MANILA, Philippines?A smiling President Macapagal-Arroyo descended unto the lobby of Makati Shangri-La to view the all-white collection of designer JC Buendia.

Packing the place were ladies who did high tea whom I will call modernistas?the antithesis of the fashionistas.

Not bothered by trend dictates, these ladies listen to the stylist in them and vogue to a different beat.

It is clean quiet yet chic style that defines their personal taste. Modernistas know better than fashionistas because they think instead of feel. You will notice their singular point of view in dressing up is dressing down.

It is edited with intelligence so it appears classic yet with a modern twist. Hence, the new term. A new tribe. Modernistas will soon take over the fashion landscape.