Fino Holiday 2014

Local bag brand Fino leatherware is making a comeback in the scene with a visionary approach is preserving the artisan communities and reviving interest in everything made in the Philippines.  Check out the full article in: http://www.philstar.com/allure/2014/12/07/1399807/local-premium

Artisanal Gucci

Gucci, one of the top luxury brands in the world is bringing to Manila this coming October 16-17 its Artisan corner at the Philippine flagship store in Shangri-la East Wing, Mandaluyong city.  The two day event will showcase the art of assembling the famous house's iconic handbags such as the signature New Bamboo,Bamboo shopper, Bright Diamanté and Soho handbags done by artisans from their Florentine leather goods company.  This special event will feature and demonstrate the various stages of bamboo processing up to creating a finished product right in front of our eyes. What makes it a must-go to attraction is that these hand-crafted works of art can be personalized with hand-embossed monogramming with an inside plaque that has both location and date.  With a variety of colors and leather types to choose from, one can truly have an immortalized Gucci bag you can call your own.  An event Gucci worshippers shouldn't miss! 

The Artisan Corner will take place at Gucci’sShangri-La Plaza East Wing flagship store fromOctober 16 to 17, 2014. For inquiries on reservation, please contact Gucci Shangri-La Plaza East Wing at 956-3433.

SC Vizcarra 2014

One of fashion's iconic accessory is the bag. The perennial style piece at one point in history took the spotlight as it was crowned with the "IT" status.  Yes, for a good number of seasons, the search for the next "IT" bag was like an endless obsession for the most covetable prize.  After it's haunting hours of fame, the object of desire has grounded and returned to its mainstream appeal as an essential to complete ones everyday ensemble. Today, the staple bag has equally gained a reputable identity leveraged through timeless design, impeccable quality and craftsmanship in modern translations that takes it fashion forward.

In the Philippines, surpassing the test of time in the bag industry is a legendary brand-SC Vizcarra.  With origins dating back more than 75 years ago, the respectable name founded by Segundina C. Vizcarra in 1925 has established on a global scale the noteworthy Filipino identity through its outstanding creations. Showcasing the brilliance of pinoy artisans, their exemplary artistry withvindigenous materials and leather in contemporary design display the brilliance in high standard excellence.  Marveled all over the world, its cult following through the decades have expanded as it showcases every season masterpieces that define the progressive Filipino art of weaving in nowness. Unfazed by trends and forecasts, the brands uniqueness boast of several lines under its name: ZACARIAS-the contemporary line which collaborates with international artists, designers and architects for a wide range of projects including bags, interior pieces, sculptures and one-offs(zacarias1925.com), S.C.Vizcarra Limited (the natural leather bags) S.C.Vizcarra and S.C.Vizcarra Home. A major fixture in the globally renowned Manila FAME, the brand is a prime mover and supporter of local export quality products. Creatively headed by Rita Nazareno, the brand is set to move forward in new directions. Currently gearing up in establishing a stronger presence in the international scene, the brand is an epitome of what is global Pinoy-Philippine made products that are of international quality and standards).  One of the best in the country(soon the world) and a league on its own, SC Vizcarra is ready to showcase the Philippines to the world via Maison et Objet, Paris Sept 5-9; its latest collaborative collection with Mitch Dulce(who to date works for the house of Chanel)- Dulce x Zacarias- London Fashion Week at Somerset house September. 12-16 and Paris fashion week, private showroom at 30 rue Saint Roch, 75001 from Sept 23-October 3.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol, fashion styling by Luis Espiritu Jr., makeup by Fatima Rabago, associate stylists Bang Martinez, Diane Lasam, Tara Subaldo and Jona Buenaventura, modeled by Ann Umali(Mercator) and wardrobe by Joey Samson.

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.