Bench Body NYFWM

Filipino lifestyle brand Bench hit big after a successful staging of its very first show at New York Fashion Week Men’s Spring Summer 2017 collections—the first Filipino brand to present in New York City.

Directed by Ariel Lozada and styled by Noel Manapat, Bench Body-the brands underwear line- collaborated with Vogue/CFDA Fashion fund finalist New York based brand Cadet for Monday’s show at the Michelson Studio loft in downtown Manhattan.

The fashion week presentation was the first of its kind, setting the tone for Benches plans to go global. With stores in China, Guam, Middle East, Singapore, California, and now its first appearance in the Big Apple, Bench is quickly taking over- one City at a time.

“Forever Summer” was the theme for Monday’s presentation with each piece filled with vivid colors and florals prints, yet masculine in its own right. “We wanted to represent our country and the beautiful nature we are constantly surrounded by yet hardly get the time to appreciate. We also wanted to demonstrate how Alpha males men can wear florals and still look and feel secure in their masculinity,” said Manapat, who added unique chokers, chains, and handkerchiefs in a standout touch to the male models also paired with everything ranging from Vans to furry feather slippers, to wind breakers and house robes.

A refreshing set of diverse faces appeared in the show, ranging from Europe to North America, including Filipino-Canadian model Paolo Roldan who is a well known face to the brand. Models such as William Los, Trevor Signorino posed for the presentation, along with up and coming model Daniel Bamdad, who’s body art gave the perfect touch to the grey, black and white printed floral briefs.

Ben Chan began the brand as simple t-shirt line in 1987. It has expanded its merchandise to include accessories, fragrances, bath product, footwear and a wide clarity of clothing for men women and children.

With representatives from Esquire, Manifesto, and GQ magazine along with celebrity stylist June Ambrose front and center, it’s safe to say BENCH will not be on the bench for long!

“The future is bright” said Manapat. “Our first show in New York City. This is just the beginning”.

#BENCH #Fashion #NYFWM