The essence of Time

Time is luxury.  In this fast paced world, every minute counts and practicality is wise.  Fashioning timepieces goes beyond surface attractions and the latest to arrive in Philippine shores is notable Swiss brand, ROD.  Now available in Rustan's Department Store, these chic watches were founded in 2012 by current CEO and designer Marc Corven who created these contemporary elements of style.  With high quality design and materials, the brand boasts of fashion statement made affordable.  These timepieces are exceptionally crafted with great attention to detail.  ROD is a prestigious offers the elegance of  time suitable for the now lifestyle.

 ROD Ambassadors Armand and Georgia Del Rosario

ROD Timepieces

 Marc Corven, CEO of ROD

 SSI Group, Inc.’s Michael T. Huang, Rustan’s Marketing & Communications Head Dina Tantoco, CEO of ROD MarcCorven, and ROD Ambassadors Armand and Georgia Del Rosario

Longchamp's Le Pliage Cuir

Longchamp's iconic  Le Pliage® celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.  In the Philippines, Rustan's presents  “LePliage Cuir Personalized,” a customization service for LePliage® Cuir, the leather adaptation of the famous Le Pliage®. Strong, soft and supple leather mimics the folds of the legendary nylon version. One can customize the color of the body, strap, tabs, flap,handle, lining according and personalize by adding their initials either perforated or embossed. Mocha, red, candy, amethyst, camel, poppy, bilberry and black are the range of colors to choose from while the lining can be arecitrine, fuchsia, vermilion, dune and night blue. The available sizes for customization are the 1512 (small tote), 1515 (medium tote), 1630 (large tote), and the 1825 (pouch).

The Le Pliage Cuir® Personalized service will be available inRustan’s Shangri-la until the end of November only. 

Eternity

Viseversa celebrates the Holidays with the launch of its billowy 2011 collection. The look of softness echoes throughout the collection with a range of jackets, shift dresses, fluid vests and cardigans, blousy tops, tailored pants and skirts suitable for day-to-night from work to play. The statement is all about being the ultra feminine minimalist-chic. The standouts in the collection are the evening pieces bringing out the goddess in every woman as fluidity appears in long gowns of glamorous splendour.  To add to the brand’s staple hues of black, grey, taupe and cream are punches of cranberry, red wine, navy and rich jewel tones.  Retail fashion is moving up to Mt. Olympus this season and is echoing the look of eternal.

Viseversa is available at Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Alabang, Robinsons Place Manila, TriNoma, SM Megamall, and The Block. For more information, visit www.viseversa.com.ph

The New You

This September in Rustan's, the beauty section will unfold Stila’s 2011 Fall Collection. Inspired by the AW color trends seen on the runway,the lineup for the holiday season is painting a dramatic balance of fresh hues along with intense finishes creating a range of styles fitting in this age of individuality.   On the radar makeup trends are tweaked in chic adaptations to one's personal look thus defining the brands essence in versatility.  

Check out their new Natural eyes Eye Shadow Palette (combination of dark and neutral shades that complement all of fall’s fashion plus a bonus which is the exclusive shade of Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel), Brighten & Correct Concealer (illuminates, brightens and corrects under eye circles),Custom Color Blush in Self-Adjusting Coral( a powder blush creating a one-of-a-kind customized color glow that leaves skin with a luminous, flawless flush), Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner (it comes in two NEW shades, dark grey Alloy and forest green Moss --stay all day waterproof liquid eyeliner designed to glide on with ease and stay in place), Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color (Fall 2011 trendy hue n light and medium shades) and the Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner – (comes in two NEW trend shades for fall – Bluefin, dark blue cobalt with shimmer and Triggerfish, gunmetal with pewter hue used to create smoky stare that's waterproof, transfer-proof and fade-proof).  These new must try products are face painting the season with style in discovering new things for the new you.

The Stila Fall Collection will be available in September 2011 in all Rustans Essenses Stores.

Cento of Attention

Diamonds are forever.  For the most famous and precious stone in the world, this fascinating natural wonder ceases to capture the world with its captivating beauty.  Renowned brand Roberto Coin introduces Cento--an enchanting diamond with 100 facets which is almost double from  nearly twice the facets from the traditional round brilliant cut. A masterpiece inspired the art of uniqueness, the creation's outstanding luster is exceptionally adored for its allure and rarity.  How can one resist distinct brilliance in 100 facets displaying a remarkable kaleidoscopic effect beyond the countless ordinary.  These fine pieces displays a unique floral pattern--an obra maestra as a result of the ability, experience and skill of the master cutter. 
Roberto Coin guides you to purchase the best diamonds and the “4 C’s” of Cento based on the code of classification of diamonds in 4 main parameters namely Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight.  Cut --Diamonds are cut with utmost care, attention and passion within the high quality standards.  Color. --The perfect choice are only colorless and near colorless diamonds.  The more transparent and colorless, the more precious and rare.  Clarity -- the diamonds belong to the first levels of the clarity range: from FL (flawless) to SI (small inclusions, not visible to the naked eye). And lastly, Carat Weight  wherein the 100 facet cut is applied to all diamonds weighting from 0.07 carat and larger. The guaranteed value of a Cento diamond is that all weigh 0.25 carats and above, are accompanied by a certificate of quality graded by the Gemological Institute of America(GIA).  What sets Roberto Coin's mark of distinction is the exclusive signature ruby hidden on the inside of each masterpiece. Truly a cut above the rest.

