Mindanao Inspires

Recycle-Reuse-Reduce-the core of Mindanao Inspires(MI) which creates upcycled products from recycled plastic, paper and other materials.  Amazing and unique pieces are made 100% by the hands of women living in the different areas of the Mindanao region. Filipino artisans showcase the brilliance in creativity as these artisans loom, crochet and assemble noteworthy pieces.  In essence, MI is represented by the Sarimanok logo( mythical and legendary bird of the Maranao tribe), it is a symbolic mark of the various tribes in Mindanao renowned for their metal craft, intricate weaving and artwork.

From classic to contemporary design, Mindanao Inspires showcases a range of lifestyle products from fashion to home decor. Furthermore, this inspiring venture not only saves Philippine tradition and culture( weaving) but also builds and supports sustainable livelihood to communities in the Mindanao Region.

For inquiries email mindanaoinspires@yahoo.com or call +639395161939

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

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. 

Zacarias by SC Vizcarra

Design is all in the detail.  Local bag brand Zacarias by SC Vizcarra champions the local scene after being featured recently at Vogue Italia online.  Catching the eyes of the magazine's editors at London Fashion Week, Zacarias' collaboration with designer Mich Dulce stunningly captivated the world of fashion with aplomb.  No doubt that the outstanding artistry of the Filipino shines on a global platform.  Back in Manila, Zacarias and SC Vizcarra championed the art of weaving in the recently concluded Manila Fame held at the SMX Convention Center.  Watch out for their bi-annual sale happening this coming November where the brand unveils their latest collection and the shape of things to come.  

The nowness of leather.

Weaving home.

Color blocks.

Sculptural musing.

Power red.

Skullified!

The author with Zacarias' Creative Director Rita Nazareno and Daffy Morales.

Katie Holmes' bag of the moment

American actress Katie Holmes's current fav bag if the moment is the Furla "Alice" satchel.  Spotted at the PH-D Lounge at the Dream Hotel, NYC, the stylesetter was carrying the chic mist gray Alice which is part of the brands Autumn/Winter 2014 collection. The prized calfskin is transformed with clean lines, padded detailing and metal hardware made by the hands of true Italian craftsmanship. Sleek, contemporary and elegant, the structured must-have will be one of the hottest hand carry very one should have this season.

In the Philippines, Furla is exclusively distributed byStores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) – a member of The SSI Group – and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Newport Mall, and Central Square.

Zacarias at London Fashion Week

Filipino haute bags and milliner are stunning the scene in London Fashion week. Currently making a statement is Mich Dulce X Zacarias showcasing breathtaking modern creations until this coming Friday. Handmade to perfection, the limited edition collection displays amazing Filipino artistry . Below are some photos of the noteworthy scene set up, the artists and friends.  Up on the show timeline next week- Paris!

The display in London Fashion Week.

Weaving dreams.

Mad hatter.

Rita Nazareno with global artist Daisy de Villeneuve. 

Style spotting in London is actress Madeleine Humphries wearing Mich Dulce X Zacarias.

Zacarias' Rita Nazareno and designer Mich Dulce.

Aranaz Sale

Bags are style essentials.  Women can never be fully dressed with one of the most covetable accessory.  In the Philippines, Aranaz is currently giving every Filipina a special treat with the biggest sale ever. The ongoing event showcases totes, clutches, evening bags, accessories and more for a discounted price.  These prized offerings are practical must-buys that fit a variety of wardrobe ensembles.  From simple to embellished, these amazing pieces will definitely get you into the fashion cult following. Known in the local bag industry for decades, the brand has a distinct style trademark making it one of the most popular in the country today.  Sale ends on September 19, 2014.  Check it out and visit any Aranaz branch!  

Aranaz is located at the 2F Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati city.

Tory Burch AW 2014 bag & accesories

The new season is up and while global fashion is currently unfolding their SS 2015 collections, the style eye focuses on the key pieces for the holidays. Tory Burch Fall 2014 are highlighting a few must-haves that stylesetters would truly love.  

The jewel-encrusted scarf tops the list as one of the practical chic pieces for day to night dressing. Old world becomes new with hand applied mirrors, crystals, beads and metallic sequins transforming the basic into a statement.  The Kerrington shopper transforms the weekend carryall into a stylish must-buy with a bridle motif print mixed with equestrian inspired accessories.  Based from 1600s novel, the horse print has made the classic more whimsical, playful and fun. Gray matters as the doctor's bag strikingly dazzles in amazing textures. The reinvented bag shines in lamé accordion pleats and foiled woven leather paillettes highlighted by flashy details reminiscent of old world armor. Fahion's past becomes present as the small frame flannel satchel echoes the look of modern vintage.  The chic handle bag polishes style in soft wool with a gunmetal chain-link strap.  

The current look of Tory Burch is a past present style statement inspired by antique armor.  Metal hardware and finishes are updated in modern design, silhouettes and detailing creates new forms as it wonderfully reveals the timeless attraction of old world charm.

 

In the Philippines, Tory Burch is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) - a member of The SSI Group - and is located atGreenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, and Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Emma Roberts for Jimmy Choo AW 2014

Jimmy Choo unfolds the season with one of America's hottest actress -Emma Roberts. Channeling a unique eclectic style, the actress presents a unique photo diary revealing a variety of looks in various mood settings.  Unpretentious yet chic, the glossy imagery gives us her selected must-have pieces from the Jimmy Choo AW14 collection.  

In the Philippines, Jimmy Choo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) - a member of The SSI Group - and is located atGreenbelt 4 and Rustan’s Makati, and soon to open in Shangri-la Mall East Wing.

Eterno Messenger 2014

Cool men carry nice bags.  The modernity of fashion has taken over gender issues and while style has broken down endless stereotypes.  At this day and age of practicality, essentials of dressing come together in the essence of both function and form.

In the Philippines, men's bag line Eterno breaks the mold and unfolds an up to date accesory that every guy should have-the messenger. Its latest offerings display stylish quality pieces in premium exotic skins and leather combinations.  Why bring a duffle bag(which is way to big) or an oversized clutch( a tad bit small) but instead go for a messenger that comes in a variety of sizes to fit your everyday need. Modern men have gone out of the mold and have taken the leap by braving their "bag" style in amazing textures.  This style essential can be the best accessory to carry with ones day to day look.  Menswear fashion has gone style-forward and the bag has definitely sent the message across.

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.