From the Blood-Curdling Story of Tomie to the Godfathers of Tondo

Recreating the 7 Legendary Moments of Art and Culture

A fashion ensemble of the beautiful, mind-bending, terrifying, and memorable moments of Art and Culture that have inspired fashion, films, music, and architecture.

Every artistic creation came from something. A moment that sparked a new idea. Some of these moments have been left through time. However, their influence has continued to ignite the engine of creativity. It's time to recognize these remarkable moments of art and culture, ranging from infamous moments of history to paintings and films that made a massive impact on the world.

Manila 90s Rave

Ever heard of the mid-90s nightlife in the Philippines? Well, Eddie Boy Escudero wonderfully captured the legendary rave scene in 1996 Manila with all its glory. The mid-90s rave sparked a new era for the Philippines' nightlife and influenced the country's pop culture and fashion. Most of the rave parties in Davao started during the mid-90s. If you go partying at Pop Off Davao, you will definitely feel the 90s rave influence and the iconic drag performances of their bar. Filipino fashion photographers like BJ Pascual have used the 90s rave scene as an inspiration for his magazine editorial shoots. Drag Races in the country became popular and even had their own "Doble Kara" segment in Eat Bulaga! from 1993 to 2000.

A classic leather jacket and a black bralette create the bold identity of the mid-90s Manila rave scene. Paired with a short denim skirt which is part of the 90s fashion peak, and a black open-toe platform heel. Now it looks like we are back in the mid-90s nightlife!

Black Swan

An Academy Award-winning film inspired by Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake that changed the world's pop culture. The Black Swan 2010 film inspired numerous designer brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. It became a concept of Chanel's several Haute Coutures and Guerlain's perfume collection. From fashion to having its own video game on Steam. The film even influenced the biggest boy group in the world, BTS. The group's "Black Swan" song was inspired by the 2010 film and has continued to inspire artists and music videos. The name itself became an urban slang that lives until now. Black Swan was more than just entertainment. It was an experience of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) psychosis as she transforms into the White Swan Odette and Black Swan Odile.

The black ruffle top and a dark smokey eye perfectly embody Nina Sayers' tutu as the Black Swan and the darkness within her. Paired with a black bandage skirt and open-toe platform heels to incorporate the elegance of Swan Lake. Finally, a pair of large pearl earrings are a representation of the magnificence of the play.

Sputnik Gang

No Man’s Land was the name of Tondo, Manila. It was the kingdom of rebels and poets, famous for its violent street gangs. The one that reigns over Tondo was Sputnik Gang, named after the Soviet spacecraft. They are the most powerful and biggest gang in the city. However, they are not just gangsters. They are also poets and hip-hop artists. The godfathers of hip-hop music in the Philippines were these gangsters. Their songs were made to provoke their opponents but eventually transformed into an instrument for self-expression. They inspired local hip-hop groups such as Ex Batallion, Delinquent Society, and Cookie$. Their influence became the core of the Philippines' streetwear like REVERE, Stay Ahead, Don't Blame the Kids, and much more. Sputnik Gang and other gang groups paved the way for the rise of hip-hop in the country.

Wearing the signature Garage Polo of REVERE but with a catch. A red stiletto, a beret, a belt, and large gold hoop earrings are the perfect twist to create that unique edgy street style impression. Fun fact: REVERE is a local streetwear clothing line in Davao City inspired by the old gang groups of the Philippines.

Salvador Dali

The power to warp reality and tap the subconscious part of one's mind is Salvador Dali's abilities as a surrealist painter. He did not only make an impact in psychology but also changed the world of modern art. Salvador Dali was the artist that successfully depicted Sigmund Freud's Theory of Dreams. His works influenced the 20th-century avant-garde movement, which sought to reach the subconscious potential of the mind through dreamlike imagery. One of his most influential works is the painting entitled "Three young surrealist women holding in their arms of an orchestra." Salvador Dali's artworks have inspired the entertainment industry, including the Spanish series La Casa de Papel. His works have also influenced fashion, and even Maison Schiaparelli created a dress dedicated to Dali's painting above. He was an icon of surrealism, and La Sagrada Familia is one of his architectural works along with Gaudí. The famous surrealist collaborated with Antoni Gaudí to create a new era for Barcelona's architecture.

