MANILA, Philippines—Fashion at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City has always been laid-back and carefree. Since students have to negotiate their way around a big campus while juggling academic work and extracurriculars, the shirt-jeans-flip flops-backpack ensemble still reigns as the fashion style of the “Iskolar ng Bayan.”

Being fashionable does not mean splurging and using up a week’s allowance on clothes and ending up eating instant noodles. Creativity and resourcefulness are secrets of looking chic without getting sick (from eating too much instant noodles, of course).

The Ebay Fashion Challenge 2008 showcased the styling savvy and budgeting skills of UP students. Eight pairs, consisting of a model and a stylist, were chosen from those who had registered. Registered teams were required to submit online a 25-word write-up of how their personalities are conveyed through their fashion.

Eight teams were then chosen and asked to pick a number that also corresponded to their fashion themes.

The eight finalists were: Team 1, Preppy: Rosan Reodica and Tracy Dizon, model and stylist, respectively; Team 2, Androgynous: Glynel Lectura and Yanie Medina; Team 3, Bright Colors: Katherine Venzon and Jeanne Jampac; Team 4, Romantic: Chinette Marasigan and TJ Estrada; Team 5, Sporty Spice: Dominique Quilicot and Lizette Lanuzo; Team 6, Belted Look: Sachelle Sioson and Jann Mejia; Team 7, New Bohemian: Nicole Alcala and Rikka Sotto; Team 8, Asian Fusion: Jemimah Ferrer and Nicolle Castillo.

The teams were each given an online shopping budget of P5,000 for clothes and accessories. They had to produce an ensemble that would go along with a certain theme.

The finalists held a fashion show held at Fiamma on Jupiter St., Makati last Sept. 18 to show their fashion creations using their online purchases.

Team 2, Androgynous bagged the first prize. Team 7, New Bohemian and Team 1, Preppy placed second and third prize, respectively.

The top three winners received P15,000, P10,000 and P7,000, respectively. Some P50,000 plus worth of Shu Uemura makeup workshops and products were also given away. The winners also got to keep the P5,000 worth of purchased items for their entries.

The UP PR and Advertising Society (UP PRADS) was a partner in the event.

Winning combinations

3rd Place: Team 1, Preppy

Model: Rosan Reodica
Year/Course: 5th Year BS Clothing Technology
Fashion style: Full of themes and schemes.
Stylist: Tracy Dizon
Year/Course: Associate in Arts/Open University
Fashion Style: Fun, whimsical and child-like.
On their team-up:
We have different tastes yet we try to harmonize them.
On fashion:
It is important. It is a reflection of your character. There is a difference between being fashionable and stylish. A fashionable person devours what she sees in the magazine or what is hot. A stylish person can put up something into an eternal style. You can both be stylish and fashionable, but being stylish is something that is innate.
On college fashion:
It’s comfortable and yet stylish.
UP fashion:
There are different takes, but UP fashion is really all about comfort.
On online shopping:
For big-ticket items, it’s scary buying online, but if you’re really in a rush, online shopping is okay.
College shopping and fashion tips:
Always save up on the basics (jeans, collared top).
Rosan’s shopping secret: “I allot P500 per week which I use for buying a specific item at the end of the week, be it a top, jeans, shoes or accessories. In this way, I could buy different themes or looks depending on my mood for that week.
Winning piece: Hot pink bag

2nd Place: Team 7, New Bohemian

Model: Nicole Alcala
Year/Course: 3rd Year/ BA Broadcast Communication
Fashion style: Perky, bright, sunny and colorful
Stylist: Rikka Sotto
Year/Course: 3rd Year/ BA Broadcast Communication
Fashion style: “Halo-halo.”
On their team-up:
We are classmates and we have always worked with each other.
On college fashion:
College has developed our own style. We always have to look good and at the same time comfortable since we’re always on the move since we do a lot of field assignments for our classes.
On UP fashion:
Basically simple and free. Unlike other schools where the style is somewhat restricted.
On online shopping:
There are really great finds. There are safety measures in place so you don’t have to feel scared.
Winning piece: High-cut low-heeled boots.

1st Place: Team 2, Androgynous

Model: Glynel Lectura
Year/Course: 3rd Year/BS Clothing Technology
Fashion Style: classic
Stylist: Yani Medina
Year/Course: 4th Year Clothing Technology
Fashion Style: Experimental, not just a matter of matching get-ups.
On their team-up: We have been friends. We knew about the contest at the last minute through spam e-mails and we just gave it a try.
On fashion:
People judge you by your fashion. It reflects your character. A laidback or carefree person can be detected by the way she dresses up.
On college fashion:
Unlike high school fashion where matching colors defines fashion, college fashion is all about contrast. The more contrast, the better.
On UP fashion:
Jeans, shirt, rubber shoes, shorts, tank top… simple but fashionable.
On online shopping:
It is not a substitute to mall shopping but it can be a great alternative.
College shopping and fashion tips:
Huwag mahiya. Experiment on colors and cuts but put premium on comfort.
Winning piece: Hat
Breakdown of the purchased items:
Hat: P200
Blazer: P350
Shoes: P1000
Bag: P700
Suspender: P400
Necktie: P400
Shorts: P350
Stockings: P200
Shades: P100
Polo: P400
Total: P4,100