AUTUMN/WINTER 2009

Corpus Christi Carol will be available from For-Tomorrow Online Store from late February 2009.

Designer and Creative Director Alvin Manalo has produced 9 seasons of directional menswear, and along the way, has cemented his status as one of the country­s leading young designers.

To quote Alvin, AW09 was inspired by Medieval Royalty, Monks and Motorbikes. In true Saint Augustine Academy form Corpus Christi Carol was borne from music. Named after the Jeff Buckley song, which is a cover of a 1508 hymn, the range references medieval and religious detailing, channeling the ornamental construction and detail featured in royalty­s robes and gowns of the time. Delicate silk-chiffon blouses and lithe cotton t-shirts feature subtle trans-textural cross paneling, continuing the religious undertones behind the collection. Alvin also adds slight elements of draping and hoods to contrast the sharp tailoring the label is known for, adding new dimension to the range. To include the signature rock n roll element (which no Saint Augustine Academy collection would be complete without) Alvin looked to Corpus Christi in Texas ñ a motorcycle-culture obsessed town where bikers reign supreme. This tough element becomes evident in the use of asymmetric chunky zips, press-stud closures and leather detailing.

Each piece in the Corpus Christi Carol collection has been carefully constructed to make even the simplest t-shirt an individual item with characteristic detail. Jackets, whether they are a tuxedo blazer or womena­s dress coat, feature attention to detail so rarely seen in local designers­ work.