A. Gordon: Manila's latest modeling agency

Manila is becoming one of the key modeling arenas in Asia.  Models from all over the world are trying out the market as it has gained the reputation of producing great tear sheets, good pictures and is an in-transit work destination before moving into the bigger cities in the region.  A. Gordon is the first all male -model agency to open in the Philippines. Boasting of a roster of models sourced from all over the world, the new player in the game is set to establish a platform throughout Asia. Under their wings are faces who have constantly worked the European, U.S and Japan circuit who've landed international campaigns, graced renowned glossies and walked the runways of Paris, Milan and New York but haven't set foot in Southeast Asia.    With its high standard of qualifications, they are targeting to service a whole range of clientele that will hopefully create a mark in Asia. Aside from models, they are currently rounding up a list of industry professionals( photographers, stylists, makeup artists) as part of their exclusive representation.  In the pipeline is the women's division which is definitely something to look forward too. The brains behind the agency is composed of Filipino fashion insiders who have extensively worked in the local and international industries who simply wants to establish a highly professional system that will link Manila to the world.  The Philippines is ready as it strategically positions as the first stopover to the region.

Aside from the work and all that flash, our country offers an endless number of must-go vacation destinations that equal some of the best in the world. The gastronomic adventure, culture and heritage is noteworthy as well aside from the great party scene either in the city or on the shores of the islands.  The laid back lifestyle in the Philippines embraces and welcomes its guests with the warmest of hearts and unforgettable hospitality. Beyond the jobs, it has become a fact that most of these models who've seen and been in Manila keep coming back because of their wonderful and amazing experiences. Beyond the careers, the country leaves an imprint as it becomes a landscape work on life.

Style Origin 2014

Behind the glimmering and glittering lights of fashion is a lot of hard work.  This author and his team work as fashion stylists for Ayala Malls' "Style Origin" - a fashion show series and trend collective of retail and designers brands in the Philippines.  Having consistently worked with the prestigious and reputable Ayala group under JCA Productions( a prod company which stages some of the biggest  and notable events in the country),this annual show is on its 6th year and is similarly compared to international fashion weeks as it unfolds a reportage of the latest forecasts of the season.

Behind the scenes is a study in organized chaos where countless brands form narratives of what's next to offer.  From global brands to the local names, this once a year gathering form a beautiful yet major tapestry in style expositions. Where countless store attendants, models, production people and the endless number of clothes, bags, shoes and accesorries, the showcase present an amazing collective of ready to wear retail fashion.  Runway mannequins, tv personalities, hosts and kids all form an endless line before every show begins. Passion takes you places as the series took the team in and out of the capital( Greenbelt, Alabang Town Center, Fairview) from nearby provinces(Marquee mall in Pampanga and Harbor Point in Subic) to a two hour plane ride(Abreeza Mall in Davao).  Mounting and presenting a show isn't that easy, but beyond the blood, sweat and tears(?) are more than a hundred reasons to smile.  Style Origins is all about the new.  Not only does it bring the latest in style, it has become a platform for new friendships, bonds and relationships.  Backstage stories, jokes and laughters echo through the built in walls that hold everything together behind the black curtains. It has gone beyond work as we all have formed into one family in te pursuit of promoting, presenting and working for the one thing that holds us all together-fashion.

One vision.

In the groove.

Role playing.Quiet before the storm.

Check mate.

Waiting to exhale.

Curtain Call.

Sequence guide.

All lined up.

Early morning rehearsal.

Walk this way.

JCA Productions.

The author with the style team.

In Print

Taken from Multiple Choice, Allure section , Philippine Star.

Summer is all about fashion and fun under the sizzling sun. Despite the scorching heat, Manila is style-setting the scene as it celebrates the season with color.

Recurring from past season trends, the look of prints is definitely here to stay.

Local brand Kikay introduces its Summer 2013 collection with a variety of must-have printed matters. The must-go boutique is creating a stunning statement with a style profusion of trendy hues, feminine florals, bold graphic, modern stripes and luxurious scarf prints. The brand presents a distinct plethora of chic looks to give life to summer’s everyday wardrobe. Dresses, tops and separates are hitting the landscape with the brighter and sunny side of things. This season’s forecast ultimately defines casual trendiness as fabulously “printastic.”
From the international runways to the streets, the clear message is reinvented with luxurious sensibilities. Dare to wear as there’s no need to fear print on print as it is no longer considered a fashion faux pas. Adding on to this fearless attraction are the brand’s stunning eye candy accessories such as earrings, bracelets, cuffs, neckpieces and rings to contrast and complement the up-to-date fascination. Be bold and brave in summer’s current mood as these sensations define a new perspective of things to come and style in the now.

(Kikay is located in Glorietta 2, Market! Market! and Greenbelt 1.)

Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Styling by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Model: ANN UMALI • All clothes by Kikay.

Reinvention

Article taken from MULTIPLE CHOICE By Luis Espiritu, Jr. at Philstar.com
In the past decade, a number of traditional and old brands have progressively transformed into current and relevant fashion.
The Alfred Dunhill Spring/Summer 2013 collection presents a history of classic reinventions. Inspired by the essential codes of menswear and the traditions of English sartorial style, the collection focuses on contemporary tailoring. Reinvention takes the seams as attention to silhouette, fabric and form breathes anew, echoing old-world elegance for today’s times.
The household name offers a wardrobe comprised of casual and formal wear. These fashion-forward pieces are made of high-quality materials. The brand, channeling the “now” lifestyle, has a wide range of cardigans, blouson, formal wear, casual jackets and blazers perfectly wearable and cool for traveling.
For more than a hundred years, the legendary Alfred Dunhill brand has built a name synonymous to both craftsmanship and heritage. Moving the brand forward, it consistently collaborates with the best manufacturers to come up with a noteworthy collection while maintaining its legacy.
(In the Philippines, Dunhill is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. located at the Newport Mall, Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza Mall.)
Photography by Mau Aguasin • Creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Makeup by Sari Campos • Associate styling by Mikka Velasquez and Kristine Torribio • Model: Veridiano Tesch • Shot on location at the Peninsula de Punta Fuego. For more information, please call 836-5000 • Special thanks to Landco and Mawi de Ocampo

Style on the airwaves

Manila's entertainment scene is style-filled with gorgeous personalities with a lof of wit and intelligence beyond face value.  Among the noteworthy pupular set are uber models-TV hosts, radio DJ and newspapercolumnist/journalists Sara Meier and Victoria Herrera who have come together in one radio booth.  The result, a super entertaining, informative and insightful beat in the airwaves--The Dollhouse. Style has taken a whole new avenue where they feature real life issues and expeirences of real people without pretention. The not so ordinary radio show has been graced by the legendary personality Madame Imelda Marcos, rockstar Raimund Marasigan, educator Gang Badoy, iconic hip-hop group Mastaplann, and PBA legend Jeff Cariaso, among many others. The success of The Dollhouse has recently transcended from the airwaves to the power of the pen--Unscripted.
The book is a compilations of conversations Sarah and Vicky had with the Real OGs - people who were deemed influential and innovative in their respective fields.  It features different lessons and trials each OG encountered in their rise to success. Indeed, the unscripted conversations are the ones straight from the heart.
For more information about the book and to get a sneak peek of the excerpts (the one of Lourd de Veyra is already out!) please visit http://unscriptedconversations.com/. You can also check out. The Dollhouse sites: Tumblr: playwiththedolls.tumblr.com, twitter: twitter.com/playwthedolls, Facebook: facebook.com/playwiththedolls, email:playwiththedolls@gmail.com, sarahmeieronline.com and victoriaherrera.com.