AT first glance, it is almost always mistaken for a dress.

It looks like one and fits like one, but a Kitchen Couture apron is actually a whimsical take on the traditional household garment, helmed by 23-year olds Clarisse and Carina Ong, Christine Herrin and Katrina Chua. ?We wanted to start a Christmas business for extra income and decided to harness our shared love for fashion, food and unique items,? shares Clarisse. ?We saw the increasing popularity and interest in culinary arts as an opportunity. From there, we came up with the idea of specialty aprons that are both fashionable and utilitarian.?

Its vivid designs make Kitchen Couture stand out from its contemporaries. The brand boasts of halter designs and sweetheart necklines in retro, floral and polka dot prints?a fashionable turn from the previously only known forms of plain and cartoon-inspired aprons.

The aprons are also categorized by their own monikers. ?The names give the aprons more character and personality,? Christine explains. ?Also, different people can relate to different characters. Ashley is our full ruffled apron. It is for the classic cook, the Martha Stewart of the family, who wants everything to be perfect and in place. Sophia on the other hand is our tiered apron. She?s a favorite of the younger, fun-loving, adventurous and aspiring cook. The Betty apron colors reminded us of Betty Boop!?

Not to fall short on mere aesthetics, Kitchen Couture carries through with the apron?s main purpose of function, maintaining pockets, towel loops and buttons to hang oven mittens. They are also durable and water-resistant. ?Most of our aprons are made of cotton because it?s wash-and-wear and low maintenance,? Katrina adds. ?Right now, we?re working on adding water-proof finish to our aprons.?

This kitchen fashion was drawn from the tradition of home cooking, which for the four girls, is the ultimate form of sharing. ?Our pieces are all about empowering people of all ages in their own kitchens,? Carina explains, ?We first started with the idea of adding a touch of whimsy and flair to the ordinary apron. It was a symbol of showing your love to someone by cooking a meal for them in your Kitchen Couture apron.?

Its affordable price range, ranging from P350 to P680, has prompted Kitchen Couture aprons sell like hotcakes at various school fairs and bazaars. It was initially geared to women who enjoy baking and cooking but due to popular demand, the brand has expanded into children?s and men?s aprons as well.

?Kitchen Couture is for anyone who loves to entertain and who shares a passion for food,? Clarisse adds. ?We want people to know that you don?t have to be a professional to wear an apron or be a cook. You can be yourself and still have fun in the kitchen.?

Kitchen Couture also carries children smocks, recipe journals and Christmas gift sets.

For more information on Kitchen Couture products, visit http://kitchencouture.multiply.com, email kitchen.couture@yahoo.com or phone (0922) 853 6049. Kitchen Couture will be available at the Karl Edwards Bazaar at NBC Tent, on Dec. 6 and 7.

E-mail the author at chloe_dominique@yahoo.com