Alaska Merry Crema

 MANILA, Philippines – With the Christmas Season in full swing, festivities everywhere call for creative dishes to be savored with families and loved ones.  This year’s Holiday joys were very much anticipated by Alaska Crema, as it aimed to bring sweet and savory goodness into each feast, with the Merry Crema’s Food Bazaar, held at Eastwood Open Park, on December 15, 2013. “Christmas is the perfect time to indulge our cravings and sweet tooth, what better way to do that but with our favorite salads, desserts and creamy dishes,” says <Alaska Crema marketing head>, <Title>. “This food bazaar is also the best way we could thank our loyal customers and partner merchants for appreciating us – above all, during the most special time of each year - as they give Filipino families memorable Noche Buenas and holiday meals.”  

Notable disc-jocks Chico and Delamar hosted the fantastic afternoon, filled with wonderful treats for participants and spectators. In between food, fun and games, merrymakers were also serenaded with traditional Christmas songs by the Intervoices Chorale, as they sang heart-warming renditions of traditional Filipino Christmas hymns; while, special guest Yeng Constantino provided mainstream entertainment for all with the best-known Christmas songs and carols.

 Capping the night off was a fireworks display that lighted up the Eastwood sky.  The spectacle was Alaska Crema’s delightful way of greeting everyone a scrumptiously happy and gloriously bright holiday season. Merry Crema!

30 Years in Fashion Eyewear: Police Commemorates Anniversary with K-Pop Collection and Brand Ambassadors

 2013 is a special year for Italian lifestyle brand Police as it celebrates 30 years of fashionable lifestyle accessories. Founded in 1983, Police has made a name for itself in providing cutting edge eyewear such as the iconic blue tinted mirror sunglasses. Included in Police’s line of lifestyle essentials are its roster of watches, jewelry, leather goods, perfumes and apparel, thus cementing its status as a reputable lifestyle brand.

“For 30 years, Police has maintained its tradition of producing trendy, high-quality eyewear and accessories. For its anniversary, we continue this tradition by introducing a brand new line that evokes style and attitude, two qualities that can be found in all of our products,” remarks Police Brand Manager Stefano Bozzo.

 30 years of Police: a look back

Bozzo shares that since the inception of Police in the early 1980’s, the brand has introduced iconic styles that crossed borders and represented generations. One of these styles, introduced in the late 1980’s, was the double profile glasses, a unique design with a square and classical shape which embellished the frontal part of the face.

The style was followed in the early 1990’s when Police introduced the rock and roll lifestyle and urban fashion to its line of eyewear. In 1993, Police made another splash with the introduction of the iconic blue mirrored lens. The style became a great success and continues to be popular today.

Hollywood picked up on the Police lifestyle trend in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Global brand ambassadors such as Bruce Willis, George Clooney, David Beckham and Antonio Banderas brought their own unique appeal to Police. The youth also became a focal point of the brand, when Police launched its Be Younique campaign in 2010.

Riding the K-Pop wave

From iconic aviators to trend-setting blue tinted eyewear, Police is continuing the trend by riding on the K-Pop wave. From TV dramas, Korean music, food and fashion, it’s no doubt that K-Pop is here to stay. Bozzo reveals that together with Police’s 30^th anniversary, the brand is set to introduce the Police K-Pop line.

The line pays homage to Police Eyewear’s best-selling blue-tinted sunglasses, the S8299 model, which features a metal frame and polarized mirror lenses. The Police K-Pop Line updates the best-selling look with new colored lenses while adding a sophisticated look and feel.

Tapping local talent

Following the footsteps of popular Police brand ambassadors, Police has also tapped three local talents to represent the Police lifestyle in the Philippines. Bozzo reveals that these three ambassadors were selected as they embody what Police is all about. Young, cutting edge and adored by many, actor Will Devaughn, actress Roxanne Barcelo and top male fashion blogger David Guison were tapped to be the new faces of Police.

“This year and for the last 30, Police has been committed in producing eyewear that isn’t just an accessory, but a lifestyle essential that transforms a person’s look and enhances facial features while protecting the eyes. It is through cutting edge eyewear that Police helps individuals showcase their unique style, no matter their personality or taste,” concludes Bozzo.

