Places to go, People to see

 

"Travel is a constant source of inspiration for me. kate spade new york: places to go, people to see is an illustrated compilation of the treasures that have formed the backbone of our collections over the years."

— Deborah Lloyd, President and Chief Creative Officer, kate spade new york.

Chic fashion and lifestyle brand Kate Spade New York presents a new hardcover book entitled "Kate Spade New York:  places to go, people to see."

A wanderlust insight of the chic traveler through the lens as it takes you to amazing destinations. Paris, New York City, the Amalfi Coast, Marrakech, Tokyo, and St. Moritz are picture-perfectly seen through the eyes of style with interesting quotes of wisdom. Curated places and images are breathtaking as it aspires to inspire the readers in living a global and contemporary lifestyle.  Available in Manila this coming December.

 

In the Philippines, Kate Spade New York is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.(SSI) - a member of The SSI Group - and is located at The Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, Rustan’s Makati, Newport Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Bonifacio High Street Central Square.

Plaid to meet you

Kick off the holiday season with style as Old Navy Philippines present the ultimate plaid statement. A wide range of must-haves channeled through wardrobe staples such as oxfords, flannels, shirts, scarves,accessories to shoes are definitely part of the season's check list.  Casual to dressy pieces compliment the Yuletide's day to day wardrobe for the whole family.  This year, Old Navy introduces its holiday offer  “Plaid To Meet You" from Nov. 15 – 23, 2014 offering 25% OFF on all plaids and any item paired with it such as jeans, flip-flops, shorts and even a tumbler.  Visit any store and check out this great deal you shouldn't miss.

In the Philippines, Old Navy is exclusively distributed byCasual Clothing Retailers Inc. (CCRI), a member of the SSI Group, and is located at Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta 3, SM Megamall and Fairview Terraces.

Record High

Fashion is standing tall as global brand Kenneth Cole New York creates a replica of the Otto(a polished-leather lug sole bootie from the fall 2014 collection) in celebration of the 10th annual Guinness World Records Day and the 60th anniversary of the Guinness World Records. The towering 6 feet, 1 inch tall and 6 feet, 5 inches long built byIzquierdo Studio(a costume and prop design atelier, took nearly 400 hours to create and required five and a half hides, as well as 3-D printing to craft the buckle and clasp which measured over a foot long) is a masterpiece partnership with designer Kenneth Cole and Today Show Contributor Jill Martin. The world’s largest high-heeled shoe will be showcased at Lord & Taylor’s flagship NYC location on their newly renovated shoe floor.

In the Philippines, Kenneth Cole New York is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) - a member of The SSI Group - and is located at The Power Plant Mall, BHS Central, Rustan’s Makati, and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

A toast to Oro

Filipino designer Rosanna Ocampo Rodriguez recently celebrated her 7th years in the industry by unveiling her latest collection entitled "Gold Rush" by Oro. Due to the increasing clientele and demand for made to order pieces, Oro is the designer's premium label of bespoke creations that display high quality materials and are mostly sewn by hand. These beautiful and modern interpretations showcase a design perspective reflective of European sensibilities and a distinct taste channeling the now lifestyle.  The designer isn't all about making a statement as her pieces echo the essence of making and undestanding the beauty of clothes. Oro's empowering collection is of current style relevance as it celebrates the nowness of femininity. Form and function goes beyond the surface in a presentation of chicness of individuality. The ultimate key is quality and a fusion of style between designer and client to create a  masterpiece that's distinctly special.  All in a matter of discerning taste and aesthetics, Oro is a contemporary reflection of what women want and wear in these modern times.

The essence of Time

Time is luxury.  In this fast paced world, every minute counts and practicality is wise.  Fashioning timepieces goes beyond surface attractions and the latest to arrive in Philippine shores is notable Swiss brand, ROD.  Now available in Rustan's Department Store, these chic watches were founded in 2012 by current CEO and designer Marc Corven who created these contemporary elements of style.  With high quality design and materials, the brand boasts of fashion statement made affordable.  These timepieces are exceptionally crafted with great attention to detail.  ROD is a prestigious offers the elegance of  time suitable for the now lifestyle.

