Now it can be said: Joyce Peñas Pilarsky is Philippine fashion showbiz’s fastest rising action star. In the recent Philippine Fashion Week (S/S 2012) held at the SMX, she  singlehandedly – and for the third time – wowed all and sundry with a collection that is, several critics noted, very  precisely trendy and cutting-edge – echoing much of her thoroughly modern energetic persona.

At the finale of the 12-designer RTW Collection show, she waved to an appreciative crowd while clad in a fuchsia cocktail mini, showing off the model face and figure she has always had since her days on the Hyatt ramp in the 80s. Earlier earning big applause was her Spring/Summer 2012 collection – a confection that is as bright as the season it is intended to be worn in and all the while exuding a certain feminine and avant-garde sensuality. Here, a spread of Joyce Peñas Pilarsky’s ode to next year’s chic season in the sun – expanses of matte silk and taffeta laser-cut – she’s one of the first designers in the country to use this innovative technology – in lace-like pattern then draped and banded for ease of wear and finally embellished with her own trademark accent brooch, bangle, neck and arm bauble and tiara  of undulating vines of beads, crystals and gemstones.– NEILSON ELESIS