Reigning Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler on Her Million Dollar Swimsuit

The reigning Miss Universe 2013 Venezuela's Gabriela Isler wears the "Yamamay Million Dollar Swimsuit" during an unveiling ceremony in Moscow November 10, 2013. 

A jaw dropping lux swimwear that handcrafted with nearly 200 carats of gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies. The swimwear was designed by jewellery manufacturer Dinacci. 

For Luxe Fashion Collector out there. This might be a good investment into your collection. This swimsuit is just a display not to wear or else you feel sorry if you fell every single gems on it. 

Giordano Philippines presents its Spring Summer 2014 Collection at Philippine Fashion Week

MANILA, OCTOBER 26, 2013 – Giordano makes its Philippine Fashion Week debut with a Spring Summer collection that offers sea-side glamour and earthy appeal while staying true to its clean and casual vibe.

Providing essential and timeless fashion for all, the new collections, Holiday Cruise and Linen Story – up the Spring Summer 2014 ante with nautical elements, updated chambrays, summer linens and oxfords in crisp pastel palette.

All aboard cruise lines with posh beaches for stop-overs, Holiday Cruise is inspired by luxurious travels and sandy shores. Starting with a selection of Breton tops both for male and female paired with oxford and linen shorts, the look is reminiscent of the easy French Riviera fashion. The nautical theme sails on with a plethora of chambrays and various fabrics like Tencel® offered in a range of washes and prints from heavy indigo to washed-out shades. Transitioning from the blues to a more summery palette, lightweight oxford shirts complete the Holiday Cruise collection. In solid chalky hues, the shirts look smart under a cotton blazer or worn as is. A few dresses add some feminine touch to the entire collection, while male polos with pieced patchwork keep the preppy charm.

Linen, a Giordano summer staple, will get a new lease on life with vivid prints and colors in the Linen Story collection. Taking its roots from traditional Aztec, Navajo and Nomadic elements, the first part features tops, dresses and bottoms in such graphic prints. The collection shifts from an earthy side to a burst of color in the form of button-down shirts in pure linen and cotton blends. Splashes of bright female tops and dresses also add punch to the story. Cool and soothing to the eye, Summer Blues will cap off the entire Linen collection. Navy, indigo and powder blues will take center stage in an array of linen button-down shirts, pique polos and dip-dyed female tops and dresses.

Along with our wardrobe essentials like polos, solid tees, button-down shirts, jeans and khakis, Giordano’s SS2014 collections offer a fresh spin to its product selection that cater to different fashion sensibilities.
Go to Giordano Philippines fanpage on Facebook or follow GiordanoPH on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.

Giordano Philippines Debuts on Philippine Fashion Week

Giordano debuts on the runways of Philippine Fashion Week with a sneak peek of their
Spring Summer 14 collections. This Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the SM Mall of Asia
Main Atrium, Giordano’s new collections – Holiday Cruise and Linen Story will bring
some fresh summer vibe on the catwalk with 85 looks featuring nautical elements,
updated chambrays, summer linens, oxfords in crisp pastel palette and an array of
colorful basics. Live beats provided by DJ Callum David, a.k.a. DJ Vinimal will set the
show sailing on a breezy summer cruise.

A pop-up exhibit, open from 12 noon until 9 in the evening, will give the guests
something extra to look forward to. Staged in a nautical themed store, guests can soak
up on the seafaring vibe of Giordano. Furthermore, fashion bloggers will get to show
their eye for fashion by their personally-styled mannequins which will be exhibited at
the booth. Fashion fans and followers will get the chance to meet these bloggers at
certain times throughout the day: Aisa Ipac, David Guison, Alyssa Lapid, Tracy Ayson,
Kookie Buhain, Mikyle Quizon, Dani Baretto, Miko Carreon, and Enciso sisters, Vern and
Verniece.

Also part of the exhibit will be a showcase of World Without Strangers prints done by
local artists, Soleil Ignacio, Chi Chi Monster and Barry Ambrosio. Giordano will be giving
away 45 shirts featuring these ironed-on prints.

Not to miss out on this happening event, a Twitter/Instagram booth will also be set up
on the pop-up exhibit. Anyone can join and post photos using the hashtag
#GiordanoPhFW and get photo print outs for free! Freebies await those who stay
connected to Instagram or Twitter during the event.

