Wrapped in Wanderlust.

By JOHN LEGASPI

In the play King Lear, William Shakespeare wrote, "Through tattered clothes, great vices do appear; Robes and furred gowns hide all." Though this political notion calls out how one should never be blinded with facade as sins covered in gold are no different from the ones that are exposed, we cannot deny that a perfect robe can make a difference between a dirty peasant and a glamorous empress.

Deviating away from the royal scandal of the play, designer Happy Andrada explores the ancient style of dressing by jazzing it up with elements you only see strolling through an enchanted garden. Walking inside Fashion Art in Quezon City, Happy's studio, at the launch of her 2020 spring/summer collection of dressing robes was both a joyous and whimsical experience. It's like merging the elegant garden parties in the 2006 movie Marie Antoinette with that crazy teenage party scene in Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" music video. Below the studio were rows of the designers' latest dressing robes in many hues of pastels, neutrals, and jewel tones. Some of the robes were exquisitely displayed on elegantly posed mannequins in a secrets garden perfumed by tiny flowers, from baby's-breath to dainty white daisies. Upstairs is where the fun was, from barkada games like jenga to summer treats of waffles, cotton candies, and beverages that come in mini flamingo floaters as coasters. That afternoon was a hot happy hour of summertime fashion.

Wrapped in one

Happy Summer is composed of 45 beautiful dressing robes created in a range of materials, from French lace, silky satins, organza, and charmeuse to silk chiffon and tulle, all exquisitely embellished with Swarovski crystals for added shine. The collection was made to merge exuberance and a minimalist aesthetic, all in one garment, celebrating every kind of woman for both ends of the spectrum. Sunny, frilly, flirty, and dreamy is how the designer describes her spring/ summer bespoke pieces. Its airiness appeals to women of all forms as it easily accommodates all shapes through lightweight fabrication that perfectly suits the tropical temperament of the country. Making it a fuss-free stylish look that can be dressed up or down in full-length robes, timeless cocktail style, and regal jumpsuits.

An ode to adventure

Every piece is unique in style, made for a lovely getaway. An ode to travel, the pieces are named after famous destinations around the world. From the simple drapery of Georgia, the dramatic sleeves of Sierra, to the couture-like decadence of Paris and the oriental simplicity of Asia, these dressing robes map out your travel itinerary, starting in your closet.

"I really love dressing up," says Happy. "I see fashion as a form of art, the fabric as the canvas, and the technique and embellishments as the fine details, collectively creating its wearer as the ultimate masterpiece."

(02) 211 1589 | (+639) 17 524 2779 | www.happyandrada.com | mail@ happyandrada.com | 24 K-D corner K-1st Kamuning, Quezon City

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BESPOKE FANTASY Enchanted garden party display of Happy Summer dressing robe collection; Sheer embroider organza Asia dressing robe; softly draped Virginia dressing robe; Regal Sahara jumpsuit; and delicate leaf-printed lace Rio dressing robe