SATURNALIA

Good friend Malou Romero of Joanique and design maven Natalya Lagdameo unveils her latest collection of stunning jewelry via exhibit called Saturnalia--a celebration for the rebirth of the sun. Inspired by the grand festival of ancient Romans, stellar stones in one of a kind setting display beautiful pieces of remarkable adornment.  

Celebrating traditional jewelry and its forever appeal, Natalya’s collection features rings, necklaces, bracelets, cuffs, brooches and earrings. These investment pieces showcase shades of deep red, yellow, dark green and caramel.

 Set in silver, Joanique's precious stones.such as multicolored sapphires, rubies, aquamarine and citrine captivate all eyes even the most discerning of taste . For Saturnalia, Malou presents  two collections. The first collection is defined by bold colors to represent the powerful Roman goddesses of ancient  time while the second set evokes nature and the cold, and the harsh reality that Winter brings.

More than a reason to celebrate, Saturnalia is an inspired collective of talents that pay tribute to history, culture and the arts.  Outstanding creations marvel in their mesmerizing appeal that truly display an irresistible attraction like no other.  

STELLAR earrings.

LUNA earrings.

WILLOW earrings.

More luxe trappings are about to unfold so drop by and check out this special event this coming Wednesday October 23 at 630pm in Firma, Greenbelt 3.

Fashion Watch: Dennis Lustico

All about eve is the theme behind top designer Dennis Lustico's recent Fashion Watch Spring Summer 2012 collection held at the Lobby Lounge of the Shangri-la Makati. Captivating impressions of women through various excerpts in their lives,  the ultra feminine and romantic fashion narration is a tribulation on the significant facets of love in a woman's life. Inspired by the song "Una Historia De Un Amor", the masterful collection presents piece by piece a light and interesting storytelling of love in its various stages. Touching the heart are hues of creams, ivories, corals and shades of grey were his chosen color palette in chiffon, organdi, crepe. Noticable acents were the Thai silk with buttons and other details adding a distinctive trademark. Movement was in the air and the key element wherein the entire feeling was very relaxed, unrestricted and carefree. Lustico's collection were "real" pieces and one could almost feel an emotion that's so uncompromising and unpretentious--channeling the true essence of fashion. Adding sparkle and complimenting the collection were accessories from Joanique, a jewelry line by self-taught jeweler, Malou Romero. 

Designer Dennis Lustico with his SS 2012 Collection.

Completing this season’s Fashion Watch are Ferdi Abuel and Norman Noriega (October 20), Lulu Tan-Gan and Ito Curata (October 24) and Ivar Aseron and Philip Rodriguez (October 27).
Media partners The Philippine Star, Preview, Style Bible, and Star World, together with distinguished designers, and models, along with Patrick Rosas and team as the force behind hair and makeup, Grace Molina as Project Coordinator and Director and Manila’s Prince of Fashion himself, Inno Sotto as Creative Director, make up the famed Fashion Watch as it shows off the industry’s homegrown talents.
As Fashion Watch Quartet makes its comeback, it continues to raise the bar for how today’s fashion show series should be. Fashion Watch 2011 is at the Lobby Lounge of Shangri-La Makati from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Fashion Watch 2011 is presented by Olay, Shangri-la Makati Hotel, Philippine Star, Preview Magazine, Starworld and Stylebible.ph in cooperation with major sponsors BMW and Metro Pacific Investments.

Modern Era

What's new in fashion this July?  Chic jewelry brand Joanique recently launched its latest collection  called "Period Inspiration".  Inspired from the different historical eras such as Edwardian, Victorian, Art Deco and Art Nouveau, the limited edition pieces are dazzling spectacles that create sparkles of desire.  Designed by Malou Araneta-Romero, these objects of art make a statement in vivid and bright tones as seen in a variety of sapphires, rubies, emeralds,tourmaline and natural precious stones.  Beautifully crafted in elaborate and decorative styles, these fine pieces are meticulously set in sterling silver dipped in yellow and rose gold.  With the gold currently skyrocketing to an unreasonable price, these must-have adornments are practical chic and won't hurt the bank.  Joanique's fascination for vintage echoes through this capsule collection taken from commemorative style references.  Contemporary interpretations of the past revisited seemingly presents gloriously in unique, brilliant and priceless creations to last beyond a lifetime.  

Cast the first stone.

Bejeweled.

On the cuff.

Modern symmetry.

Fit for a queen.

Stars in one's eye.

Luxe setting.

Cuff link.

Seeing double.

Heart of stone.

For inquiries check out www.joanique.com or visit the Joanique page on facebook.

Objects D' Art: Emi Jorge

The Manila art and fashion scene is unfolding a big event this coming April 30 called Objects D' Art.  This invitational private trunk show brings together the country's most exclusive artists of jewelry, bags, furniture and paintings.  This one of a kind gathering of astounding artistry is noteworthy of ultra-stellar attention.  Artist in both industries unite in an interesting presentation of what we have in our creative style landscape today.  Style Narratives will be featuring 4 artists taking part in this special occasion namely Nicole Whisenhunt, Michelline Syjuco, Malou Romero of Joanique Co. and first among this series is famed shoe designer turned minaudier creator--Emi Jorge.  
Emi Jorge is a moving figure in the shoes design business in Manila.  She has built a solid reputation for her line SOLEA which has countlessly been featured in almost every top glossy in town.  The highly acclaimed designer has an innate pulse for fashion and forward design sensibilities which has magically created a style and look which she can call her own.  From shoes,her creativity and talent expanded into another interest in fashion-- the world of bag making. Around May of last year, the artist debuted with a set of 14 exquisitely handcrafted minaudieres under her eponymous brand via an exhibtion entitled: Tenorio/Jorge: Filipino Specimens--held at the Philippine Center, 556 Fifth Avenue, New York.

