Making a case for the new utility, Puey Quiñones unveils his latest collection that intends to serve as a protection for all style savants in response to the pandemic.
Times have changed, and so did fashion. It has always had this never-ending cycle of change, really. Fashion adapting through the decades has constantly presented itself as a newer, better reinterpretation of the old. And while we’ve witnessed the previous decade being all about aesthetics and flaunting logos driven by the over-the-top consumer spending of the new rich Millennials, the current decade demands us to slow down and remind us that fashion should never neglect the essence of functionality.
So, having understood this and backed up by the idea of forward fashion, Los Angeles-based Filipino designer Puey Quiñones unveiled his latest collection titled, Fashion for Protection, through an online runway show. “As we face the pandemic, forward fashion is thinking about forecasting what’s going to be the trend in the future of fashion,” Puey explains. “This is in response to the current situation [caused by] the COVID-19 pandemic. And because of this, we thought of creating something that can protect everyone.”
In this latest venture, he has made it a point to seek a sense of comfort, protection, and a ray of hope from art and exquisite craftsmanship. By doing so, he believes we are able to move forward into the new landscape with a new attitude towards fashion. “My fashion for protection collection is very important and very relevant, because the collection can protect someone,” Puey adds. “And I wanted [something that’s] fashionable and fun, but at the same time it’s relatable at the moment.”
So, as the virtual fashion show started, he made sure to deliver what he said. We were welcomed by a quarantine-inspired runway wherein plastics wrapped up the entirety of the set. And once a futuristic tone played, the first PPE coverall elevated by graphic circular prints in the understated elegance of black and white hues emerged.
Another version of the PPE followed, highlighting his take on two-toned jumpsuits, which had a variety in three colors: gray and white, yellow and navy, pink and blue. But the most enthralling piece amongst the set of PPE pieces he made was a bespoke tailored double-breasted jumpsuit complemented by a polka-dotted shoulder cape.
Although this may be, the most important aspect of Puey’s Fashion for Protection collection are the fabrics he used. According to him, “it is made from fabrics approved by the Department of Health in the Philippines that are water-resistant and breathable. It offers the wearer an additional layer of protection when traveling, shopping, or visiting other high-risk locations.”
While Puey’s Fashion for Protection collection was interesting in its own way, the designer took this perfect opportunity to also showcase his summer 2020 collection. Hence, we were then met with light and easy day dresses in a variety of printed and solid cotton. “I wanted to create a handful of dresses that represent the relaxed mood of summer,” shares Quiñones.
From a tunic and trapeze dress complemented by colored embellishments, short and long shift dresses, to a mutton-sleeved body-con dress, everything just screams effortless sophistication. And since the designs are in neoprene, it’s truly a must-have for any woman’s wardrobe due to its versatility and timelessness.
In the long run, this move of Puey, following the successful online fashion show of Rajo Laurel as well, just proves to us that regardless of any crisis, fashion will do its best to find the best alternatives—whether it’s by using a virtual platform to promote the brand’s creations or producing today’s essential clothing—the industry will rise above, and thrive.
Scroll below to see more of the latest collections by Puey Quiñones:
What are you waiting for? Shop for your favorite pieces at shop.pueyquinones.com. Follow Puey Quiñones on Instagram @pueyquinonesla to get the latest updates.
