Gentlemen of THE RAMP

The RAMP at CROSSINGS in Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Takes more than combat gear to make a man

Takes more than a license for a gun

Confront your enemies, avoid them when you can

A gentleman will walk but never run

–Sting

A male model strides across the ramp wearing a coat, an umbrella in hand. While shooting, a different soundtrack in my head starts: “Englishman in New York” by Sting. THE RAMP at Crossings, Daniel Hechter, DEBENHAMS even Marks and Spencer will do that to you even if it’s just clothes other men are wearing. Also Sting really IS set to invade our fair city on December 9, 2012. The venue was moved to SMART Araneta because of the previous venues’ policy on pine trees. It really does take more than combat gear to make a man. Sting takes a real stand for the environment.

Marks & Spencer at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Daniel Hechter at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Fortunately looking more gentlemanly this holiday season is a lot easier. Brands like Ben Sherman, Mossimo Dutti, ZARA, Debenhams, Topshop, Mango, Warehouse, Gap, K & Co, Mico Boutique, Celine, Celio, Onitsuka Tiger, Bauhaus, Nautica, Ben Sherman, Original Penguin, and Anthem all came together for a fashion show entitled Season of Opulence held at the Shangri La Plaza Grand Atrium last November 18.

Daniel Hechter at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Daniel Hechter has the classic jacket in greys and blue shirts. The cut and fit seems to be slimming and comfortable at the same time. For someone always on his feet like me, the more comfortable sneakers paired with them also in grey are ideal. Thank you to French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Makalintal who explained that the brand is pronounced as: heshtehh. Martin also took some commendable pictures of the fashion show.

Daniel Hechter at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

The RAMP at CROSSINGS in Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

THE RAMP at Crossings has more contrasty color palette with black jackets and white shirts. The cuts are more reminiscent of an Italian style. It’s not all about the suits however, there’s also the casual shirt with vest, which looks great for a date night. There are also the tan shimmering jackets, which reminds me of places like Monaco or some high end resort in the Mediterranean.

The RAMP at CROSSINGS in Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

ZARA at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

ZARA definitely caught my eye with strong 70’s influence but still very much up to date. The vibe is very Lenny Kravitz, a rock star known for his retro style. The green plaid suit with a bow tie seems like a misfit on paper. Seeing the model wear it with a fedora hat also in green plaid is just plain cool, everything works. This is also the same brand that had the model pair an umbrella with a dark pea coat.

ZARA at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mossimo Dutti at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Hats are not the only interesting accessory, satchels can also be seen in several brands. In the comedy blockbuster The Hangover, Alan Garner is a special child who describes himself as a ‘stay at home son.’ He was able to justify the satchel to men across the world in a way high-end designers have not. Actor Zach Galifianakis uttered his famous line to Bradley Cooper, “It’s where I keep all my things. I get a lot of compliments on this. Plus it’s not a purse it’s a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.”

Mossimo Dutti at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ben Sherman at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ben Sherman may have the most wearable clothes for Phil. weather, in spite of being a British brand. According to Wikipedia, founder Arthur Sugarman based the brand on what “1960s London based modern jazz fans were eagerly buying: the Oxford-cloth American button down shirt brands.” This was because they were worn by visiting American jazz artists (who later on became legends) like Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Peterson. To this day you can still see the 60’s shapes, colors and that ‘jazz’ influence in the current Ben Sherman collection.

Ben Sherman at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Celio* at Shangri La Plaza’s Season of Opulence Fashion show last Nov 18, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Interestingly enough Sting came from a punk and reggae based sound in his POLICE days. When he started his solo career in the late 80’s he also developed a very strong jazz influence, which he combined with hip-hop, electronica. Now I understand that line. When you look good in these clothes, “A gentleman will walk but never run.”

For inquiries, contact 633-7851 loc.113 or log on to http://www.shangrila-plaza.com. Add Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook: shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage.