Style and Soul: Freeway X Manansala

Freeway honors Vicente Manansala (6th National Artist Collector's Series)

1:55 AM

Works of art are usually incarcerated inside museums and galleries. But times have changed, and we all have to appreciate local retail brand Freeway, for its fashionalism campaign - a collaborative effort to release art from such confinement.

In 2009, Freeway initiated the National Artist Collector's Series, a project which marries fashion and art, and aims to promote Philippine culture and most importantly, national pride to the younger generation of fashionistas. This much-talked-about series previously featured works of various Filipino national artists like Nick Joaquin (Literature), Ang Kiukok (Visual Arts), Jose Garcia Villa (Literature), Ramon Valera (Fashion Design) and F. Sionil Jose (Literature).

This holiday season, art reunites with its clothing canvass as Freeway introduces the sixth installment of its collector's series, highlighting the masterpieces of a pioneer cubist painter and National Artist for Visual Arts, Vicente Manansala.

Freeway X Manansala Collection was officially unveiled in an oriental-themed fashion show and a special tribute program in honor of the legendary visual artist last October 18 at The Row in Glorietta 5.

The collection, comprised of 22 lovely pieces, which includes modern and tailored dresses, shirt tops, printed graphic tees, accessories like watch, bracelets and necklaces, plus tote and clutch bags.

I had a difficult time capturing the models because a lot of people came to the event and I couldn't squeeze in to take whole-body pictures. However, I loved that the photos came out as my usual photography style: dim and in warmer hues and tones (hate having to use flash on anything, haha).

Tailor Dress 1: P1,995 | STYLE AND SOUL PICK = Bubble Dress 2: P1,995

STYLE AND SOUL PICK = Shirt Dress 1: P1,995 | Knitted Bolero: P1,495

Kimono Tunic: P1,595 | Printed top: P1,295

2nd photo: Graphic tee worth P1,095

The energetic tandem of Tim Yap and Divine Lee hosted the program with very special guests Maritess Mendoza-Pineda, President of Friends of Manansala Foundation, Cedie Lopez-Vargas of the Lopez Museum and Ronna Manansala, grandaughter of Vicente Manansala. The three shared interesting stories and their personal life experiences with the man of the hour.

Divine was rocking the yellow kimono tunic from the collection paired with a black furry mini skirt and Kermit Tesoro fierce heels. Meanwhile, Tim Yap wore a statement, customized Manansala blazer.