MANILA, Philippines ? It must have been the recession chic-est party three weeks ago at Greenbelt 4. Instead of the costly mounting of a fashion show, guests saw Manila?s top models striking a pose on small platforms outside the fab boutiques. And no swag bags.

Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Charriol, Tod?s, Ferragamo, Hugo Boss and their latest, Jimmy Choo. This way they could look at the various clothes up close.

These prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) pieces were flown in just for this amazing shindig to go with the bags, shoes and accessories. I loved the white linen tailored separates at Gucci, the fisherman cotton open-weave shirts at Ferragamo, the just-shown-in Paris Marc Jacob outfits of Louis Vuitton (the knitwear and gold leather collage skirts were spot-on) and the gauze white loose separates at Bottega. And?I loved feeling and seeing the latest Spring Summer Collection of recession-scaled jewels at Bulgari and Philippe Charriol. It all looks feminine and filigreed.

Of course SSI executive vice president Anton Huang?s ever reliable manager Ramon San Agustin made sure the guests, mostly his loyal clients, were busy snapping up the merchandise amid the festivities that included a live jazz band in a Jackie Aquino direction.

Look at the photos of civilized recessionistas who were not afraid to tell me that some of their pieces were three seasons ago or that they raided their mom?s closet. It was D.I.Y.?not do it yourself, but Dress Interactively Yourself, meaning just take a moment to look at the new fashion look and put together the interlocking pieces you have in your wardrobe, like a mystery puzzle. This will sharpen your taste. And speaking of taste, everyone devoured the many buffets of summer fare prepared by Margarita Fores who renamed a pinipig dessert, Credit Crunch.