Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Ancient Egyptian-inspired designs of John Galliano

British designer John Galliano resurrected the splendour of ancient Egypt in these dazzling couture collection for Christian Dior.
Galliano often makes references to history and portrays the images from his travels around the world through his avant-garde creations.


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Best National Costume Redux

Miss Philippines Charlene Gonzales' winning costume in the 1994 Miss Universe held in Manila, Philippines.

"This ensemble draws inspiration from the Bagobo and the Higanon. Her upper garment is of gold material appliqued with authentic Bagobo t'nalak bands. In lieu of tapis, Charlene dons a skirt with t'nalak panels, this is further held in place with an authentic female Bagobo belt of glass beads and brass bells. The whole ensemble is reiterated further with gold beads, more brass bells. A Higanon headdress crowns her to complete the ensemble."


Monday, July 27, 2009

Philippine Tribal Costumes

Map of the Philippines

Although the Philippines has developed a mixed culture from the blending of foreign influences with native elements, there are still some ethnological groups whose culture remains unadulterated.
Here are some beautiful images of the Filipinos tribal costumes that still remain as part of their traditional culture up to this day.

B'laan 1


B'laan 2


B'laan 3


Bagobo 1


Bagobo 2


Bagobo 3


T'boli


Mandaya


Maranao


Yakan 1


Yakan 2


Ifugao


Kalinga


Ga'dang


Bontoc


Samal


Best National Costume Redux

Winning costume worn by Wendy Fitzwilliam from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1998 MissUniverse in Honolulu, Hawaii. Elaborate feathery costume was aptly perfect for this
Carnival-loving Caribbean beauty.




Miss Japan Universe 2009 Costume Creates a Stir.




( images are from the site of Ines Ligron, pageant director of Miss Japan Universe)

Costume as Performance Art

I always look forward to the National Costume event of every beauty pageant yearly. As always, it is a showcase of each candidate's national identity in all colors, shapes and forms anyone could imagine. Truly, a feast for the eyes. Of course there is a bit more to it than that. There is something magical in donning a costume and parading it in public. Stepping into another character through the act of wearing it can be considered a performance art in itself. A candidate who knows how to add mystery, whimsy, allure and other character traits to the personality by the simple act of putting on costume stands out from the rest and leaves a lasting impression on the viewers.


Here are the judges choices for the top 10 Best National Costume in the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant held in Nha Trang, Vietnam:

Albania, Matilda Mecini



Colombia
, Taliana Vargas



Dominican Republic, Marianne Cruz



India, Simran Kaur



Kosovo, Zana Krasniqi



Mexico, Elisa Najera



Peru, Karol Castillo



South Africa, Tansey Coetzee



Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza



Vietnam, Nguyen Thuy Lam


Sunday, July 26, 2009

Greetings everyone.

Well, it's about time I got my own little corner of the internet, so here it is.
This blog will be home to everything and anything about my love for COSTUME.
Not much to start with, but there's more to come...so join me!