A Step Ahead

In the Philippines, good local shoes for men are hard to find. There aren't much brands to choose from since there is an influx of international names that cover most of the market. Though this maybe the current situation, there are a handful of locally made men's shoes that standout and one of them is Salvatore Mann. The in house brand of SM for the modern gentleman, they present a wide range of selections to choose from season after season. From classic to trendy, whether in style, up to date design or the latest color, Salvatore Mann spearheads the shoe retail landscape in trendsetting via mass market proportions. Undoubtedly, the latest in footwear transcends from the international runways into the streets. Style is made affordable through pieces inspired from global designer brand collections all over the world. Men don't need to worry in getting stylish shoes that cost an arm and a leg, Salvatore Mann has taken the big step ahead.

We Are Young

Work becomes play when kids are involved.  The look and feel of things around you becomes a decade younger.  The style team recently had a two day shoot featuring kids shoes from nonetheless but the Philippine retail industry's giant among giants--SM.  With kids there are a lot of proppings, clothes are more colorful and the mood is all in the spirit of fun.  Yes, the very young play a big role too in the retail scene, without them, the whole essence of a department store won't be complete.  Going back, one thing quite evident in these kiddie photoshoots is the overload of sweets such as candies, gums, cookies and chocolates.  Waaaaahhh all time sugar high.  The kids love it so much and they always seem to have endless energy.  The sight gives one a moment to look back and recall at one point we filled in the same shoes.  Oh well, there's still a child in each and everyone of us that comes out probably once in a blue moon. Just a thought,could it be the secret of youth? 

DPI XL Studios.

Inspiration.

The wardrobe.

The setting.

The bait.

The dolls.

Sweets for my sweets.

Adfolio's Lora Antenor, SM's Rina Bugayong and Ruth Galvez, Adfolio's Neslyn

SM Merchandisers.

Styling apprentice Alyssa Lapid and K MIranda.

Photographer Nico Villegas.

Day 1 Style Team:  Grace Caison, Donna Gonzales Lim and Mikka Velasquez.

Day 2 Set up.

Wardrobe.

The Star.

Day 2 Stylists Rudolph Leonor and Reg Rodriguez.

Niko Villegas takes the shot.

Structure and Form

The latest in global bag trending since early this year is all about structure.  Both classic and new shapes are the current offerings defined by style forecasts in colors, textures and hardware.  The up to date change of the season look is unmistakably chic simple with a twist with nothing frilly, fancy or over embellished. Hot on the list are clean frames, linear equations and geometric-like forms creating practical pieces to compliment one's everyday wardrobe. These refined and understated extras come in plain or faux exotics skins making them the next style setters without screaming out loud.  High on both purpose and style, these covetable fashion are no "IT bags" but are simply must-buys and must-haves.

Photography by Nico Villegas, styling by Luis Espiritu, makeup by Bobby Carlos, hair styling by Jaime Sy, associate stylists Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales Lim, Mikka Velasquez and Rudolph Leonor, modeled by Fatima Rabago. All bags are available at SM Department stores nationwide.

Color Coded

After more than a week of rain the sun is finally out and despite the gloomy weather, the past season's color trending is here to stay.  From summer brights, the new color coding comes in bold jewel like and daring shades that will surely make an impact.  Hot hues have been spotted in the Autumn-Winter 2011 international runways Prada, Haider Ackermann, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Chloe, Versace, Jill Sander, Hermes, Michael Kors, Giambatissta Valli in a seemingly optimistic direction in highlighting up our wardrobes.  The latest in modern elements of style such as bags and shoes are adopting the trendy brights under control. Note that last season's eye-popping sensations have been toned down and is walking tall with the most alluring combinations. Exquisite colors are marking the new standard with elegant creations moving local fashion forward.  Embrace the new season with a new palette of haute style and step into the fabulous mood of the months to come with the up to date colors of glamour.

Photography by Nico Villegas, Styling by Luis Espiritu, makeup by Bobby Carlos, Hair styling by Jaime Sy, styling associates Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales Lim, Mikka Velasquez and Rudolph Leonor, modeled by Fatimo Rabago.  Shoes and bags are available in all SM Department Stores nationwide.  

Point of Shoot

Shooting day.  Last week, the team had two major shoots one was for men's shoes and the other was for ladies bags at the Elite Studios in A. Venue, Makati. We had quite a big group and decided to take snaps of everyone since the author hasn't logged in an outfit entry for quite awhile.  There were new faces in the team and they easily blended well with everyone.  It was hard stuff and fun as usual but despite the long hours at the end of the shoot we still had a smile on our faces.  There maybe a bit of a struggle here and there, but it never felt like stress--everyone gives extra room for patience.  The goal is to produce the best creative output to meet the requirement and with this the mantra is always "All for one and one for all". Work never feels like work if you love what you're doing and you're in the company of family.

Alyssa Lapid wearing a vintage polo, shorts by H & M, belt by Forever 21,heels by
Charles and Keith and bag from China. 

Jaja Bolos wearing a top, skirt, shoes and accessories all by Jhajing Fashion,
 watch by Franchi Menotti and bag by Louis Vuitton.

K Miranda wearing a blazer from Cebu, vintage top,belt and bag, shoes by Cole Haan
and jeans by RL Jeans. 

Hannah de la Paz wearing a top from Bangkok, blazer by Zara, shorts and accessories
by Forever 21, shoes from Hongkong and bag by Chanel.

Slegna Coo wearing a navy blazer by Tomato, white tank, red skirt and belt all
by Forever 21, heels by Aldo and bag by Longchamp.

Associate stylist Mikka Velasquez wearing a printed top by Forever 21, custom
made pants, earrings by Aldo, bangle by Tory Burch and wedges by So Fab.

Adfolio's Lora Gabuna Antenor wearing a dress by Zara, scarf by Muji, shoes by
Tory Burch and bag by Longchamp.

Hair stylist Jaime Sy wearing a printed top by People Are People, pants by
Penshoppe, watch by Jeremy Scott for Swatch and shoes by Puma.

Max Factor's Creative Director Bobby Carlos wearing shirt and shorts both by Topman,
cardigan by Oxygen, shoes by Opening ceremony and bag by Louis Vuitton.

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SM's Rina Lacia Bugayong wearing striped tee by Muji, pants by Marks & Spencer,
 flats by Scoop, watch by Technomarine and bag by Kenneth Cole.

Sm's Ricci del Rosario wearing a top by Folded & Hung, shorts and scarf both by SM,
 watch by Aldo and shoes by Kickers.

Senior Associate stylist Reg Rodriguez wearing a top from a bazaar, printed
patchwork pants from Al Devinco and wedges by Parisian.

Adfolio's May Sta. Ana wearing a top from Bangkok, pants by Her Bench, watch by
Tomato, flats by Ipanema and bag By Burberry.

Fashion Photographer Nico Villegas wearing a jacket by Team Manila, top by Affliction,
pants by Pepe Jeans and shoes by Vans. 

Associate stylist Rudolph Leonor wearing pants by Oxygen, top and shoes both
 by Zara, watch by Swatch and bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs. 

Associate stylist Donna Gonzales Lim wearing a top from Hongkong, printed
patchwork pants from Al Devinco, scarf by Mphosis and shoes by Ichigo.

Fatima Rabago in action.

Male attraction. 

Drew Rivera a.k.a Pierre Roxas.

The next generation of stylists.

The author wearing top by Eairth, printed patchwork pants by Al Devinco, scarf by Zara,
 glasses from Firma and shoes by Opening Ceremony.