O+ & Bench: When fashion and technology collide

O+ and Bench joined forces to come up with, to me, was one of the most excellent ideas ever staged. It was a magnificent marriage like no other.

Stylists these days are always on the lookout for what's current and relatable to many. So for me, witnessing an extraordinary battle of whose vision shines best is a unique concept. In celebration of its 25th year anniversary of being a style capital for every fashion-loving Filipino, Bench grants more access to its consumers by showing style dictations that excite and express each person's style preference.

Last December 2, 2012, six of Manila's top stylists were invited to join a stylish battle like no other. Fusing elements of Bench's and O+'s young and innovative brand personalities, Edlene Cabral, Macky Combe, Myrrh Lao To, Adrian Concepcion, Sidney Yap, and Kate Paras showed interpretations of youthful, fun and edgy fashion.

Sidney Yap won the grand prize with his edged out reconstruction of the basics. Adrian Concepcion's bubbly red and plaid segment earned the 1st runnerup award, followed closely by Edlene Cabral's military-influenced collection.

Judges of the competition were Philippine Star's Toff De Venecia, Philippine Daily Inquirer's JJ San Juan, Manila Bulletin's Liza Ilarde, designers Randy Ortiz and JC Buendia, PMAP president Phoemela Barranda and Bench endorser and O+ ambassador Joseph Marco.

The event was a success, no small thanks to the uncanny fusion of fashion and technology providing everyone of a brighter sense of individuality and a more developed grasp of what's in and what's hot. And I say, who's going to win next year?

O + Anton Barretto, me, and Angelette Calero

Esteemed panel of judges: Ystyle columnist Toff de Venecia, Preview’s Vince Uy, designer JC Buendia, Manila Bulletin’s Liza Ilarde, menswear designer Randy Ortiz, PMAP President Phoemela Barranda, Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 2BU Editor JJ San Juan, Bench endorser and O+ ambassador Joseph Marco sharing what they know best about style at the stylista battle.

Anton with the guests from Davao Robertino del Rosario, mom Rachel Del Rosario, Luisito Rabat and Lorenzo Rabat.

A+ for O+! The people behind O+'s entry in the Philippine market: Aveline Siy and Michael Tan

Master of ceremonies: Migs Anzures and his knack for keeping everyone engaged with his fun hosting skills.

O+ welcomes the newest member to their Android family. The O+ 8.9 Android is one packed mobile phone winner.

I heard that in a matter of days, these six designers were able to pull of 5 elaborately styled outfits. From left: Edlene Cabral, Adrian Concepcion, Kate Paras, Sidney Yap, Myrrh Lao To and Macky Combe.

Black magic: Myrrh Lao To's collection.

Preppy casual and young: O+ and Bench brand personality mirrored in Kate Paras' collection.

Retro glam: Macky Combe's collection.

Attention! Edlene Cabral's military concoctions made her win the third place at the competition. I love that special "parachute" entrance.

Red formation. Adrian Concepcion's red and plaid collection earned him his second place finish. Love the plus-signs!

Back to the future: Sidney Yap's homage to the basics and upgrading it to the future of fashion won the collection the grand prize. Check out the metallic add-ons on that pair of boots.