I went around and ambushed-queried most of Cebu’s designers, fashionistas, and my favorite stylish friends of their take on this year’s fashion scene. Eventually, as the year will stretch, we will all come to see the most capped out predictions of all.

What’s up with the fashionsphere this 2009?

FEMININE YET BOLD AND OPTIMISTIC! We’ve seen a lot of peacock colors the last year, I think a good opposition to the bright colors would be next in line for 2009. Neutral shades such as beige expresses a more minimalist look and make a perfect palette for heavy bold accessories. Big Floral prints are always fitting and carefree for spring/summer, a good contrast to make up for the neutral palette choice. We saw a lot of the charmeuse silk last year, maybe sheer would be glamorous this year, a touch of sexy sophistication perhaps which is still in sync with the feminine air. *winkz We all know Black will never go out of style and can convey boldness especially in the tough times our economy is faced this year. Classic wear are the way to go for those who see trends as a farfetched option but would remind kikays alike that fashion is capricious according to Isaac Mizrahi. So giving trends a whirl may be come in mood one time or another in your 2009 and the years to come. - Dianne Gandionco, Dianne’s Closet

To the true blue members of the fashion demimonde, it’s crucial to quit being a drone and invest in couture. Haute couture is the way to go for this year. And yes, one can mix it with off the rack clothes for equilibrium. Retail is nice and obviously affordable but wouldn’t one want a vavavoom outfit from say, Arcy Gayatin? Or, how about a sheath handpainted dress from Protacio? And for the adventurous alpha male, a linen suit from Edwin Ao perhaps? There’s a good number of designers that you can zero in to for a most modernistic look for 2009 and beyond! - Chikoy Tomol of MAC Models Agency

Luxurious shapelesness in black will be a recurring theme in my clothes for summer. - Oj Hojer, fashion designer

LINEA SUGBUANA will come full circle this year, since last year was just a test run, and was feeling the vibe by then. Now in 2009, I  will try to develop it more into a new label… working on new outlets for display… and getting more awareness among Cebuanaos… tie ups with local organizations who can appreciate the Filipinana line. Bridals would still be the main focus while the more embellished long gowns from my own line will be more evident in my made to measure clients… READY TO WEAR will be the next move…2009. - Dexter Alazas, designer

Based on what I’ve noticed, Cebu has “finally” kicked it off when it comes to fashion. In 2008, i was so proud to see that the fashion sphere finally knew what being part of the fashion world was all about and we now have distinguished fashionista’s in Cebu, but I’m still holding on to my coats coz we’re not there just yet! If we keep this up, i have a gut-feeling that 2009 is going to be a year of progressing Fashion Education. 2009 has already brought us a positive vibe, so to all who belong to the fashion sphere, let’s make this year BIGGER and BOLDER as it is time for you to draw all attention to the fashion sphere and show everyone what is a TRUE fashionista! Personally, I have three fashion loves : People who know that fashion is an art, people who know how to dress (i fall head over heels for this! haha) & the seasonal fashion wear (it suprises me what the designers can think of next that can contribute to the melange of the season); my secret love: fall/winter collections - Nikki Taylor, AD Model, host, RCTV

I’m hardly what you call a fashionista. I throw on whatever I can get my hands on at the last minute and cross my fingers that it comes out polished and pulled together. What an oxymoron. My style philosophy has always been, “It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.” So whether you go for the latest trends, stick to the classics, “rebel” against fashion or experiment with different styles, its how you carry it that matters most (preferably effortlessly). The best accessory is not always the newest, seemingly “it” bag of the moment or killer stilletos… it’s the right attitude. - Jaja Rama, Marketing Director, VUDU

Lately I’ve been crazy over boots. I’ve got loads of em’, the kind that i can wear here in Cebu - without the furr. - Ellen Adarna, Sales and Marketing, VUDU

Anyway, for 2009 expect fashion to have lesser details than last year. Not much of the elaborate details since economy is expected to be at a halt, hopefully not for the entire year. Fashion has always been dictated by the economic trend. =) - Diane Espera, SEPA

We are inspired by Halston & Lanvin’s collections of soft toga dresses that flow away from the body, in bright, bold, solid colors. We love the look of peplum, tulip-cut skirts that are cut high above the waist, offsetted by simple, sporty tank tops.Our staples shall always be the classics — one-piece sheath dresses with a touch of unexpected twist. - Joy/Justine Cabatingan, Fashion Finds

I see a Major return of Neutral tones, from white sands to beige, kahkis, grays and Blacks. But the twist are focused on new experimental shapes, cuts and silhouettes of a garment. -

Ray Kuan, designer

Each gurl should have a VILLAREAL dress in their closet (chos!) joke! Well, I’m looking forward to a more “fasyen” crowd here in Cebu for 2009 - more experimentations in fashion, more crazy looks. For colors, I’m routing for yellow and blue and plum. - Lory Villareal, designer