BTS (Asian Dragon Fashion Editorial)

Behind all the gloss in the publishing industry is a lot of hard work. To get a picture perfect, blood, sweat and tears where logistics can get out of control.  Behind the scenes gives one a glimpse of what fashion is beyond the surface.  A documentary behind the veils of all flash, it is a captured still from of a moment in the making.  Generally, the perception of industry is quite blinding but behind the lights is a vision, an expression, discipline  and more importantly passion for fashion.

Midas Touch.

Night flash.

Waiting.

Black and pearls.

In the vibe.

It takes two.

Easy street.

Asian Dragon fashion editor Francesca de la Cruz, photographer's Mau Aguasin and Jo Ann Bitagcol with the author.

Red Girl 2014

Denims are classics. Through the decades, the once casual piece has evolved into the modern everyday wear lifestyle. Today, it has become a style essential for day to night dressing. 

Local jeans brand  Red Girl recently launched its 2014 campaign. The latest collection presents an entire wardrobe of modern and chic ready to wear pieces for the woman of the times.  Timeless silhouettes have taken new forms in up to date cuts and styles current on the radar.     Denim channels nowness with a variety of contemporary washes suitable for today's fashionable lifestyle. Up to date stitching and stylish details reinvent the standard with a modern look as seen on jeans, skirts, shorts, tops, polos, jackets and dresses. No longer limited to a palette of blues, the brand presents a wide variety of neutral and bold hues to choose from. Highlighting the collection are the limited printed and reversible jeans that are practical must-buys. Denims is no longer a piece of convenience but has become a wardrobe necessity. Its relevance in through the time has become the core of its evolution. The refreshing dressy take on casual dressing defines a new level of style on the look of jeans.  

Photography by Mau Aguasin, creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., associate stylists Mikka Velasquez, Bang Martinez, Diane Lasam, Tara Subaldo, and Jona Buenaventura; makeup by Fatima Rabago, modeled by Karen Lima.  In the Philippines, Red Girl is available in Robinsons Department Store nationwide.

SC Vizcarra 2014

One of fashion's iconic accessory is the bag. The perennial style piece at one point in history took the spotlight as it was crowned with the "IT" status.  Yes, for a good number of seasons, the search for the next "IT" bag was like an endless obsession for the most covetable prize.  After it's haunting hours of fame, the object of desire has grounded and returned to its mainstream appeal as an essential to complete ones everyday ensemble. Today, the staple bag has equally gained a reputable identity leveraged through timeless design, impeccable quality and craftsmanship in modern translations that takes it fashion forward.

In the Philippines, surpassing the test of time in the bag industry is a legendary brand-SC Vizcarra.  With origins dating back more than 75 years ago, the respectable name founded by Segundina C. Vizcarra in 1925 has established on a global scale the noteworthy Filipino identity through its outstanding creations. Showcasing the brilliance of pinoy artisans, their exemplary artistry withvindigenous materials and leather in contemporary design display the brilliance in high standard excellence.  Marveled all over the world, its cult following through the decades have expanded as it showcases every season masterpieces that define the progressive Filipino art of weaving in nowness. Unfazed by trends and forecasts, the brands uniqueness boast of several lines under its name: ZACARIAS-the contemporary line which collaborates with international artists, designers and architects for a wide range of projects including bags, interior pieces, sculptures and one-offs(zacarias1925.com), S.C.Vizcarra Limited (the natural leather bags) S.C.Vizcarra and S.C.Vizcarra Home. A major fixture in the globally renowned Manila FAME, the brand is a prime mover and supporter of local export quality products. Creatively headed by Rita Nazareno, the brand is set to move forward in new directions. Currently gearing up in establishing a stronger presence in the international scene, the brand is an epitome of what is global Pinoy-Philippine made products that are of international quality and standards).  One of the best in the country(soon the world) and a league on its own, SC Vizcarra is ready to showcase the Philippines to the world via Maison et Objet, Paris Sept 5-9; its latest collaborative collection with Mitch Dulce(who to date works for the house of Chanel)- Dulce x Zacarias- London Fashion Week at Somerset house September. 12-16 and Paris fashion week, private showroom at 30 rue Saint Roch, 75001 from Sept 23-October 3.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol, fashion styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Fatima Rabago, associate stylists Bang Martinez, Diane Lasam, Tara Subaldo and Jona Buenaventura, modeled by Ann Umali(Mercator) and wardrobe by Joey Samson.