White Gold Ring with Diamonds with Diamonds 1.04 CT Ruby 0.011 CT.

White Gold Ring with Diamond with Central Diamond 0.57 CT Ruby 0.02CT

Diamond Gold Ring with Diamonds with Diamonds 0.05CT Central Diamond 1.07 CT Ruby 0.02 CT

Roberto Coin is exclusively available at Rustan’s Silvervault in Makati, Shangri-la Plaza and Newport City.

Classic Elegance

One of the most precious things in fashion that the world admires are jewelry.  Almost all women have something that sparkle and shine.  Whether real or faux, the fascination on these  pieces of adornment have gone beyond their aesthetic value.  Like the brands that create them, only the best can stand the test of time.  One of these notable brands that has continued their mark of excellence through the passing of the decades is Monet.  Since 1929, they have become one of the leaders and the biggest among global fashion jewelry brands. The standard of the classics, their prized possessions come in startling metals, luxurious stones and exquisite pearls.  One cannot detest the high level of integrity with their creativity, craftsmanship and wearability that has captured the world from generation to generation.
Their elegant assortment of finery come in a range of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings that are simply timeless.  Monet jewelry are priceless forever pieces to have and to hold for life.  

Monet is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-la Plaza, Gateway and Alabang. 

On the Dot

Men and polka dots?  The style idea is pretty cool for those who are confident with their individuality.  It takes a lot of guts and chicness for one to be able to wear it without doubt.  Men who wear polka dots well are fashionably distinct and have a great sense of style--just like wearing white shoes or brogues.  This author recently found these cool dot to dot ties in Ermenegildo Zegna located at the ground floor Rustan's Makati.  Immediately one would think  of Paul Smith or Comme de Garcon since this certain type of print is quite common and associated with these brands that have a bit of an edge.   Famous celebrities like music legends Bob Dylan and Elton John were known to wear the print almost like a trademark.  But did you know that polka dot shirts were quite popular among men during the 50's -60's?  They were introduced into mens fashion in the 18th century in Great Britain specially in accessories such as bow and neck ties. Well, classic reputable fashion names like Ermenegildo Zegna do carry them as well.  Nowadays the look falls under retro or chic twist dandy.  Whether a statement, form of self-expression or something out of a whim,dressing up in dots is a preference that can be a whole lot of fashion styling fun.  Easy on the dots, don't fret on what others will say if you really feel like wearing it.      

Point of Inspiration

Rustan's Makati is celebrating its Italian Festival and with it the uber chic department store has come up with a number of must-go activities.  This author was recently at the store for clothing selection and fitting for their up and coming Italian Festival fashion show to be held next week.  At the second level and right at the center of The Gallery is a fashion installation of mannequins dressed up in a bountiful display of flora. Inspired from works by renowned Mannerist painter Guiseppe Arcimboldo (popularly known for creating imaginative portrait heads made entirely of such objects as fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and books), the Rustan's visual merchandising team led by Zenas Pineda (formerly of Rustan's and its visual display team) created overwhelming and interesting art gowns.  These outstanding executions are brimming with creativity and calls to mind works of fashion legends and in modern times designs of Erdem and the likes.  Love how these arresting and artistic pieces can give you a moment of thought and wonder in oblivion.  Florals have always been part of legendary fashion names and houses.  From clothes to makeup and even hair styling, their endless reinvention is living through history with much amazement in both fantasy and reality.  The process of inspiration is the take off point in any piece of creation.  It is an expression borne from imagination leading to endless interpretations of design in the art of fashion.

Couture in flora.

In full detail.

Celebrating hues.

The secret garden.

Bouquet of delight.

Up close and personal.

Flower art.

Coiffure couture.

Everyday Hero

Style is in the details. Yes it's not just the clothes that make the man, there is so much importance in the accessories he wears as well. These wardrobe highlights are key pieces that can add panache to a certain look one is wearing. Though they may not be pieces of clothing, their classic and all time appeal is endearing for the man about town. Alfred Dunhill's Spring Summer 2011 Product Campaign "Voice" present investment pieces every man shouldn't miss. The designer brandl's homage to men of achievement wearing their signature line is beautifully presented in outstanding black and white photos but focusing on these "Hero" products. One can never go wrong with practical must-haves that are conveniently useful not just today but also for a lifetime.  As time moves closer to the speed of light, the modern man's basic style is in need of not just merely trends of ideas but more importantly an everyday "Hero".

Belted interest.

Cuffing the style link.

Stroke of the pen.

All laced up.

A matter of time.

In the Philippines, Dunhill is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) and is located at Rustan’s Makati.