Bold colors, native prints, and twists to the classic ball gown.

That's what designers went for at the 2009 Philippine Fashion Week opening held last May 28 at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Each collection sported unique trademarks from elaborate headdresses to soft prints or ethnic-inspired ensembles to jeweled dresses; and none could disappoint.

Two designers, Marc Rancy and Delby Bragais, shared why their designs made a splash and what inspired their collections.

Rancy's Holiday collection titled "Romance and Seduction" went all out with charmeuse silk and chiffon - his tribute to the origin of womanhood, Eve. "The collection [was] inspired by the mystique of the Garden of Eden and is an interpretation of the persona of Eve prior to biting into the forbidden fruit," Rancy said.

Trying to bring out that innocent sensuality, Rancy chose to adorn his creations with rosette appliques, tulle, Indian lace, pinya, and even Ostrich feathers. To achieve that understated elegance, Rancy went for ruched, shirred, and draped fabrics in nude colors like salmon, peach and ivory to bring out curvy silhouettes.

While Rancy went for understated sexy, Bragais went for daring and exciting, while staying true to the quintessentially Filipino.

Her collection, which she said was inspired by the "Kadineta" a traditional embroidery art form using stitches that resemble chains, featured standout pantsuits and embellished dresses in bold shades of blue, gold, and rose. Renowned for her bridal pieces, the collection still maintained the feel of chic bridesmaids dresses, perfectly tailored cocktail wear, or comfortable chinos and well-cut suits.

More than just making a fashion statement, this New York-trained fashion designer's "kadineta" collection even symbolizes her political aspirations for a better society. Not bad for the only internationally certified image consultant in the Philippines as yet.

"Fashion mirrors the state of society, the consciousness of a people. I believe there is a better world for us out there. Let us link together and help weave the fabric of a better tomorrow, one stitch at a time," Bragais said.

Other collections featured at the fashion show were tribal-inspired apparel by Alfonso "Boy" Guino-o (Davao City), ruffled and edgy dresses by Benjie Manuel (Cagayan de Oro), urban chic by Dax Bayani (Quezon City), bold red pieces by Ren Manabat (Cebu City), outrageous earth-toned dresses by Joel Bautista (Makati City) and pink-and-purple princess ball gowns by Lloyd Arceo, among others.

With the event off to a good start, expect more exciting fashion trends at the 2009 Philippine Fashion week.