Joanique AW 2014

In the world of Philippine accessories, globally recognized brand Joanique presents its AW 2014 collection entitled "Tribal Translations".  Inspired from ethnic and indigenous origins, modernity takes both shape and form beautiful creations of uniqueness.  Unbounded by time, past becomes present in a amazing play of contrasts as the brand traces its roots from the homeland. Symbollically iconoclastic, marks of distinction featuring cow bone, Carabao horn mixed with semi precious stones are formed into priceless masterpieces.  The latest collection showcases contemporary design fused with by-products of the local farming industry that unfolds one of a kind pieces evoking the beauty of simplicity with an edge. 

Joanique takes pride in its Filipino identity proudly seen in their accessories.  Their works of art are a testament of high quality standards and materials producing excellent designs constantly cited and noticed on foreign shores. More importantly, these Philippine made products are borne from the hands of remarkable and exemplary Pinoy artisans  driven by passion.  Every Joanique piece is unique, and more than just an accessory it is an embodiment of Filipino art, heart and soul. 

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol, fashion styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Ria Aquino for MAC Cosmetics, associate stylists Mikka Velasquez, Bang Martinez, Diane Lasam, Tara Subaldo, Jona Buenaventura, Ann Andres and Kim Barik, modeled by Angel Jacob,wardrobe by Joey Samson.

STOCKIST

INTERNATIONAL

EUROPE

Wolf and Badger

32 Dover St. London W1S 4NE

Luxe Room

4 William Street, Kilkenny, Ireland

ASIA

SHOWROOM A by Aroxta

Winning House Suite 28, 1st Floor,26-28 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

ASIAN PALETTE

163 Tanglin Road, 02-30 Tanglin Mall, Singapore 247933

QUATTRO HOME

29 PSI Tower, Unit G04, Sukhumvit 39 Rd. Klongton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

PHILIPPINES

458 SHOWROOM

458 Adalla St. Palm Village, Makati City 1211

CURA V

2F PowerPlant  Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City

BIJOU by Ana Rocha

2L Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St. Ayala Center, Makati City

ONLINE

www.anthropologie.com

www.wolfandbadger.com

www.vitostudio.com

CONTACT

For Orders and Inquiries, you may reach us at:

Email:   info@joanique.com

Telephone:   +63 2 952 2485

Mobile:   +63 917 830 1285

Address:   458 Adalla St. Palm Village, Makati City 1211

Website:   www.joanique.com

Surface

2013 was a milestone.  This author released his second bag collection under TRU entitled "Surface".  A creative display of textures in traditional shapes and sizes, this exposition of artistry defines the tribute to classicism.  "Real fashion, real people, real leather" was the symbolic theme wherein industry personalities who are dear friends were invited to take part in this humble campaign that promotes the style ideal that classic are forever.  The old is made new with the use of contemporary stamped leather and distinct three metal dots detailing. The bag is a timeless style piece that surpasses fashion trending season after season and has past the test of time. Symbolically,  in parallel are the precious friendships this author has made with the co-stars of this campaign.  TRU in essence is a brand that only uses real and quality leather to promote the bag with aesthetic value and the idealism of quality.  

On a personal note,  this author would like to thank all those who made this collection possible. My deepest and forever gratitude to the kindred and warm hearts who took time and effort to make this dream a reality. To Cristina And Lisa the brains behind TRU who all these years believed and trusted in my talent. I love you all.

For inquiries: check out TRU on Facebook or msg/call 09273461427

Special thanks to Angel Jacob, Ronnie Salvacion, Melanie Cuevas, Malou Romero, Joey Samson, Sara Black, Corine Alegre, Bianca Salonga, Vicky Tensuan, Katrina Holigores, Trish Chua Juico, Hideo Muraoka, Ann Umali, Jasmine Maierhofer, Ria Bolivar, Frank Hoefsmit, John Valle, Mickey See, Isabel Gatuslao, Brent Javier, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Ivar Aseron, Lou Munoz, Pablo Cabahug, Samantha Lewis, Pia Reyes, Mau de Leon and Kelly Misa.  

With my love and thanks to my endearing style team Mary Grace Caison, Mikka Velasquez, Bang Martinez, Diane Lasam, Tara Subaldo, Jona Buenaventura, Ann Andres and Kim Barik  .