The Happening: Penshoppe's "Arrivalist"

On my way out of the Penshoppe show at Philippine Fashion Week, I overheard a caucasian lady say, "Whoever thought Penshoppe would put on a show like that?" Yes, madam, my sentiments exactly. While the brand has been on an uptrend in recent years, the showcase it put on on last night's show did something else entirely - it announced that Penshoppe had finally arrived.

Aptly entitled "Arrivalist", the brand unveiled some more upscale pieces in their current and future collections - a far cry from the Penshoppe's teeny bopper casualwear image from years gone by. Incorporating the theme of travel into the show, the models strutted down the runway sporting some dapper blazers and slim jackets and looking a lot like jetsetting young bucks in Europe trying to have a good time. As you will see below, the menswear offerings are becoming a tad more sophisticated and I can't but applaud Penshoppe for this much needed shift.

Men now are growing up faster than ever, more disriminating and smarter in taste. Graphic shirts won't cut it anymore, and this unexpected showing from one of the country's most established casualwear brands is an evolution that should be received with open arms. Hell, if I knew earlier about this looming "arrival", I would've camped out at the airport, sampaguita lei and welcome sign in hand. Penshoppe did it y'all, and from now on, you shouldn't be surprised.

The menswear part opened with blazers that work well alone or paired as a suit

Other blazer colors, same good-looking result for around P3,000++. Not bad.

My other faves. The lavender shirt and the green gingham jacket are stars.

Special shoes that were made for the show. No word yet on public availability.

Congratulations, Penshoppe! Onward with the evolution!