In addition to all that, sweet discounts will be given to shoppers on the day of the show.
Special discount coupons will be distributed at the pop-up exhibit which will give 20
percent off on all regular-priced items. Meanwhile, privilege card holders will get 15
percent off and walk-in customers will get 10 percent off.

For invites to Giordano’s show, keep a close watch online and follow Giordano
Philippines on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

A Green Fashion for Cream Silks Lux Wear

Jerome Salaya Ang

Presented by the conditioner extraordinaire, the Luxewear collection opened with an all-green Jerome Salaya Ang collection for Cream Silk. Models sashayed to the tune of an orchestra, including Hair Fall Defense’s celebrity endorser Sam Pinto.

Chris Diaz

Chris Diaz followed with his collection “Windfall” which featured dark sensual clothes inspired by the behavior and movement of moths. Done in tulle, charmeuse, crepe-de-chine, jerseys, and lace, the largely black collection was lightened at the end by dresses done in lavender, rose, and pomegranate hues.

Delby Bragais

Delby Bragais went for “Global Ethnicity” this season. Seeming indigenous embellishments easily caught the eye as they were strategically placed in the center of each piece. But by mixing together purple, orange, yellow, fuchsia, and green, the collection can’t be placed to be coming from here or there.

Lyle ibanez

Lyle Ibañez’s collection was arresting in its stark elegance and restrained sexiness. Bereft of any embellishment, each piece was tailored to flatter the body with its seeming fluidity. The rather neutral collection ended with a shot of color with a fluid fuchsia gown.

Martin Bautista

With his “Cecile 1986” collection, Martin Bautista intended to give confidence, security, and comfort to the modern woman who has to play a myriad of roles. Tailored tops and skirts function like second-skin armor while the silk dresses that swathed around the body would make any woman feel like a Greek goddess.

Richard Papa

Inspired by the bright colors of highlighters, Richard Papa brought to the runway evening gowns in the exact intense hues. These eye-catching gowns also attract attention to certain parts of the body with peek-a-boo cut outs and plunging necklines. Done in light, airy fabrics like power knit and cotton, this collection was meant for the woman who confidently wears color and attention.

Roland Lirio

Roland Lirio’s “Biker Femme” collection was grunge-chic and sportswear inspired. Sheer frocks, mullet-hem dresses and skirts were paired with stylized biker jackets in black, ash gray, and metallic blue. Chiffon and brocade combined with mesh and metallic twill, the pieces were kept edgy with gold metal accessories.

Ronald Mendoza

With modern utilitarianism in mind, Ronald Mendoza presented a collection with basic pieces that a fine wardrobe could be built upon. Skin-baring, figure-sculpting pieces like midriff tops, tube tops, racer back, bralets, and tube tops were balanced out by loosely-silhouetted pieces such as tunics, circular skirts, culottes, and wide-leg pants. Done in muted tones of beige, stone, and amber, these pieces could be easily mixed and matched.

Russell Villafuerte

Russell Villafuerte fused his signature rock n’ roll aesthetic with the roaring twenties for his spring/ summer 2014 collection. Each tailored piece features loose, baggy silhouettes that draw attention to the waist. For that touch of the luxurious 20s, he added beadwork and embroidery, sequins and paillettes accents to the leather, cotton, and lace.

Ronaldo Arnaldo

Inspired by the serene blue of the sea and sky, Ronaldo Arnaldo’s “Azure” collection featured resort wear that is very light, soothing, and cool to the eyes.  The collection featured day dresses, capes, and separates done in cotton blends, heavy crepe, silk, satin, and mixed jusi. Though relaxed, the silhouette remained to be feminine.

Sidney Perez Sio

Entitled “Hades in Odyssey”, Sidney Perez Sio’s collection featured pieces with exaggerated sashes, overlays, and box pleats. Interpreting a rather dark concept, his pieces came in black, gray, and charcoal. His fabrics of choice were micro fibre crepe and fully beaded chiffon.

Simon Ariel Vasquez

Simon Ariel Vasquez presented a neutral collection in khaki, black, and grey. Done in satin, cotton, and linen, the tailored pieces sported floral lace embroidery. Considering that the collection was inspired by forest conservation, the rather muted pieces intended to message that the world would be bleak if we wouldn’t protect our forests.

