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.

Second Skin (taken from Allure, Philstar)

Nothing feels better than second skin. Nowadays, fashioning undergarments is as style forward as their trendsetting outerwear. The look of lingerie has evolved into the forefront of contemporary dressing as seen in recent seasons of designer retail collections on and off the runways, covers and pages of top international glossies, and on Hollywood’s most stylish celebrities.

This season, the world of lingerie unfolds a new age of style with something extraordinary.  Where fashion and luxury is redefined into the contemporary, classic undergarments such as bras, panties and shapewear come in seamless and amazing fabrics that mold the sculptural curves of the body. Adding highlight to the appeal of modern fabrication are delicate touches of lace trims and luxe accents that create an overall feel of sophistication. New shapes and forms with contour-like attractions create figure-flattering statements to celebrate the beauty of heavenly bodies. Unique and distinct pieces sizzle in perfect silhouettes that never go out of style.

Modern advancements have taken the look of women’s underwear into progressive directions. The current no-sew technology has made the underwear virtually invisible under clothes. Soft fabrics have become elastic-free as they beautifully mold with the body and eliminate the unwanted presence of panty lines.  The outstanding soft and sheen feel that caresses the body creates perfection. Other features include up-to-date lightweight materials that lift, shape and support the figure at exactly the right places. Furthermore, functions are realized in distinct collections to provide waist reduction, rear lifting and thigh slimming benefits. These modern masterpieces give the wearer a renewed lifestyle of dressing.

Beyond fashion, great underwear is measured by the high quality of comfort it offers. The world’s most comfortable underwear embraces the body with a natural and easy-fit feel that is perfect for everyday use. The best lingerie is all about ease, softness and smoothness.

Today’s underwear adopts the concept of modern luxury. It has redefined the aesthetics from the traditional to the now, creating comfort that is second skin.

(The Comfort Devotion, Dream and Flexees and Shapewear collections all by Maidenform are exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corp.)

Photography by Mau Aguasin, styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Ria Aquino for MAC Cosmetics, hair styling by Mycke Arcano for TRESemme and 1721 Hair extensions, associate stylist Mikka Velasquez, modeled by Ann Umali(Mercator).

In Print

Taken from Multiple Choice, Allure section , Philippine Star.

Summer is all about fashion and fun under the sizzling sun. Despite the scorching heat, Manila is style-setting the scene as it celebrates the season with color.

Recurring from past season trends, the look of prints is definitely here to stay.

Local brand Kikay introduces its Summer 2013 collection with a variety of must-have printed matters. The must-go boutique is creating a stunning statement with a style profusion of trendy hues, feminine florals, bold graphic, modern stripes and luxurious scarf prints. The brand presents a distinct plethora of chic looks to give life to summer’s everyday wardrobe. Dresses, tops and separates are hitting the landscape with the brighter and sunny side of things. This season’s forecast ultimately defines casual trendiness as fabulously “printastic.”
From the international runways to the streets, the clear message is reinvented with luxurious sensibilities. Dare to wear as there’s no need to fear print on print as it is no longer considered a fashion faux pas. Adding on to this fearless attraction are the brand’s stunning eye candy accessories such as earrings, bracelets, cuffs, neckpieces and rings to contrast and complement the up-to-date fascination. Be bold and brave in summer’s current mood as these sensations define a new perspective of things to come and style in the now.

(Kikay is located in Glorietta 2, Market! Market! and Greenbelt 1.)

Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Styling by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Model: ANN UMALI • All clothes by Kikay.

Reinvention

Article taken from MULTIPLE CHOICE By Luis Espiritu, Jr. at Philstar.com
In the past decade, a number of traditional and old brands have progressively transformed into current and relevant fashion.
The Alfred Dunhill Spring/Summer 2013 collection presents a history of classic reinventions. Inspired by the essential codes of menswear and the traditions of English sartorial style, the collection focuses on contemporary tailoring. Reinvention takes the seams as attention to silhouette, fabric and form breathes anew, echoing old-world elegance for today’s times.
The household name offers a wardrobe comprised of casual and formal wear. These fashion-forward pieces are made of high-quality materials. The brand, channeling the “now” lifestyle, has a wide range of cardigans, blouson, formal wear, casual jackets and blazers perfectly wearable and cool for traveling.
For more than a hundred years, the legendary Alfred Dunhill brand has built a name synonymous to both craftsmanship and heritage. Moving the brand forward, it consistently collaborates with the best manufacturers to come up with a noteworthy collection while maintaining its legacy.
(In the Philippines, Dunhill is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. located at the Newport Mall, Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza Mall.)
Photography by Mau Aguasin • Creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Makeup by Sari Campos • Associate styling by Mikka Velasquez and Kristine Torribio • Model: Veridiano Tesch • Shot on location at the Peninsula de Punta Fuego. For more information, please call 836-5000 • Special thanks to Landco and Mawi de Ocampo

