Taste of Perfection

The best moments in life are those we spend with our family and friends.  Minutes become hours as time passes by so quickly over endless storytelling and laughter.   Precious and timeless, these things no amount of monetary unit can purchase--a truth most live by.  And like most truths, there is that unspoken myth about a matter most would desire --taste.  Some say it's either you have it or you don't.  But let's not get there and start raising eyebrows, it all depends on ones perspective.  
One of taste's greatest attribute is the ability to create or make anything beautiful. One haven of beauty this author was able to have the luxury of time to spend an afternoon with great friends was at Lusso( which means luxurious in Italian).  Located at the stealth corner of Greenbelt 5, this Italian resto is the epitome of chic.  The interiors boasts of impeccable taste in furniture, lighting fixtures, table settings, flora and fauna arrangements set in gilded perfection.  One is welcomed by the friendly staff into this well-lit sanctuary of refined sensibilities.  A tribute to the senses, the luxe setting presents a unique menu made by no less than one of Manila's most respectable connoisseurs-Gaita Fores. The must-try specialties include Beef burger with Foie Grass, Salmon Tartare Mille-Feuille, Lumpfish Caviar Foam, Gnocco Prosciutto San Daniele, Lusso Foie Gras Burger, Bottarga Di Muggine and Shepherd's Pie Braised Lamb. A noteworthy wine and dine habitue for the elusive, one cannot contest the atmosphere and beauty of refinement.   

A touch of glass.

Talk of the town.

Glorious love of light.

The chic in green.

Cod of ethics.  Codfish with mashed potato and roquette oil.

Dates and Speck.  Pitted dates with parmigiano filling wrapped in bacon strips.

Midas touch.

Chocolate macaroons with Dom Perignon.

Refined symmetry.

Adaptation.

Garden of Eden.  The author with Mel Cuevas and Pam Gonzales.

Food for thought.

Lusso is located Greenbelt 5, Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. For reservations call 756-5893.

Master of the Univers

Far far away beyond the stars is a world unknown. Hundreds of galaxies co exist in the vastness of space where probably thousands of planets live within a concept of time. Like heavenly bodies, fashion is a fusion of countless worlds living in one platform of existence. Where styles are born and reborn to take shape of any form and breathe life into one's individuality--this is what you call personal style. A creation deeply rooted in influences of sorts,they become a mirror of who we are. After all, you are what you wear.
The Manila fashion retail scene, like the galaxies out there are ever-evolving.  Global brands both new and old shine just like stars and they nestle among the millions of heavenly bodies.  Just recently, a new world was borne right at the epicenter of style--UNIVERS.  From the renowned group of Homme et Femme (responsible for bringing global brands such as Balenciaga, Celine, Lanvin, Comme de Garcon, Marni etc. to the Philippines), the luxurious haven is a breakthrough in contemporary retail store design wherein the fusion of fashion and art is exemplified. Designed by no less than renowned master artist Ed Calma, the outstanding interiors display a cerebral and well thought of concept of space.  UNIVERS is a global retail concept setting the new standard of the shape of things to come.  The artful play of high ceilings, modern lighting, glass panels and fixtures are unparalleled in the local scene making it the first of its kind in the Philippines.
Enter the UNIVERS and one is welcomed by a glass counter filled with the most alluring scents and sensibilities.  The total area is divided into three, on the left side is where the men's stuff are, the right is entirely devoted to women while in the center area are chic fixtures and ornamentation for the home.  Also found in this new universe are hard to find fashion magazines, artwork by RM de Leon and interesting objects of style.  Style definitely is a tall order even to the discerning eye as one can't help but marvel at the well-edited pieces seen on display. Taking concept stores to greater heights, the new milestone in the local landscape is truly a refreshing world beyond the ordinary everyone must see.  UNIVERS is the step forward in fashion, design and art here and beyond.

Space invaders.

Tea for two.

Achilles heel.

Connect the dots.

Rick Owens sightings.

Where the boys are.

Comme all ye faithful.

Black box.

Feminine delight.

Theory of color by Jil Sander.

Rack of Jil.

Rick Owens for femme.

Bright and beautiful.

Heaven is a place on Eairth.

Scent-ence for life.

Un perfume.

Hard to find.

Toy story by John Derian.

For the well-heeled by RM de leon.

Au naturelle by Gaita Fores.

Red alert.

Loving orange by Eairth.

A definite must-go for the no-mainstream style shopper.  Inside the discerning UNIVERS you can find Aspesi, Balenciaga,Comme Play, Comme Black, Eairth, John Derian, Jil Sander, Margiela, Pierre Hardy, Porter, Roland Mouret, Rick Owens, Y-3, Zero and Maria Cornejo.  UNIVERS is located at Unit No. 104-106 One Rockwell East Tower, Makati city 1210PH; for inquiries email at univers@hommeetfemme.ph or call +632 553 6811