Fashion Watch: OJ HOFER and DENNIS LUSTICO

Haven't seen a fashion show in ages. This author's work of late has been doing a lot of backstage stuff and has never gotten the chance to sit down with the audience and really watch a show. Last Thursday, despite the busy schedule, I was able to finally play the press role and headed to the Lobby Lounge of Shangri-La Makati to see FASHION WATCH QUARTET 2011 FEATURING OJ HOFER AND DENNIS LUSTICO. Had to rush going there and was lucky to be in the good company of Look Editor in Chief Melanie Cuevas, designers Joey Samson, Ivar Aseron and Veejay Floresca (who was kind enough to share his table with us since the venue was super packed). Fashion personalities, journalists, society figures and clients filled the lounge wearing their most stylish dressy casual ensembles waiting in excitement for the unfolding of the holiday collections of two of the most talented designers in the Philippines today. The show started on time and was fascinated that both collections celebrated the season's front-liner and continuing trend for Fall-Winter--color. The models ethereally paraded the lounge area, coloring the scene in beautiful hues as if painting the late afternoon with much delight.

OJ HOFER’s Angkorian Ether collection for Fashion Watch Quartet took inspiration from the Devatas and Apsaras women carved around Angkor Wat. Languid and fluid expositions in the art of drapery showcases the artistic brilliance of this young master. Color theories were flowing blissfully in bay leaf greens, Vishnu blue to different shades of gold--what a sight to behold. Complimenting the beautiful masterpieces were the wide belts and armor-like gold accessories which gave the entire look a hint of sophisticated edge. From the trend spotting designer pieces, this author picked a few of his favorites.

Electric pleats look fab in long proportions.

These wide-leg pants is chic with an edge.

Sophisticated back detailing is always red carpet ready. 

Must-have belt and cuff complete the look with stellar appeal. 

Super love this ensemble, the right color and accessories makes this look
style perfect.

Go with the flow with the season's color and fabric.

Designer Oj Hofer(center) with his collection.

DENNIS LUSTICO'S collection on the other was a reflection inspired from one of our local cultural custom and tradition--the Barrio Fiesta. The colorful festivity of fashion and style were interpreted elegantly in bright reds, blues and nude highlighted with accents of luxe crystals and beadworks. Soft and luxurious fabrics displayed in modern fluidity were echoed throughout the outstandingly seamless collection. Precious separates, beautiful dresses and regal gowns take a contemporary spin on elegance and definitely something any woman of style and substance would want to wear. Lustico's pursuit for design excellence shows in impeccable design and form his arresting showcase of contemporary fashion. Noteworthy too are the attention grabbing modern clutches by shoe and bag designer Emi Jorge.

The sexy in beads never fail to capture the eye.

Love the back detail. 

The epitome of chic sophistication.

Modern style in picture perfect color combination.

Yellow beads with a long tailored skirt is a sure class act.

My favorite piece, it spells fashion standout.

In the nude.

Designer Dennis Lustico with his collection.

Love orchids.

Young designer Veejay Floresca.

Escario's  prized possession--Hilky.

Look magazine's EIC Melanie Cuevas.

Design duo Ivar Aseron and Joey Samson.

Sweet treats.

The good old days. Former Fashion Editor of Preview Magazine Camille Cruz in Rajo Laurel top for Plains and Prints and the author in an Ivar Aseron Aztec inspired caftan.

Fashion Watch 2011 is at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La from 3-6pm, directed by Grace Molina, hair and makeup by Patrick Rosas and creative direction The Prince of Philippine Fashion--Inno Sotto.  The must-see series is presented by Olay, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Philippine Star, Preview Magazine, Starworld and Stylebible.ph in cooperation with major sponsors BMW and Metro Pacific Investments.

A Cup of Tea

Have you ever been fond of those pearl drinks (or in local terms called sago) which became a super hit sometime ago? Can you recall the famed Zagu that's in almost any corner, supermarket or mall all over the country? Well, this author recently discovered through friend Tammy David a new haven of pearl drinks called Chatime. Located at Pioneer Center in Mandaluyong, the latest discovery is turning into an addiction--it's super yummy and can't seem to get enough of it.  The modern tea house serves contemporary and original Taiwanese flavor with a range of must-try fresh to milk teas, smoothies, juices, coffee, jelly and other special concoctions.  Healthy drinking doesn't need a lot of thinking--one can control the amount of sugar and ice to be mixed in your drink, you just have to inform the one taking your order. 
Chatime is also a cool place to hang out, have meetings and go online forever with their free wifi.  As one enters the place you might get the impressions of a take out counter, but when you go up to their second floor you'll be surprised to see a spacious white washed space that's so immaculate chic. Eye-catching modern furnishing in luxe fabrics seen on purple velvet couches and fucshia stools are the perfect style settings.  Of recent, a new branch opened in Landmark, Makati and based on what I've been hearing, it's super packed.  According to the grapevine, there will be more branches really soon.  Great offerings, nice interiors and the perfect ambiance makes Chatime a special place where you can get more than just a cup of tea.  

Time check.

If you look closely, the ones marked with a green leaf symbol before each specific
drink are the ones highly recommended.

This was so good with 100% sugar and 50% ice.

Will try this one on my next visit.

Special kind of grass which you should have with no less than 100% sugar or else
you're going to regret it.

Never really fond of red beans until the author finally tried this one on his first visit.

Beans, beans and more beans.

Down time is Cha time.

So loving the futuristic interiors.

Almost everything white and easy.

Comfy and stylish purple velvet couch.

The mascot reminds me of a tissue ad way back in the 80's.

Three's company.

Sign is all dressed up.

The kids are coming!

Kids are adorable.  How can one not smile with delight with the sight of kids dressed up like living dolls.  My style team was given a project and this author decided to task this job to his "kids" Donna Gonzales Lim and Mikka Velasquez.  SM has a young trendy shoe line called SUGARKIDS.  The picture perfect catalogue brings kiddie shoes at the forefront of preteens fashion.  Style is also for the young and they would love to play dress me up.  Chic flats, espadrilles, wedges,  clogs, platforms and booties in variety of print, color and style make these pretty little girls oh so fab.  This catalogue reminds of the ones like Vogue kids and is definitely the way to go in promoting one of the biggest markets in the country-- kids fashion.  Watch out stylistas and fashionistas, the kids are coming!!!

Photography by Bug Nieva, styling by Donna Gonzales Lim and Mikka Velasquez, makeup by Edwin Calingasan and modeled by Cleo, Louise and Mona.

New Voice

The whole blogging community in the Philippines is a phenomenon.  Years back, this author had resistance to such and was constantly prodded by PR, industry people and friends to create a blog.  Maybe it was something new at that time and was hesitant to get into something unknown.  Filled with a lot of responsibilities working with the broadsheet (Philippine Star's Allure section), glossy magazine (METRO), teaching (SOFA) and fashion styling for advertising,  it was hard back then to start something that would entail a certain amount of time and devotion.  Through constant convincing from good friends, it was only on the first day of this year when my decision to start one finally happened.  Though the amount of workload still fills up my day to day schedule, this fairly new commitment is a fun fulfilling medium of self-expression that connects one to a vast universe of online social existence.
Was recently invited to a bazaar by Bloggers United(a prestigious organization of young and popular bloggers) and was amazed by the multitude of people who came.  It was a gathering of a whole new world of youthquake and testimony that the online universe is a powerful tool of communication.  Yes, the new force to reckon with is still growing into the millions of uniqueness united in a global platform.  
Voices can now be heard and streamlined with technology and its advances to the future.  From the simple to the complex of stereotypes, the strength of individuality is acknowledged in varying levels of substance or form, or both. Whether a story, observation, insights, visual narrative or whatever you may call it, everyone in this virtual world is worthy of something to say.  After all in this day and age where the progressive net culture ceases to exist, we have the right to speak our mind.

Modern communication.

Blog this way! (from left to right)  stylenarratives, thedressupdoll,miss donata and heyrocketgirl.

Bloggers United! Grabbed some photos from heyrocketgirl.

Who's the fairest of them all? 

Style sisters Jeanne Khe and heyrocketgirl.

Black and white by thedressupdoll Nicole Santos and Camille Crisostomo.

Serious fun.

June 2011 Magazine Covers in the Philippines

Summer is officially over and rainy season has officially began.  The latest glossy covers causing a downpour in the Philippine publishing industry into the newsstands is filled with ubermodels, young actresses, Hollywood celebrities, society figures with a cause and most importantly the president. Happy reading to all!

Actress Anne Curtis makes you want to blush.

I wanna be a supermodel.  Supermodel of the World Winner Danica Magpantay,
Ist runners up Charlene Almarvez and Charo Ronquillo.

In Hollywood actress Kim Chiu.

Girl of the moment Solenn Heusaff.

All dressed up actor Dingdong Dantes.

Sibling revelry. Anne Curtis and Jasmine Curtis Smith.

Ubermodel brides to be Rissa Samson and Joey Mead.

Actress Lovi Poe.

Publisher Lily O Boyle.

Sexy Stef Prescott.

Model Gwen Ruais in haute couture.

Open the vault with ABS-CBN Publishing's new men's magazine.

Gossip friendly Blake Lively.

Prime time telenovela young superstars Julia Montes and Kathyrn Bernardo.

Newlyweds Oyo Sotto and Kristine Hermosa.

Return to Temptation. Actresses Solenn Heusaff, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe and
Marian Rivera (seated).

Man of substance Fred Uytengsu.

The most important man in the Philippines, President Noynoy Aquino.