Style piece

Today's man of style fashion's his day to day life not just with mere clothes alone but with accessories as well. In this day and age where style is moving on a fast pace, those elements and accent pieces are a matter of great importance. From the endless list of Spring-Summer 2012 menswear collections, Burberry Prorsum showcased an array of interesting and forward pieces that are definitely on the radar. Spotted on the runways are cork sole moccasins, leather cork sole raffia contrast desert loafers, alligator cork sole raffia contrast desert loafers, leather cork sole tapestry contrast desert loafers, woven leather portrait tote bags, woven leather portrait holdalls, linen leather contrast Burberry crest tote bags, leather duffle bags, braided leather tote bags, crotchet raffia caps and acetate sunglasses.These must-have and buy are top of the list in Summers 2012's most wanted. Men's style today is all about chicness in detail.

Beyond the Norm

Global style icon Daphne Guiness is now the new face of M.A.C. cosmetics.  Love this futuristic looking ad campaign that evokes fashion individualism and style.  The distinct appeal presents the beauty of a personality in her remarkable and distinct sense of fashion.  Truly one of today's celebrated modern fashion icons who has graced the countless pages of top international glossies, Daphne is the epitome of effortless eccentricism and definitely a living testament of fearless fashion at its best. And with that, there's no doubt she's the perfect face for M.A.C. Cosmetics.  Wondering what Daphne's style and palette of choice is?  Check out the latest shades and hues in any M.A.C. counter here in Manila.

All in a bag

From the legandary house of Gucci comes the birth of the new bag to watch--GUCCI 1970 BAG. The name is inspired from the when for the first time metal corners appeared on the House’s accessories. Creative Director Frida Giannini introduced the 1970 bag together with the Spring Summer 2012 collection which is all about the glam, sparkle and elegance evoked during the years of Art Deco and graphics.
The bag's shape is spacious and ultra soft made from traditional leathers such as nabuk calfskin/nappa and precious skins such as glossy crocodile and lustrous hand-painted python.  Elegant tones come with a touch of luxury such as emerald green, black, natural beige tones, white and cocoa while rich textures in crocodile and python create an allure of exotic sophistication.  One can't help but notice iconic details in brass hardware embellish minimalist lines plus the rigid, polished and engraved corners with the Gucci logo, and jewel tassels are hand crafted in micro metallic chains and applied to the strap. A symbol of the eternal balance between tradition and innovation, the Gucci 1970 bag has finally arrived.

In the Philippines, Gucci is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center and Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Fast Forward

Fashion is taking a big leap into the future.  Designer retail brands are spearheading the movement to  modern and relevant style. RAOUL'S WOMENSWEAR SPRING/SUMMER 2012 is all about "The Fast Look" wherein fashion minimalism of the 90’s moves into the future. The new tailoring is structured and streamlined, stripped of superfluous detailing, highlighting the essential forms.Shapes are high on the waist, trousers fit and flare, or taper down to the ankle while shorts are in silk, perforated leather or printed pique. Skirts and dresses race high above the knee, graze the lower shins and ankles. Racer-striped knits,graphic color-block dresses. Standout pieces come in colors to keep you cool such as white, vanilla, citron, highlighter-summer green, cobalt and deep blue; and colors to compete with the scorching heat like dusty rose, sesame, pumpkin and neon-hot pink.Signature sharp shirts and shirt dresses are all there; in classic white and navy as well as in refreshing new combinations: vanilla with summer green, citrus lemon with sorbet white and cobalt blue with white or cocoa brown. This season, no need to think about how to make a statement with all the fuss and frills because all you have to bear in mind-less is more.

In the Philippines, Raoul is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is available at Greenbelt 5.

Back to Heritage

Loving the Burberry's menswear spring summer 2012 called "Handcrafted Heritage".Chief Creative Officer for the notable brand Christopher Bailey showcases a youthful take and has transformed the classic look into something more street forward.  The feel is very stylish, cool and is seemingly targeted to the next generation of men.  Silhouettes come in a combination of over sized and fitted but with a statement of comfort. The chic twists come in interesting detailing as seen in hand crafted natural wood toggles, weathered metal buttons, natural horn buttons,  hand shredded raffia trims,heritage throat latches, hand crochet wooden bead detachable collars and trims, crochet raffia detachable collars, ventilation eyelets, button guards, fishtail hems, eclectic placement prints and blanket stitch felt bird appliqués.  The entire color palette echoes the old but reinterpreted in modern design and style that reflects contemporary menswear fashion.

In the Philippines, Burberry is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati, and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Fashion Reality

Fashion is a universe of style on its own. Diesel continues to revisit its workwear roots with the SS’12 collection and resumes the preview collection’s style concept of clashing the opposing worlds of work and formal garments. This season the brand introduces welcome to Worksville, a utopia where dressy elegance is an expression of happiness, and hard labor is the ultimate leisure activity. The collection presents by contrast a clean and sharper deamnor in modern utilitarian feel. The look combines a feeling of tough functionality that's a little more dressed up. This summer a casual daywear wardrobe comprises of jackets, pants, light knits and shirts. Uniform and engineer outerwear are fused with formalwear details, such as double breasted lapels, worn out of context as dressy jackets and coveralls. While workwear pants and chinos are reinterpreted with contemporary carrot fits.
The collection adopts an inverse approach to treatments than usual.Dirty gets a clean look with a “bleached out” effect that adds to the lighter summer feel of the collection. Denims are pushed to the extreme in the “Light Exposure” 5-pockets denim offer, which are the purest examples of true Diesel DNA washes.The usage of classic workwear blue and white stripes and Prince of Wales check fabrics, typical of formal summer suits, is complemented with a color palette elucidated by light ecru, blue and pastel highlighted with contrasting indigo colors. A palette of sage green with off white gives an outdoors feel to lighter garments, including short chinos, polos and short sleeved shirts. Diesel's Worksville is all about living fashion in reality.

Art in Fashion

Creating fashion takes inspiration from almost anything.  For Spring-Summer 2012, Gucci digs deep into a significant era called Art déco. Strong, powerful and sophisticated, graphic charm redefines the maturity in elegance. According to creative director Frida Giannini, the entire collection is all about fusing elements from the brand's DNA to design history and photography.  The whole look and feel showcase a display of chromatics, jewel details, and animalier prints.  No gray areas this season as the silhouette unfolds a study in contrasts--mannish and ultra femme, flowing and fitted accentuated with high wattage Deco jewelry such as frog latches, jewel buttons, golden chains and enamel tiger heads. Color is striking with richness in emerald green and mandarin as they work their way into a palette dominated by white, black, and gold playing with the rules of animalier, changed into a geometric degradé, with an almost optical movement. Luxe prints were evident in their captivating sense of excess. Rich detailing raises the standard with an outstanding statement as seen with a pavé of architectural embroidery, hand made metal elements, carved plexiglass, prismatic crystals and baguettes overlapping for decori-sculpture. The ultimate art attack from the runways to realway, Gucci's high mark this season brings back style with the art of substance.

In the Philippines, Gucci is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center and Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall.