Joanique SS 2015

Modern earthy edge is the latest from Joanique SS 2015.  There is certain nowness in her recent pieces where contemporary design in tribal influences is anew.  Semi-precious stones set in metals are redefined in edgy noteworthy styles.  The on the radar look showcases a distinct look that defines a left of center beauty.  Joanique's point of view goes beyond the mainstream yet has that high commercial appeal. Cultural and historical references are seen in the current collection as it echoes wearable art. Bold yet unassuming, Joanique's ethnic mood is sharp and cool with an overall mood of dangerous glamour.

Different Strokes

Iconic Filipino designer Rhett Eala painting fashion in various points of hues.  Strokes of genius come alive in a palette of both vivid and bold as it tickles the imagination. A piece of clothing is a blank canvass and through the designer's artistry it is transformed into a fine masterpiece. Nothing but admiration can be given to this ingenious artist who's passion for fashion brushes anew in local ready to wear. Classic silhouettes are painterly reinvented in beautiful dresses and gowns every woman would want. The simplicity of clean lines with masterful embellishments and details transform the simple to extraordinary. Art successfully presented in luxe fabrication creates a seamless and modern design perspective. The new collection channels the union of both feminine and sexiness in refinement.  The freedom of creative energy channels the artist's lifestyle and sensibilities into contemporary impressions in extraordinary creations.

Mich Dulce X Zacarias by SC Vizcarra

The pride of the Philippines, SC Vizcarra's Zacarias line collaborates with international Filipino designer Mitch Dulce with a limited edition collection for both London and Paris fashion week 2015. Brilliant musings using a combination of surfaces display an amazing design perspective worthy of distinction. One can't help but notice the seamless fusion of textures channeling the modernity of form.  Irreverently intelligent, the outstanding creations display fashioned art with a whimsical twist.  Brilliant sculptural forms display the rawness of beauty in functional perspectives. Currently catching the eye of the fashion and design industries,  their presence is creating an impact as they captivate the market with what is truly globally Filipino. In depth, there is a conscious effort in pushing the envelope as both cultural identity and local artistry remarkably is of world class standards.  Mitch Dulce x Zacarias is a visionary statement that will hopefully inspire the Filipino talent to take the big leap forward.   Here are a few pieces from the fashion week collection.

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.

People

People Asia magazine, one of the most celebrated glossies in the Philippines is known for its distinct features of a variety of people in the news and now. Celebrities, politicians, personalities, artists, tycoons, industry movers, businessmen etc., the list goes on and on but one thing remains- these accomplished individuals are both inspirational and aspirational to many. Among the multitude, there are a few who make a mark in their respective fields of expertise thus making it into the annual People Asia's People of the year. The prestigious list of 2013 People of the Year are the following:

Mr. F. SIONIL JOSE- People of the Year Awardee
Ms. ANNE CURTIS- People of the Year Awardee
Ms. ANGEL LOCSIN- People of the Year Awardee
Ms. JOSEPHINE GOTIANUM-YAP- People of the Year Awardee
Mr. APL.DE.AP- People of the Year Awardee
Ms. KAREN DAVILA- People of the Year Awardee
Atty. FRANCIS TOLENTINO- People of the Year Awardee
Mr. BEN CHAN- People of the Year Awardee
Mr. RANDY ORTIZ- People of the Year Awardee
Mr. PRATEEK KUMAR- People of the Year Awardee
Mr. NORMAN BLACK- People of the Year Awardee
Mr. EDDIE GARCIA- People of the Year Awardee
GOV. ER EJERCITO - People of the Year Awardee
Mr. ANDREW TAN- Special Awardee
Mr. JUAN MIGUEL ZUBIRI - Special Awardee
JUAN PONCE ENRILE - Lifetime Achievement Award

Congratulations to this years awardees and looking forward to the next batch!

Pinoy Ubermodel

Does the name Paolo Roldan sound familiar?  No he's not a new showbiz personality in the local entertainment scene, nor is he an up and coming singer?  If you still haven't guessed it right, the 26 year old Filipino-Canadian is a ubermodel hopeful on his way to international stardom.   The former fashion buyer of Nomad (a well-known menswear boutique located in Toronto) was discovered by chance a year and half ago in New York by Boss Models New York founder and owner David Bossman. But it was last years Givenchy campaign that catapulted this newcomer into stellar status.  The Givenchy muse immediately became an international sensation after going completely naked for Vogue Paris in June 2010 shot by renowned photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.  His Pan-Pacific looks, lean physique and towering 6'2 height is the perfect mold for the next global Asian supermodel.  Well, be seeing more of Paolo Roldan in the coming season as he takes part in the upcoming Spring-Summer 2012 Menswear runway shows and hopefully the face of designer ad campaigns.  In my previous entry, making the country proud is another Filipino who recently won the highly coveted Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 competition--Danica Magpantay.  With these two models in mind, Filipinos once again take the spotlight as one of the headlines in the global fashion industry. Both Paolo Roldan and Danica Magpantay are the epitome of today's modern Pinoy ubermodel.    

Major Paris'(agency)  Spring Summer 2012 Model Lineup(photo from Fashionisto.com)

Johannes Faktotum Fall 2011 Lookbook.

GQ Germany 2011.

Schon Magazine 2011.

i-d magazine 2011.

The Dirty Durty Diary.

Details Magazine 2011.

studswar Spring 2011 Lookbook.

Numero Homme China.

The Block Magazine.

VMan.

Vogue China.

The making of the Givenchy man.

The campaign that started it all.

Paolo Roldan for Givenchy.

Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 Winner Danica Magpantay.