Artisanal Gucci

Gucci, one of the top luxury brands in the world is bringing to Manila this coming October 16-17 its Artisan corner at the Philippine flagship store in Shangri-la East Wing, Mandaluyong city.  The two day event will showcase the art of assembling the famous house's iconic handbags such as the signature New Bamboo,Bamboo shopper, Bright Diamanté and Soho handbags done by artisans from their Florentine leather goods company.  This special event will feature and demonstrate the various stages of bamboo processing up to creating a finished product right in front of our eyes. What makes it a must-go to attraction is that these hand-crafted works of art can be personalized with hand-embossed monogramming with an inside plaque that has both location and date.  With a variety of colors and leather types to choose from, one can truly have an immortalized Gucci bag you can call your own.  An event Gucci worshippers shouldn't miss! 

The Artisan Corner will take place at Gucci’sShangri-La Plaza East Wing flagship store fromOctober 16 to 17, 2014. For inquiries on reservation, please contact Gucci Shangri-La Plaza East Wing at 956-3433.

Tokyo Landing 3

Tokyo's attractions is an endless list of where to go and what to do.  And after a long day work trip, the Jewelmer team planned a whole night to paint the town red.  From Mitsukoshi in, we headed to the Park Hyatt hotel to start our evening with a good dose of bubbles and gt's(gin tonic). The New York bar(52floor) is a study in chic interiors where luxe furnishings, ambient mood lighting, high ceiling and window panels define the look and feel of this haven of elegance. Over the horizon is a stunning night view of Tokyo and no wonder it became the backdrop for the movie "Lost in Translation".  One can't help but feel the irresistible vibe filling the air as one listens to a live jazz band. Fantastic acoustics envelope every space as music fill our ears and delight our senses. Posh surroundings filled with beautiful and stylish people feast the eyes and where decent conversations exist.  After swimming in several cocktails in one of Tokyo's scene to be seen, we were off to another exciting style adventure. 

Tokyo's Vogue Fashion Night Out is an annual event held all over the world that holds auction and special sales for their clientele.  Despite the heavy downpour, we headed out to Gucci-the Italian household name in fashion. As we entered the door, an auction piece(Hello Kitty in Gucci) welcomes us in her head to toe ensemble of iconic pieces( from the fur to sunnies to leather bow).  The legendary character never looked so chic as she was dressed up Italian style.  More champagne and canapés were served as we checked out the latest collection.  Three floors were filled with apparel, accesories and bags as the renowned logo brand showcased nothing but the ultimate luxurious lifestyle.

From the feel of Italy we go back to reality- Japan.  After drinking like a fish and started to get hungry,  we found ourselves at the epicenter of Roppongi (near the National Arts Center) where another fantastic dining place is set-Gonpachi. This amazing space is popularly known as the location of one of Quintin Tarantino's famous movies-Kill Bill.  The colossal wooden structure is a old world style Japanese restaurant  that caters to foreign tourists.  Decorated with a multitude of lanterns and natural furnishings, it serves local cuisine and has a sushi bar at the second floor.  No need to get lost in translation, waiters can speak English while the menu has it as well.  The tourist-friendly habitué offers a simple yet good dining experience one would enjoy. After the sumptuous treat we headed back to the hotel at almost 1am hoping to get some rest and go to Never Never land. We did get the a chance to have a 30 minute snooze then headed out to Tokyo's famous party land instead-FERIA.  The five floor night owl's arena is a collage of different concepts and vibe satisfy the party animal in you.  The ultra club is one of the top places to see as it is home to five well-designed areas to suit ones all-sensory needs. Here we met with the rest of the Jewelmer family headed by Jacques Christophe Branellec and ended up out til around 430am. Time to relax and unwind as the team celebrated the milestone of the Golden South Sea Pearl.  

Making and witnessing  history brings pride to the Philippines. It marks the beginning of a union between two countries where both tradition and culture is prized.  Beyond the surface, its essence touches lives and strengthens identity and the value of family.  Jewelmer has become the pride of a nation. 

Guardian at the gate.

Modern refinement.

In the mood.

Bubbles up!

A toast to Jewelmer.

"Lost in Translation".

Style on the prowl.

Iconic.

Editor's picks.

Cheers to Gucci with Style Weekend's Liza Ilarde, Gucci Japan PR Director Mina Nemichi, Gucci Japan Merchandising Director Riccardo Emi and Jewelmer's AVP for Marketing Mia San Agustin.

Hello Kitty in Gucci.

The author with Hello Kitty and Jewelmer's Mia San Agustin.

My favorite Gucci sunnies and scarf as the backdrop.

"Kill Bill" the movie setting.

Perfect location for Quintin Tarantino's blockbuster.

The "killing field".

View from the top.

The author and Liza Ilarde(in black) with the Jewelmer family (from left to right) Mia San Agustin, Florent Lenoir and Jacques Christophe Branellec.(this photo by Liza Ilarde)

The New York Bar(Park Hyatt Tokyo)

3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, 163-1055. Opens Sunday to Wednesday from 5:00 pm to midnight. Thursday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am. Cover charge of 2,200 JPY is applied Monday through Saturday from 8:00 pm, Sunday from 7:00 pm

Gonpachi

1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku.  To get there via train, it's nearest the Roppongi or Hiroo station.  Open from 1130am-6am daily.

FERIA

Feria building,  7-13-7 Roppongi

Opens 6pm-5am.

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.

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.

Gucci Anew

To all Gucci followers out there, Frida Gianini has created a special edition "New Jackie" bag in time for the opening of the brand's newly renovated 1,300 square meter boutique on Rue Royale in Paris.  The to die for masterpiece is in gray ostrich(6pcs) and soft grey deer skin(30pcs) with a "Paris Exclusive" metal plaque, serial number, matching wallets in deer skin and a 100% silk scarf with the "Gucci Paris 23 Rue Royale" print.  In addition, the Rue Royale boutique will be the first of its kind to offer a made-to-order service for their iconic Bamboo bag.  The new bag will be available in three sizes and 25 different colors of crocodile with a matte, shiny or metallic finish and customer's initials on the inner part of the flap and on the mirror case.  So if you have extra money to spend, this fab piece is super bagalicious and so worth  the addition to anyone's collection.

The real steal.

In the Philippines, Gucci is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc and is located in Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center and Rustan's Tower, Shangri-La Plaza mall.