What I'd tell my younger self. #DonitohShares

Looking at my life right now, I have come to notice that there are some things that I should have done when I was younger. I could have done this; could have done that. The what ifs and what nots are falling in line and I have a lot of thoughts about what I could have done about them.

#DonitohShares 

So here are the things I would like to tell my younger self. 

Education: You are a gifted kid. You have a good grasp at information and have the enthusiasm of a child in nursery. You have great listening skills and also have a good share at good story telling. You are creative and will always be aiming for the best. You may not have all the recognition you deserve but remember that people will always have confidence in you. Do not lose the enthusiasm to learn and discover. Be confident that you have the brain because you are filled with ideas. 

Social Life: You are a friendly person and even as a kid, you always had friends. You have been to homes of your friends and have showed people of how behaved you are. You gained their trust effortlessly and you have showed that you are worthy of that trust. You have done great as a kid. I am impressed with your social skills even if you preferred to stay in the back seat. As you grow, never lose contact with them. Always reach out and never let a day pass without sending them a little "Hi" from time to time. 

Performing: You dance like crazy and would feel sickly if a day passed by without even thinking about it. The stage is your heaven; it keeps you beating. It makes you smile and glow from the inside. Never stop performing because you love it. You love performing and should never say no to the calling stage. You are special and you deserve the spotlight. Share the gift that God has given you because you are talented. 

Ambition: You always wanted to be a Doctor. You have your way of healing and helping people. You may not up end up as a doctor but remember that your gift of listening helps the people around you. Share your optimism and be a light to someone's life. Make everyone smile and you can heal the world by this simple and special way. Never change that sunny disposition in life and continue to be the breath of fresh air that you are. 

Family: You are the family's only son yet you were never demanding of attention and a problem. As a kid you are responsible and is evident of how you have been a leader in school. You may not agree with your sisters entirely but you always give in to what they want. You always find a way to make them smile and have always been considerate. Never change on how you prioritize your family. Keep them as your priceless treasures and would always be first. 

Faith: You never failed to reflect on the things that you have been doing. Whether it be by morals or by faith, you always have a time to give your self a check. You take a break and see the whole picture. Do not let that flame of faith go out. Never let down your guard on the your faith and on the things that have made you morally aligned. Stand by your God and always be faithful.  

Amato by Furne One - Fashion Forward Season 5

Imagine a show that unravels into a theatrical array of crystals, top hats, goth and denim...

This was the total feel of the last show for the fifth season of Fashion Forward Dubai. Filipino designer, Furne One showcased his newest collection inspired by the goth of the black and white theatre, the Steam-punk era, the femininity of crystals and the versatility of denim. Yes, you read it right - it featured couture pieces in denim. 

When the show started, I was confused on the material being used by Amato this season. Until the denim hit me hard and I was at awe. Denim is not an easy material to handle and to have these designs plus the couture work into it is just perfection. 

A powerful woman opened a show in a 2 piece denim suit, embellished with crystals and bead with a very interesting front pattern. 

I dont know if it was how the denim was made or some were acid washed but the total aesthetic was achieved ans spot on: Steam-punk meets Gothic Haute Couture. 

This one is my favorite piece as the red crystals definitely shined on the denim. The cut of the dress was also elegant and very feminine.  

Amato never gave in into the extravagant and loud cuts and fabrics. The focus was on the the intricate details that were beyond words to explain. Crystals and beads that were arranged in a way that you never thought was possible with the help of common sewing materials. 

Crystals and shiny beads accentuate the denim pieces that bought then to the highest place ever:
FASHION HEAVEN

Furne One's vision and creativity has never failed audiences around the world. Its workmanship and its uniqueness has gained him attention not just in the fashion industry but as well as the music and movie industry. 

Lights dimmed and the moon turned red when the final model walked out. Everyone was blown-away by the sparkling red details of the dress contrasting the hard acid washed denim made into a beautiful, fantasy-like ensemble. 

Amato's theatrics and over-all aesthetic has always been spot on and very modern. Though his references were mostly unimaginable, he never fails to interpret them in his signature way: Haute Couture. 

Amato by Furne One has always been a name associated with the fabulous Fashion Forward and will never cease to be greater and bigger. 

Three words: Unimaginable - Mesmerizing - Amato. 

-Donitoh

Credits for the owners of the photos via Instagram with the hashtag: #FFWDDXB #Amato #FurneOne

Ezra Couture - Fashion Forward Season 5

Its the season to be fashionably jolly and amazingly couture!

Friday opens the fifth season of one of Dubai's amazing fashion events - Fashion Forward.

The Runway was opened with the remarkable and talented Dubai-based Filipino designer - Ezra Santos' Ezra Couture - which gave the audience drama, class, dream and romance. 

Inspired by the old Manila, the collection speaks of the elegance, simplicity as well as the romance and dreamy side of the Manila woman - Clara. It was in soft feminine colors like pink, rose, white, beige and gold. Of course, the signature drama and classic story telling was on point. Ezra exceeded the audience's expectations and the applause was resounding even if the show was still going on. 

Clara - Ezra Couture, inspired by the old city of Manila.

The romance and elegance of Ezra's dresses are soft and definitely on point for every woman.

Laser cut-outs were also used to make beautiful details on some of the pieces for Clara.

The drama that each woman would want as she enters a room wearing a beautiful Ezra Couture dress.

The dream-like feel of a gown that would bring any woman's fantasy into a reality.

And when the lights went out for the final walk, our hearts pounded as the music plays a Spanish-floor tapping beat. Some models went out and stood on the runway and suddenly dropped on the floor like beautiful flowers painted on a clear canvas.

I felt very proud to see the dedication of Ezra's element: the Filipina. Which was showed off by the shawls, terno inspired tops and the simplicy of each piece that is very versatile and wearable. 

The show for me was definitely short but amazingly sweet.

-Donitoh

Credits to the Instagram accounts for the photos with the hashtag: #FFWDDXB and #EzraCouture.