Pieces of Hue

"Kaleidoscope"- the latest collection of Joanique is an amazing showcase of contemporary jewelry. After a successful exhibition is Paris early this year, their current artistic expositions has caught the attention of the international press and is soon to be available on selective notable boutiques in European fashion capitals. The self taught artist behind the brand, Malou Araneta Romero's beautifully crafted and designed pieces channel modernity and showcase Filipino artistry. Inspired by the lines, colors and shapes of kaleidoscopes, these captivating incantations reflect remarkable artisanal aesthetics to be treasured. Dazzle your eyes with one of a kind prized possessions set in the most precious of metals to behold. Mesmerizing stones from the earth sparkle in their most natural wonder.
Soon to take part of the international spotlight, Joanique prides in what embodies the outstanding brilliance of the hands of our local talent. A homegrown name of jewelry whose sense of nowness is an optimistic insight on the new fineries of what's next to come.

Photography by Mau Aguasin, styling by Luis Espiritu, makeup by Ria Aquino, modeled by Petra(Mercator). Dresses by Dennis Lustico. Joanique is available in Cura V, 2/F Powerplant Mall, Rockwell center, makati city and at Firma, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati city.

Style Forward

Salvatore Ferragamo's latest collection is all about super luxe casuals. The style statement is not to make one but be understated. Elegance transcends to our everyday wardrobe in stunning textures such as leather and exotic skins. Fascinating how the look of simplicity becomes special highlighted by accents of gilded touches as seen in sweaters, knits, wrap miniskirts, slim fitting leather pants, dresses, bags, accessories, knee-high peep-toe flat croc boots and sandals.

Since 2010, the haute brand's successful comeback marks high on the style radar. Style-setters are loving the resurgence of the renowned Italian fashion house under its current womenswear line designer
Massimiliano Giornetti. Under his helm, the brand is seemingly back on track and creating an impact that's definitely aspirational. In fashion, the the only way to go is only forward.

In the Philippines, Salvatore Ferragamo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati, Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Tower, Rustan’s Cebu, Newport Mall, and Alabang Town Center.

Photography by Mau Aguasin, creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Ria Aquino for MAC, hair styling by Patty , fashion associate stylist - Mikka Velasquez, modeled by Lou Munoz and Karina (both from Mercator).

Forecast

Shooting editorial samples can be quite exciting. You get the opportunity to check out the stuff even before they appear in glossies or make it to the stores-some even don't at all. As a fashion stylist, these collections are circulated by region and the ones that land on the pages of international mainstream magazines such as Vogue, Bazaar, Elle and the likes. Handling merchandise can be quite taxing due to the probability that they get damaged. But with these things, due to their "editorial" use, the stylist gets free hand in doing whatever creative execution. Recently shot an editorial for People Asia using these international brands from Stores Specialists Inc.(SSI) and showcasing their trend forecast for the summer season. Cheers!

Utopia

Living in a country with 7,106 islands is a great opportunity for discovery. The Philippines is rich with endless beaches and there is always the continuous search for the next vacation destination.

Recently my travel compass brought me back to Puerto Galera in Oriental, Mindoro and discovered a new paradise-- Utopia Resort and Spa. According to Merriam-Webster, Utopia refers to an imaginary and indefinitely remote place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions. This luxurious resort nestled in the mountains overlooking Varadero Bay is one of the handful in the area with 5 star facilities and amenities. The luxe setting has a limited number of elegantly decorated rooms designed with world class standards, lounge pool with bar, a bistro that offers a variety of cuisines and spa which only uses Pevonia Botanica skin care products. The look is modern earthy as it encompasses the entire property with its distinct design sensibilities. Highlighting the interior/exterior space is the contemporary use of indigenous materials for their furnishings and deco. And if one is in search of exploration and adventure, the resort offers a variety of things to do such as waterfall tours, mountain hiking, boat sailing, sports fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and a lot more.
Serenity is Utopia. Secluded from the maddening crowds, the habitué for the selective prides itself in utmost privacy. Peace, tranquility and silence is achieved in this paradise where quality time with friends, family and loved ones is essential. What sets this resort from the others is the impeccable personal service and pampering is definitely five star. If you're looking for some quiet and down time from the city, Utopia is the perfect getaway and brings a new experience to today's lifestyle.

Utopia Resort and Spa is located at Barangay Palangan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro 5203, Philippines.
Tel. (043) 2873681 or +6343 2873681
Fax: (043) 2873682 or +6343 2873682
Mobile:+639185555720/+639266002554

Check out www.utopiaresort.ph or email info@utopiaresort.ph