trumpet dress to the Cream Silk at 30 event. Red carpets have become quite understated of late, but naturally still equally dramatic. I do think that modern glamour is about restraint, it's about the woman wearing the dress, and not the other way around. And in the case of Max, she was such a spring beauty in this gown! 

FROM THE INSTAGRAM OF @MAXCOLLINSOFFICIAL

FROM THE INSTAGRAM OF @THEPAOLOLUCIANO

Peonies are one of my fave flowers, and I think the vibrant blooms on ivory, rendered in a very classic silhouette exude a fun, uptown vibe. And speaking of uptown, Donna Cuna-Pita posted this photo of Max vis-a-vis Emmy Rossum at the Met Gala last year, remarking at how the two gowns had the same vibe. And guess who liked it?! @HouseofHerrera, that's who! Nothing gets a fangirl going more than social media affirmation from your fashion heroes. Incidentally, Carolina Herrera was the commencement speaker when I graduated from FIT, so this moment to me is pure serendipity! 

And as they say, why mess with a good thing, right? Max looked amazing in florals, and we loved how bright and happy it made her look! She's got that old Hollywood beauty that looks amazing in these feminine numbers. 

And what star post would be complete without a bit of shine! Loving this mermaid-esque look on Max Collins for Sunday All Stars. The little sheer cutout makes this not just your ordinary silver dress. 

Looking forward to more Max Collins moments come 2015 of course!