Iconic

When a fashion brand's logo becomes a national trademark, it becomes an icon.  With the endless brand names in the Philippines, one has risen above the rest by imprinting and reinventing the country's map as the mark in local retail fashion--Collezione.  The brand in recent years made a glorious comeback through the brilliant design incantations by designer Rhett Eala as he redefined the look of modern sportwear.  Undoubtedly, the successful comeback has created a platform exploring new territories and covering vast borders in the world of retail. 
The author and his style team recently had the greatest of pleasure working with Rhett Eala and Collezione/Due in a recent fashion show unfolding their Holiday 2011 collection held at The Peninsula Manila.  The whole theme for the show worked around the inspiration of travel to the cold weather mountains and global landmarks.  A jetsetting appeal of fashion for the modern traveller in trendsetting style. The look was to channel the current feel of glamour fused with one of the biggest trends of the season-grunge.  For women, the take on grunge was uber  stylized in an all glammed up look with precious one of a kind pieces by accessories designer's Nicole Whisenhunt and Joanique's Malour Romero.  For men, layering was channeled in a play of modern fabrication and the season's best hues such as green, blues, purple, charcoal, grays and modern neutrals.  Menswear took a new spin with unique detailing, forward designs and form.
The oustanding experience was unforgettable and the cohesive fashion narrative was a product of overflowing creativity and synergy.  One of the best show's the author and his team has ever done, it was a playground of delight with good energy and a whole lot of fun.  Something for the books, a noteworthy moment in time and a lifetime memory of work with an icon in Philippine fashion.

Isn't it iconic?

Precious pieces by Nicole Whisenhunt.

Bejeweled skull caps by Rhett Eala.

Fancy footwear sponsor.

The author takes a photo.

Azkals rack.

In the mood.

Rehearsal in the mountains.

Raise your hands.  Director Jackie Aquino.

Take a cue.  Director Jackie Aquino and the Azkals' Anton de Rosario, James Younghusband, Phil Younghusband and Nate Burkey.

Behind the seams. Director Jackie Aquino and designer Rhett Eala.

Scene to be scene.

Azkals' Anton del Rosario.

Azkals' Nate Burkey.

Two of my favorite models:  Fatima Rabago and Nat Keifer.

Zaydan Timpani strikes a pose.

Under the table.

Model Michelle Panemanglor's crowning glory.

Sleek chic.

Look up Vanessa Matsunaga.

Close your eyes Valerie Weigenmann.

Joanique's Malou Romero prepares the jewelry.

Young husband materials Phil and James.

Designer Rhett Eala an hour before the show.

The Younghusbands instructed by backstage princess Poly Laurito.

Azkals' Phil Younghusband takes the cue from  Poly Laurito.

Designer Pablo Cabahug in translation.

Erin Zulueta behind the curtain wall.

Giggles here and there with Pablo Cabahug, Ornussa Cadness, Ria Bolivar and Grace Tagle.

A moment of laughter. The author with Jasmin Meierhofer, Pauline Prieto and Ria Bolivar.

Break a leg!

Final touch on Jasmin Meierhofer.

Glam grunge in full gear with Melanie Angeles, Ria Bolivar and Michelle Panemanglor.

Orange fever with John Spainhour.

Final stand.

All smiles.

Awaiting curtain call..

Final walk.

A walk to remember.

Designer Rhett Eala with the Azkals.

Pro Active

The battle of underwear ad campaigns continues.  Renowned fashion retail brand Bench unfolds its latest Bench Body campaign featuring no less than Philippine Azkals' captain Alexander Charles Luis Borromeo.  More commonly known as "Aly", the towering 6'1 hunk who's gorgeously gifted with stunning looks and sculpture-like physique sizzles in the most fashion forward underwear collection.  One the oldest and strongest members of the team, this modern day sports icon redefines a new meaning to sexy. 
Sexy today is all about looking good and feeling good--getting into sports becomes a platform and channel for healthy living.  At this day and age where this activity has become part of the contemporary lifestyle, athletes have become living icons of the youth.  Bench, the leader in the local retail landscape, present this outstanding and aspirational campaign of Aly Borromeo which hopefully inspires everyone to get into the active lifestyle.  This fusion of sports and fashion pioneered by Bench Body is currently creating an movement of optimism that goes beyond the parameters of style.  The collection boasts of the latest colors and prints in a variety of cuts and styles suited for everyone.  What's great is the fit and comfort it offers with high a standard of quality.  The complete ad campaign channels the change in lifestyle as the current call of the times.  The arresting images was photographed by top fashion photographer Ronnie Salvacion.  

Bench Body is available in all Bench outlets and leading department stores nationwide.

Private Eyes 2: Neil Etheridge for Folded & Hung Campaign

Temperatures rise at a high point this weekend in Manila as the latest underwear campaign unfolds.  Renowned fashion retail brand Folded & Hung presents their current endorser--Philippine Azkals Neil Etheridge with their up to date "Pinoy Heritage" inspired collection. The half English-Filipino athlete is one of the icons of today's youth that symbolize the modern "Pinoy" athlete. The ultimate heartthrob showcases the aspirational body of perfection in the most fashion forward underwear pieces from one of the most respected retail brands in the industry.  Folded and Hung introduces to their market the "pouch technology" which is something similar to the "wonder jock"-creates a look with a fuller package.  These pieces come in modern classic styles in masculine colors such as black, white, grey and royal blue.  Neil Etheridge is the perfect endorser for the brand as the new inspiration-aspiration for the Filipino male of the times.  The stunning visuals were photographed by no less than one of the top fashion photographers in the country-Ronnie Salvacion.