Sole Searching

The Philippine shoe industry is regaining back its high after more than a decade of sole searching.  After the glory days of Marikina (known for producing the best local shoes) which happened in the 60's-70's, the shoe-making business was at a halt as the influx and clamor for foreign brands took over the shoe stopping landscape.  Today, the local shoe retail industry in the last 5 years or so has gained back its popularity with fashion forward designs, contemporary materials and affordability.  Local brands such as Janilyn, Parisian, Solea, Sapato Manila, T and have stepped back into competition and paved the way to the rise of more brands in the market.  Their insightful success opened the door to a new avenue in the local fashion industry and given rise to what we call made to order.  

In Manila, pioneering the made to order business in the 21st century is one the most respectable local designers who has become a household name and successfully worked in the international fashion scene, master shoemaker Cesar Gaupo. Through the years, this was followed by young aspiring designers and one of them is the talented artist Maco Custodio.  Known in the inner circles of the fashion and entertainment industry, the young master has created a good reputation from his brilliant reinventions of form, play with color and fusion of textures.  His outstanding executions has caught the eye of stylesetters, industry insiders, celebrities and has countlessly appeared on the pages of top glossies and broadsheets in the country.  One can't help marvel at the young master's outstanding and distinct pieces that are truly a mark of his own. Below are images of Maco Custodio's latest creations and collaboration--the name to watch in local shoe fashion.

Reinventing forms.

Two become One.  Straps ingeniously transforms into a rosette.

Sculptural masterpiece made from calf and kidskin 6 inches high with 2 inches of platforms.

Bright moves. Maco Custudio's collaborative masterpiece with stylist Noel Manapat for Sebago is highlighted by electric blue lizard detailing.

For inquiries check out http://www.macocustodio.com/

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.