FASHION WATCH SUMMER 2012: JUN ESCARIO

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The Cebuano designer heralds the summer season with a chic cruise collection.

By Jae Pickrell Sep 13, 2011

With unmistakable nautical overtones and an overall glam resort feel, Fashion Watch Summer 2012 opened with the luxe collection of Filipino designer Jun Escario.

A crisp sleeveless trench dress with delicate embroidery started the show, setting the tone for the lineup's overall pristine motif. Fresh eyelet tops and dresses, chambray jackets with pewter nautical buttons and cool linen trousers, plus billowy electric-pleated long dresses are exactly what one would find in a chic seaside destination. Saint-Tropez? Yes. Santorini? Yes. Portofino, Amalfi Coast, Capri? Even better. In fact, Italy figures as the designer's main source of inspiration: The too-cool, too-luxe coastline haunts of the rich and endlessly stylish are Jun's imaginary settings for his collection's opening quarter.

Go further inland to the charming coastal towns and for dinner you could don the striped pussybow dresses or the navy and electric blue chiffon numbers, while your man gallivants with you in his linen and chambray combo—you two would make a mighty fine vacationing couple. You could also hie off to Milano in those cute little Vespas in your lam� moto jacket, with the breeze whipping back your hair.

Or should you choose the historic villas of Tuscany, Jun has you covered, too: silken evening dresses in champagne and midnight blue are fine choices for any glamorous occasion, while the powder blue, aqua, and gold chiffon babydoll confections lend a simultaneous innocent and come-hither feel, with which you could cap off the night.�

Whatever outfit you pick, don't forget to accessorize with the intricate gold-dipped brass and silver cuffs, neckpieces, and belts by Cebuana accessory designer Gladys Young, with whom Jun collaborated for the show. Wispy golden laurels that wind their way up to your arms, neck, and waist—with accessories like this, you'd be hardpressed to look less noble, regardless of the destination.