Tina Daniac

Tina Daniac’s message this season was clear – more skin means more fun. The designer presented dresses, skirts, and tops that showed off the shoulders, cleavage, waist, legs. She injected an artistic vibe to her signature eveningwear with the use of later cut outs and satin weaves.

Vania Romoff

Vania Romoff’’s collection was designed for the person she knows best – the strong yet feminine VR woman. Each tailored piece exuded a subtle, restrained kind of sexy.  Billowy silhouettes were offset by revealing cuts and veiled corsetry. Dresses, skirts, and tops came in neutral tones such as white, gray, burgundy, and rust.

Veejay Floresca

Veejay Floresca showed the luxe side of sportswear with very wearable pieces done in textured fabrics like chiffon, crepe, and light parka fabric. The silhouette was relaxed, with garter-cinched areas strategically plotted to move the attention away from the waist. The palette consisted of ivory, blush, mocha, and other muted tones.

Yvonne Quisumbing

Yvonne Quisumbing’s “Heroine” collection celebrated the woman and her polarity – she can be delicate yet still be fearless. She did a lot of contrast such as the pairing of sculptural blouses in Rothko-esque tiles and pedestal-like pants or the silver beadwork applied to tweed, chiffon, georgette, and organza juxtaposed with red, black, peach, and black and white leather.

The show ended with an encore from the ladies in the Jerome Salaya Ang creations who did the signature Cream Silk Hair Fall Defense hair pull.

GIORDANO sailed into a successful debut at Philippine Fashion Week

Giordano made a successful debut at Philippine Fashion Week in front of a packed Mall of Asia Main Atrium. Giordano’s Spring Summer 2014 collection offered seaside glamour and earthy appeal while staying true to its signature clean and casual vibe.

The show opened with the Holiday Cruise collection where they paraded a selection of Breton tops that were paired with oxford and linen shorts, echoing the French Riviera vibe. The nautical theme continued with chambrays and various fabrics like Tencel that come in a range of washes and prints from heavy indigo to washed-out shades. Lightweight oxford shirts in summer colors capped the collection.

It was then followed by the Linen Story collection featuring tops, dresses, and bottoms with traditional Aztec, Navajo, and Nomadic-inspired prints. The collection then shifts from an earthy side to a burst of color in the form of button-down shirts in pure linen and cotton blends. Bright female tops and dresses were also thrown in to add interest. Summer Blues capped off the entire linen collection with cool soothing blues in the form of linen button-down shirts, pique polos and dip-dyed female tops and dresses.

Celebrities from showbiz, sports, and the social scene lent their support and added pizazz to the already much-anticipated event.

Penshoppe remains true to its fun and active vibe

Top retail brand Penshoppe showcased its Spring/ Summer 2014 collection that captures its classic fun, youthful appeal while staying in-sync with what’s hot.

The cool, casual and laidback collection includes Penshoppe’s signature colored jeans, biker jackets, and cozy, lightweight pullovers.

Flirty skater skirts and dark jeans paired with simple tees or statement shirts complete the preppy yet fresh ensemble, while the playful mix of basic and light block colors with camo prints and print on print combinations bring out an edgy vibe.

Among the other staples in the collection include skinny jeans, cardigans, and checked shirts. The base hues of white, black and grey are amped by mustard tones, brick red, and navy blue.

Clean, fresh and up-to-date – that’s the Penshoppe statement for 2014.

Evening gowns and beaded swimsuits share the catwalk last Friday night at Philippine Fashion Week

The first designer show this season opened with Albert Andrada and Supermodel Charo Ronquillo walking down the runway in a dramatic black gown. “Monarch” was the inspiration for Albert Andrada’s first black collection in the Philippines. Associated with royalty and the magnificent butterfly, it brings to mind sophistication and elegance. Done in Tulle, Organza, Satin, and Lace, the pieces were close to the body and feminine with their sweeping hemlines. The deep ebony palette was softened with touches of blush and the collection lightened at the end by the bride in an off-white gown.