 ROD Ambassadors Armand and Georgia Del Rosario

ROD Timepieces

 Marc Corven, CEO of ROD

 SSI Group, Inc.’s Michael T. Huang, Rustan’s Marketing & Communications Head Dina Tantoco, CEO of ROD MarcCorven, and ROD Ambassadors Armand and Georgia Del Rosario

Longchamp's Le Pliage Cuir

Longchamp's iconic  Le Pliage® celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.  In the Philippines, Rustan's presents  “LePliage Cuir Personalized,” a customization service for LePliage® Cuir, the leather adaptation of the famous Le Pliage®. Strong, soft and supple leather mimics the folds of the legendary nylon version. One can customize the color of the body, strap, tabs, flap,handle, lining according and personalize by adding their initials either perforated or embossed. Mocha, red, candy, amethyst, camel, poppy, bilberry and black are the range of colors to choose from while the lining can be arecitrine, fuchsia, vermilion, dune and night blue. The available sizes for customization are the 1512 (small tote), 1515 (medium tote), 1630 (large tote), and the 1825 (pouch).

The Le Pliage Cuir® Personalized service will be available inRustan’s Shangri-la until the end of November only. 

Androgyne

Creativity and passion thrives in a world where this author lives his day to day life- fashion.  Having modestly worked in an industry for more than two decades is more than a blessing.  The exposure and experience in a fast-paced landscape where everything seemingly changes by the minute is a plethora of unlimited possiblities.  After collaborating with TRU bags, this time around the author's new venture is with the currently popular online success brand Seek the Uniq.  A platform for retail fashion, beauty and home, the brand presents the best and ultimate bohemian lifestyle. Catering to a huge market for women, the collaboration unfolds "Androgyne" - a clothing line for men and women.  The 11 -piece collection is a showcase of luxe loungewear channeling Japanese silhouettes fused with Italian-inspired fabrication.  The idea is to present both function and form as everything can be mixed and matched.  Inspired from global trends, these distinct and forward pieces echo the nowness of both style and comfort.  Here are some of the behind the scenes images of beautiful things to come.

Project Runway Philippines Season 4 auditions

The last leg of auditions for Project Runway Philippines Season 4 was truly a showcase of local design.  The two day Manila event was held at H2O hotel where's my hopefuls took a shot at potential stardom.  Young designers queued for hours as they await their turn in front of the panel.  The good and bad braved their interviews as they presented their creations. Both fantasy and reality battled for the spotlight from the minimal to theatrically outlandish. Creativity is alive as each piece had a story to tell. Designers who didn't make it at the previous auditions in the provinces such as Baguio, Davao and Cebu flew in to the capital to attend the final screening. The task wasn't that easy knpwing that each applicant had the hope of becoming a finalist.  At the end, the conclusion isn't really on who makes it or not but the reality that the Philippines is a treasure trove of diamonds in the rough.  An optimistic insight on the great potential of fashion design in the local and hopefully international scene.  The following are a glimpse of the pieces at the auditions.

Day 1: The author(third from left) with Georgette Tengco, Jojie Lloren and Katrina Holigores.

All smiles.  The author with Georgette Tengco, Jojie Lloren, Katrina Holigores and a designer applicant.

The whole experience of being a guest mentor was an eye opener.  A realization that there is a thriving fashion community where seeds of creative artistry need assistance for talents to be cultivated and developed to their potential.  Evidently, their is a silent cry for government support, demand for education and work experience.  Project Runway Philippines is one of the local platforms to expose an industry that has been taken for granted and hopefully awaken the powerful eyes that have long been asleep.

Muji Christmas

Muji-the ultimate lifestyle store presents peactical gift ideas this holiday season. Check out these amazing Japanese toys for kids that they would truly love.  Interesting and playful sets bring out a refreshing way of having fun with the young ones. Celebrate  this Christmas with traditional entertainment made modern.

Balance Games – Find the right combination of pieces to strike a balance and build a nice display.

Press Out 3D Dinosaur Puzzle – Four mind-boggling cardboard puzzles of Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Diplodocus and Tyrannosaurus Rex.

More Press Out 3D Puzzles – Great additions to your collection of 3D cardboard puzzles that are uniquely Muji. New patterns include the Cardboard Ship, Cardboard Elephant, Cardboard Train, the Japanese and Farirytale Castles and the Japanese Samurai.

In the Philippines, MUJI is exclusively distributed byStores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) - a member of The SSI Group, Inc. Muji is located at Bonifacio High Street Central, Power Plant Mall at Rockwell Center, Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing and Ayala Center Cebu.