Contemporary Filipiniana takes the global spotlight in richly embellished clutches recreating life as wearable modern art. Jorge’s artisan-crafted purses is a feast for the senses celebrating nature via fashion art made from stick, stone, metal, and shell--a homage to Mother Earth. The sought after artist is a storyteller who narrates the beauty of fashion through the art of her magnificent wonders. 




The masterful creations take inspiration from nomadic discoveries, quiet observations and isolated remembrances refreshed through memories.  History takes part as one of the moving forces behind the process of creation.  Her capsule collection is a style-forward interpretation of modern luxury and emulates the brilliance of Filipino artistry.  This master in the making is the embodiment of the modern Pinoy with the foresight and talent that's truly world class.

Objects D' Art is on April 30, 2011 10am-5pm at The Establishment, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city.

Summer Luxe

After weeks of waiting, Luxe magazine's March-May 2011 issue featuring Marian Rivera on the  cover is finally out.  All in her luxurious glory for their second year anniversary issue, the alluring notable actress displays stellar sexy in sophistication. Grab a copy and see Marian all glammed up wearing trend-inspired resort wear from the most promising young designers in the country. A refreshing look for the sought after actress, Marian showcases another side of her chameleon beauty. The arresting glossy photo was shot by Doc Marlon Pecjo, makeup by Bambi Fuentes, dress by Mikka Velsaquez and accessories by Joanique & Co.  Shot on location at the  Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, special thanks to Loni Balagtas and Laurie Reyes.  Cheers to EIC Christine Daguno, Creative Director Mikaela Lagdameo and the Luxe team.

All Luxed Up

Last weekend we had a shoot for a fairly new glossy called Luxe at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila and met their editor-in-chief /publisher Christine Daguno and associate editor Mikaela Lagdameo(one of Manila's supermodel who I knew way back from the days she was just starting out).  The magazine( I think has been around a little more than two years) belongs to the fashion, beauty and lifestyle genre with almost a hundred pages and comes out quarterly in the market is the new player in the field.  

Current issue with Anne Curtis on the cover.

Heart Evangelista.

Mikaela Lagdameo.

Ruffa Gutierrez.

Mikaela wearing an leopard printed sheer polo by Street Beat Boutique, Denim by Topshop,
shoes by Steve Madden, watch by Omega and motorcycle bag by Balenciaga.

Christine wearing animal printed top and jeans both by Zara, ballet flats and bag
both by Louis Vuitton, silver cuff by Tiffany and watch by Cartier. 

Luxe editorial team.

Laurie Reyes of Hyatt.

The setting was in a suite with a balcony facing Manila Bay.  We were given a warm welcome by Laurie Reyes from PR who was quite sweet and accommodating ( was missing Loni though who unfortunately wasn't able to join us that day). The theme for the magazine's summer issue was all about this season's biggest trend "bold brights". The team included photographer Doc Marlon, makeup artist Bambie Fuentes and the author as the stylist all doing celebrity Marian Rivera for the cover.  With the theme in mind, clothes were specifically made by the current crop of young talented designers namely Mark Tamayo, Pablo Cabahug, Mica Santayana, Mikka Velasquez and Geoffrey Zordilla with Louis Claparols.  Accessories were all by Joanique Co.( check previous blog entry) and shoes by Janylin.  

Doc Marlon wearing a gray tee by 21 Men, gray jeans by Topman, cap and shoes
both by Zara, head scarf by H & M and sunglasses by Louis Vuitton.

Mikka wearing white polo from Wisdom, jeans by Jag, necklace by Forever 21, black cuff by
Tory Burch, watch by Fossil, navy blue bag by Longchamp and platforms by Matthews at CMG.

Kirby wearing v-neck striped shirt by Riot, gray denim by Oxygen, loafers
by Mario D Boro and bag by Memo.

Noelle wearing a black sweater by Forever 21, snakeskin skirt by H & M, black suede platform
shoes from Schizo by Kaye Morales, metal necklace, ring and bag all from a thrift shop.

Geoffrey wearing a striped long sleeve top by Penshoppe, gray pants from Bench, suede
 black shoes from Otto, black bag from Rustans and accessories designed by himself.

Reg wearing animal printed top from a bazaar, leather skirt by TRF, suede bag
by Secosana  and shoes by Parisian.

Rudolph wearing a checkered long sleeve top and black leader combat boots both by H & M,
pants from Pacific Summer, blue studded bracelet by Terranova, watch by Kenneth Cole and
sling bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Mark wearing black long sleeve top from a thrift shop, black zipper hoodie jacket by LTD, military
green trousers designed by himself, military green high cuts from Zara and glasses from Topman.

Marian wearing a floral printed dress shirt, slips with floral embellishment and bag by Gucci.

The author wearing a white v-neck top by Banana Republic, baby blue trousers by
Joey Samson, graysuede lace ups by Fred Perry, black snakeskin nightingale by Givenchy
and sunglasses by Balenciaga.

The shoot turned out pretty well and quite fast( Marian is one of the easiest and fastest celebrities to work with).  I've always loved Marian and her discipline when it comes to work.  No hangups, very professional and quite down to earth.  Dolling her up is fun and easy since she has a great figure( 23 waistline) and is more than willing to play around with our concept.  The Luxe team were very nice and friendly so kudos to them.  Never a dull moment getting all luxed up.

A glimpse of what's instore in the up and coming issue.

The author with Marian.