The second collection showed us a whole new Eric Delos Santos with his collection “Genesis”. Inspired by the South Beach and the Bahamas, Eric decided to veer away from his signature evening wear and instead gave us fun and very wearable resort pieces. Featuring a lot of prints such as Aztec, paisley, and chevron, the clothes were body-conscious, body-fitted, and featured cutouts. This collection also featured his first foray into men’s wear where he dressed them with print on print pieces.

An eerie video opened the collection entitled “After The End”, Jerome Salaya Ang gave us the post-apocalyptic human race in an intergalactic quest for a new home. Contained in a seeming ‘Noah’s Ark’, models came out with masks and in pieces in a vast range of colors, prints, and silhouettes. Loose animal-print dresses shared the catwalk with structured pieces with beadwork inspired by corals, as well dual fabric-layered dresses and space-age-y gowns echoing the waves of the sea.

Jun Jun Cambe earned a collective gasp of surprise when an man in trunks opened the show followed by models in colorful beach cover ups. Nonetheless, his Spring/ Summer 2014 collection was signature Jun Jun Cambe. The John Paul Gaultier of Manila brought back his personal style on the runway with his quintessential black and white separates of pants, skirts, jackets and tops. He featured 80’s street clothes with a twist, with pieces that have no structured lines, no defining silhouette, and absolutely avante-garde.

For his 2014 collection, Norman Noriega gave his women a minimalist to androgynous look. The pieces seem to be primed for summers spent either indoor or traveling, conscientiously ignoring the call of summer’s usual bright shades and pastels instead preferring neutrals – white, black, and gray. Crease resistant and suitcase-friendly fabrics terry cloth, spandex jersey, and knitted fabric were hand-chosen to create pieces from shapeless sweatshirts to boxy mini dresses.

Taking inspiration from a recent trip to St. Tropez, Raoul Ramirez imagined the aspirational life of the ladies in yachts and how they spend the glorious summer days. He dressed them up for every occasion ranging from beaded swimwear, luxurious casual wear, to exquisite ball gowns. Done in chiffon, jersey, and metallic vintage lace, the pieces came in black, white, gold, and the occasional red, white and blue – the color of France. Raoul Ramirez ended with a black and gold intricately beaded ball gown that would easily suit any European princess.

Lee Jeans: the power of curiosity

2014 is a milestone year for Lee as the brand celebrates its 125th year. As a fitting way to usher this significant year, Lee unveils its Spring/ Summer collection that leverages on one of its key strengths – curiosity.

Inspired by the urban streetscape of New York City, Lee’s latest collection displays re-engineered construction paired with experimental treatment to conventional denims. The pieces highlight the many possibilities of denim engineering, resulting to a look that is as diverse and edgy as the Big Apple.

The Lee Stretch Deluxe, one of Lee’s latest lines for 2014, brings out the shapely curves of women in an innovative design fused with technology for a leaner and more flattering fit.

A rich product heritage and a never-ending fashion curiosity make Lee a brand to reckon with in the world of the timeless denim.

FREEGO: Still keeps on jeannovating

Freego, which is celebrating 30 years in the business, showed that they truly know the name of the game when it comes to jeans innovation. The show started with Freego reminding us of what they’ve given us these past 30 years. They paraded their twelve iconic jeans since 1983. These are the 1983 High Waist Loose Jeans, 1995 Do the Ducktail Jeans, 2002 Bikini Jeans, 2004 Ultra Slim, 2005 V-Low, 2005 Chinovation, 2007 Skinny Fit, 2009 Coated Jeans, 2010 Biker Jeans, 2010 Knitted Jeggings, 2011 Aviator Jeans, and 2011 Reversible Jeans.

It was followed by the Super Shaper Jeans collections, which accentuated a person’s curves depending on her fashion taste and body type. Admiringly enough, these jeans were designed to correct some body concerns. They’re named accordingly for easy reference - Buttlifter, Cosmetic, Shape Ups, Slimming, Skimmer, Sculpture, and Tummy Tuck Jeans.

The last collection featured the return of Freego’s Reversible Jeans. For this season, they were reinvented to be the 10-Pocket Reversible Jeans that has fully functional pockets and come in unconventional colors like mint green, cool blue, and salmon. The show ended with a collective gasp of surprise when two models took off their clothes and worn them inside out, showing us how truly reversible these pieces are.