Into the Woods

The season to come is about to unfold as one by one the latest ad campaigns for Fall 2012 present their trendsetting attractions. Global brand Tommy Hilfiger presents "Hilfiger Hunt Club". The current ad campaign is all about the all-American family's adventure far out of the city and into the countryside. Inspired from the Fall 2012 Runway Collections, the look in the coming months highlights military detailing, sporty lifestyle influences and countryside demeanor. Hilfiger defines a refreshing global statement of modern preppy fused with the feel of heritage. The new take redefines the brand's commercial into a whole new level of fashion forward appeal.
Behind the current ad campaign is a team composed of some of the best in global fashion which includes photographer Craig McDean, stylist Karl Templer and creative director Trey Laird of Laird + Partners.

In the Philippines, Tommy Hilfiger is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Newport Mall Resorts World Manila.

Vacay Chic

Summer is just around the corner and all is ready to hit the beach in the sunny side of the season.  Retail brand Cinderella presents Seventeen's vacay-chic collection for 2012 in the most wanted hues to beat the heat stroke. Cooling off under the sun are pastel, bold and neutral tones in relaxed and effortless manner.  Sorbet and muted hues is taking all the sweetness with a hint of sexiness.  Whether the beach or poolside, the look comes in wearable and easygoing seperates that can be mixed match to create a wardrobe full of season worthy ideas. Silhouettes range from figure flattering pieces to loose comfy ensembles.  The young and free spirited displays modern fashion in its most uncontrived and unstructured manner of dressing--just the way summer should be. Bring the look of "cool" back into the pool with mod retail fashion. Leave the frills behind, it's all about the basics and adding a modern twist to it. 

Shot on located at Sulu Riviera in Quezon city.  Photogrpahy by Sara Black, Styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., Associate styling by Reg Rordriguez and Mikka Velasquez, modeled by Petra of Mercator.

The ties that Bind

The epitome of the perfect Bench family anchors the series of photos for the Holiday 2011 ad campaign of the retail giant.  The Gomez family namely Richard, Lucy and Julianna symbolizes how the famous brand has grown into one of pillars in the local retail world and how they have become a huge family.  Richard, who was the first face of Bench, has been with the "family" for almost two decades and has contributed to the brand's trademark which is now part of history.  Lucy, whose entry to the limelight began when she did a shampoo commercial with Richard, came into the family and became the image model for Her Bench.  Through the years as a couple, Bench came up with a kids line wherein Julianna (their only child) endorsed as well.  Family, trust, loyalty and longevity, the brand goes beyond all the clothing--it's all about the ties that bind.

Le Famille.

Randy Ortiz for Bench-Holiday 2011 Ad campaign

The battle of retail giants continues as they unveil their yuletide season campaigns. Iconic retail brand recently released their latest designer-- Randy Ortiz for Bench Holiday.  The famed designer who designs for sister brand Kashieca has successfully crossed over and created a dressy collection for both men and women.  Classic black and white hues dominate in fashion forward pieces highlighted by red.  Prints come alive as stripes, polka dots and more add chic twists to the standard ensemble. Dressing up the holidays is making a refined statement of classic elegance as Randy Ortiz incorporates his design trademarks.  His remarkable tailoring for both men and women are fused into retail pieces that will surely make one standout this season.  The ad campaign set in a garden backdrop with the hottest young celebrities and personalities led by no less than actor Dingdong Dantes and actress Kim Chiu with Rayver Cruz, Sam Concepcion, uber model Pauline Prieto among others.

BTS Cinderella Holiday 2011 Campaign

History will always be a glimpse of the past and the stories that come with it.  The Paco cemetery is almost a century old and has become a historical landmark.  It is here where the remains of National Hero Jose Rizal lies(or as they say) and the place has become a tourist spot and setting for field trips.  No cadavers and hauntings in the area don't worry since the dead have been transferred already to the North Cemetery.  The beautiful landmark is now a park sprawling with greens and at the heart of it all is the famous church where a lot of weddings are held as well.  
For us, it was the backdrop of Cinderella's Holiday 2011 Ad campaign with actress Rhian Ramos.  The theme revolved around luxury and history to give it a fusion of new-old feel.  Loving the setting that seemingly transports one somewhere in time when fashion was on an all time high.  The look is modern grunge--glamorized into modern street wear which somehow reminds one of a popular global series.  Here are the BTS of the shoot, despite the humidity and bi-polar weather, a day spent in Paco Park was definitely worth it.

Note from the past.

Vanishing point.

The tree must be more than a hundred years old.

The former catacombs.

Symmetrical.

No fountain of youth.

No tomb raiders here.

Poison ivy.

Just the right curve.

The sign.

General cleaning.

Structure and form.

First layout.

The merchandise.

Photographer Sara Black.

Light on.

It started to rain.

Protection.

Associate stylists Mikka Velasquez and Donna Gonzales Lim.

Marielle Santos Po with her Cinderella team.

Shades of green with makeup artist Precious Medina.

The author with photographer Sara Black.

Cat's Eye.  Actress Rhian Ramos with road manager.

Pillar of stone.

Cemetery for babies?

Life.

Associate stylist Rudolph Leonor with model Alex Pain for Pierre Cardin.

Stone rest.

All for Luxe

Luxury is finding its way into real fashion for the holiday season.  Cinderella recently came out with their Holiday 2011 Campaign featuring actress Rhian Ramos.  Shot at the historical landmark Paco Park, the young ingenue transforms into a glamorous, enchanting beauty under the backdrop of old world charm.  The bewitching stellar appeal presents chic Parisienne style as seen in animal prints, soft fabrication and range of modern neutrals such as camel, bone, grays and blacks.  Pleats and drapes captivates in sheer sophistication as the brand creates a style interpretation of luxe for everyone.  Precious and soft, dress up in high style with seasonal offerings in a variety of chic tops, skirts, pants, shorts and jackets. The look of sophistication was inspired from the trendsetting A/W 2011 collections of top designer names in global style-setting. Cinderella's celebration of all the finery in elegance was captured by top fashion photographer Sara Black, makeup by Precious Medina and fashion styling by this author and his style team namely Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales Lim, Mikka Velasquez and Rudolph Leonor.  Modern times hail the comeback of luxury as it  transcends the look of exclusivity into mainstream.