A monochromatic white look flawlessly portrays the painting's ambiance and environment. The white square top combined with the long white slit skirt creates a sharp look and detail. To build the distinct personality of the artwork, black ankle boots is added as the final touch.

Barbie

Barbie is the name that everyone in the world knows. Ruth Handler, along with Mattel Inc., manufactured Barbie dolls across the globe. The influence of Barbie has led to the birth of the iconic song Barbie Girl by Aqua. This was the beginning of Barbie's invasion of the music industry. But it did not stop there. Barbie even had her own films, such as Princess & The Popstar, Fairytopia, Barbie Diaries, and many more. In 2012, Barbie had her series entitled "Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse," which kids genuinely love. Finally, this year, Barbie will have her live-action movie from Warner Bros. Pictures, played by Margot Robbie. Barbie has raised young girls to become their own women. Having a Barbie when you're a kid is like having your own fashionable playmate. The immense influence of Barbie and her signature pink outfits has rebuilt not just the fashion industry but the world. Barbie was one of the core inspirations of the 2019 Met Gala. Now, Barbie comes in different sizes, body types, and races, ready to create a new era of dolls.

Going on full pink as Barbie's signature look. A pink bralette to highlight the doll's fun personality. Paired with a blue houndstooth jacket and pink trousers as one of Barbie's distinct looks. To add character to the look, a ruffled green baguette bag is the perfect finishing touch.

Tomie

Tomie is a manga series created by one of the best horror manga artists in Japan, Junji Ito. Tomie Kawakami is an enigmatic, beautiful woman who can make any man fall in love with her. This love would eventually turn into insanity, making them kill Tomie in the most brutal way. However, with her regenerative abilities, she continues to survive and wreak havoc. Every chapter of Tomie gives you a different kind of terror. Every time you move on to the next page, there's always this dreadful feeling. The deeper you delve into the story, the more you become aware of humanity's evilness. Junji Ito's Tomie has won an honorable mention at the Umezu Awards. Tomie Another Face, Tomie Replay, and Tomie Revenge are only three of the several live-action movies of the manga. It also inspired international films and series like the Girl from Nowhere, a Thai horror series on Netflix with a female protagonist who tortures people and has regenerative abilities. Junji Ito's manga, including Tomie, was dubbed the Oscars of comics at the 2021 Eisner awards in the United States.

Tomie Kawakami's personality is embodied in her chic selection of outfits. The red floral jumpsuit exhibits Tomie's extravagance and evil. An inner white overshirt is worn by Tomie in several manga panels. For a more definitive look, black ankle boots and irregular black sunglasses are necessary to complete the look.

James Turrell

If anyone can defy the wonder of human perception, it would be James Turrell. His magnificent works of art created through light have caught the attention of famous individuals, including Kendall Jenner. The supermodel has her artwork of James Turrell displayed in her house in Beverly Hills. Turrell's works radiate the presence of space, making the person feel the physical power of space, almost being with an entity. James Turrell has challenged conceptual art by using the power of light to create historical masterpieces. His masterworks with excellent architectural design can be found in the unlikely corners of the earth, from a chapel in Berlin to a vineyard in Argentina to a crater in the Netherlands. James Turrell has redefined architecture.

A full-on denim look with a touch of white perfectly captures the Aten Reign installation art of James Turrell. The gold hoop earring highlights the boldness emanating from the art. While the denim jacket and jeans, paired with white high-heel mules, balance the hues of color blue manifested through Turrell's Aten Reign.

Art is absolutely powerful

One art form can influence multiple works of art and even life itself. This influence never dies and lives through generations. Our responsibility is to preserve this influence and keep creativity alive in our world because that's what makes the beauty of life.