When it comes to fashion, I like keeping an eye on the latest trends. Even so, I know that classic cuts and detailed craftsmanship will always look good! Comfort and practicality are also musts, of course. So I have mad respect for local fashion brand Plains & Prints, as they always seem to come up with updated pieces that have a timeless look to them, without sacrificing wearability and comfort. I also appreciate the fine detail work and excellent materials they use. Best of all, their collaborations with local artists make it possible for people like me to own wearable art! They have truly come a long way in their 25 years of existence, coming from humble beginnings as co-founder Roxanne A. Farillas’ clothing stall in Greenhills, to a respected fashion house with branches nationwide.

P&P took local fashion to the next level as they revealed their newest collection on their 25th anniversary. Plains & Prints Beyond 25 is a visual symphony, orchestrated by 15 of the Philippines’ most prominent fashion designers and artists. The collection has something for everyone, as all 15 designers created two outfits each! Dresses, jumpsuits, pants, and skirt separates galore come in the season’s most fashionable plains and prints.

Plains & Prints Beyond 25 was hosted by none other than Tim Yap, with welcoming remarks from Roxanne Farillas and Anne Curtis, the current face of the brand. Guests were treated to a fashion show celebrating 15 of the finest local talents in fashion and photography.

I’ve always been partial to asymmetrical details, because they can transform the ordinary to one-of-a-kind piece when done right. Paris-based Filipino designer Charina Sarte managed to do just that with asymmetrical ruffles on beautiful spaghetti-strapped midi wrap dresses. I can definitely see her easy resort wear style, cleverly updated with cascading ruffles. The Rajo Laurel chose to incorporate the asymmetrical element to the graceful hems of his belted midi dresses. Both dresses have the same cut, but the coral Shantelle looks so different from Sophia with the abstract graphic print!

Sashes, lace, and graceful draping make for romantic details in clothing. Martin Bautista shows off his mastery of drape with his one-shoulder top and skirt ensembles. I appreciate his complimentary tri-color palette choice, with prints reminiscent of Japanese art. Rosanna Ocampo manages to make multiple layers of lace look both romantic and a bit playful in her dresses. A closer look reveals that the two pieces don’t only differ in color choice, but also in the lace pattern!

What to wear to a cocktail party? Structured pieces with unique details are always in style. Anthony Ramirez takes on the classic LBD with a structured one-shoulder piece with a smart multi-way sash that can be worn as a scarf or a dramatic bow. Don’t be fooled by the simple silhouette of his blue dress; it features a high front slit and a long sash that can be styled in different ways. Mark Bumgarner makes his signature clean lines sexy with notch necklines for both his black pantsuit and printed maxi dress pieces.

Minimalists, rejoice! Maureen Disini adds flair to her understated sleeveless top and flare pants ensemble with a flowing ankle-length draped sash. Her designs remind me of yin and yang, with an all-white and a floral black version. Patty Ang makes sleeveless crop tops effortlessly chic with matching pants. I love the literal touch of whimsy that the feather brooch adds to the looks.

Trends may come and go, but the classic button-down dress is never passé. Amina Aranaz pairs hers with flare pants. I’m torn between the unique rust shade and the fun flamingo print! Vania Romoff did away with the usual collar, favoring a v-neck with romantic poet sleeves. Her midi dresses come in two colors: neutral white and khaki, and bold red.

Fashion can be fun and flirty, too! I love the ribbon and stitches print that adorn Cheetah Rivera’s sleeveless dresses. The two-toned pleated skirt plays up the youthful vibe while adding a touch of craftsmanship. Whimsical lime flower appliques add unexpected pops of color to Rhett Eala’s top and skirt ensembles. I love that you can mix and match the tops and skirts whichever way you like, and still look put together!

Taking a step outside their usual place behind the lens, photographers also contributed to the Beyond 25 collection. Mark Nicdao chose prints of New York to adorn a sleeveless dress and a shirt paired with culottes. Wig Tysmans went with landscapes for a sleeveless dress and a pantsuit.

After seeing the collection up close, I had to get at least one piece for myself! My favorite of all the outfits is Randy Ortiz’s Adella - a chambray linen faux wrap dress with embroidered details, dolman sleeves, and most importantly, POCKETS. I was so happy that it flattered my curves, hugging me in all the right places and skimming over my problem areas. My favorite detail is the back: it has tiny buttons that allow for glimpses of skin. Admittedly, it’s a bit out of the usual price I’d pay for dresses but I can now proudly say that I have a Randy Ortiz in my wardrobe! The way the dress was constructed makes me confident that it will last years and years, and the design itself is timeless.

To be honest, I felt lucky that the piece I liked was available in my size (US 12 or XL). It’s my only issue with Plains & Prints clothing - most of them are available in sizes from extra small (XS) to large (L) only. I hope they expand their sizing options, so more people can join in on the fun! I may have bought my dress ready-to-wear from a store, but when I wear it, I feel like it was made just for me. I truly wish everyone can experience that, including those who wear plus sizes.

The Beyond 25 collection is available online on Amazon.com, Zalora.com, and PlainsAndPrints.com. The entire collection is also available in all Plains & Prints branches nationwide.

Which outfit caught your eye? Is your favorite designer part of the Beyond 25 collaboration? Who do you wish Plains & Prints would work with next?