In the Knit of time

Love this print ad by Tan Gan featuring their latest collection called "Tribal".  Knitwear made in the Philippines are of classic styles and silhouettes but this brand is taking it with a global fashion forward perspective.  What makes this look fabulous is that it doesn't even look like the traditional knit available in the local market.  High quality material, contemporary forms and fantastic tones captured in excellent photography creates an uber glossy appeal quite stylish and refreshing.  Visionary artist Lulu Tan Gan reinvents traditional garments into relevant and chic pieces for the modern Filipina. Cheers to Tan Gan for stepping and notching up Philippine knitwear into higher ground with a more current look of fashion.

Photography by Juan Caguicla, designs by Solenn Heussaff for Tan Gan, makeup by Solenn Heussaff and modeled by Jessica Kienle. Tan Gan is available in L Manila located at  2/F Greenbelt 5, Filipino Zone, Legaspi St., Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 729-9042 or email lulutangan@yahoo.com / tan-gan@tan-gan.com

Green Revolution

Daniel Green.

Some thing is cooking up in Dusit Thani this coming July. Globally renowned International TV
personality, chef and author Daniel Green is coming to Manila in July 5 and you can catch a glimpse of him on the same date at 7pm in Tosca.  A leader in health advocacy, the author of six cookbooks, host for TV documentaries on Travel, Food & Living and consultant to top airlines, consumer products and brand leaders, this advocate of healthy eating and living is imparting great knowledge on how the right way to eat can change the world.  Backed up by 15 years of experience and his unwavering presence in the UK, US and Asian markets, the "model cook" of the culinary world is what every cook should aspire to be.  For all the foodies, connoisseurs, chefs and culinary experts out there, don't miss the date for this once in a lifetime experience with Daniel Green.  Take the art of eating to a whole new level from just a simple pleasure to something added with responsibility--who knows we might just save the world.

Think Green

Moda Italia

Rustan's yesterday presented as part of their Italian Festival 2011 a fashion show called "Moda Italia" held at Greenbelt 4 in Ayala Center, Makati city.  A tribute to fabulous Italian fashion, the runway presentation paraded collections of global brands such as Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tods, Bulgari, Fendi, Pucci, Zegna, Armani Exchange, Furla, Diesel, Marlboro Classic and Coccinelle. The style team was bigger than the usual suspects because it was a combination of three teams (the authors associates, fashion communication students and apprenticeship class).  Loved the collections specially when you know the pieces are made of the highest quality and from one of the fashion capitals in the world. It was the biggest backstage cast where each model had a stylist, dresser and of security (because of the merchandise).  Despite the heavy rain in the afternoon, the well attended show directed by Jackie Aquino and the JCA team turned out to be an enormous success.  A night of beautiful faces, fantastic food and fabulous style celebrated all in the great Italian way.   

Viva Italia!

Uber chic Tiffany chairs.

Finishing touches.

SOme of the bags and shoes.

Bags. bags and more bags.

Apprenticeship students (from left to right)  Weelisa Ang, Gihanie Rabo and Jeric Brylle.

FashCom students(from left to right) Jeanne Khe, Teri Marcelo and Pam Bassig.

Associate stylists(from left to right)  Rudolph Leonor, Donna Gonzales Lim, Mikka Velasquez and Reg Rodriguez.

The style team at work.

Our backstage partners were a lot store representatives and security.

For a moment, backstage was a blur.

The bible--sequence guide.

View from the stage.

30 minutes before the show.

All about FASH content--uber model and tv personality Bianca Valerio.

Hair and makeup was inspired by the July 2011 US Vogue cover of Emma Watson.  Blood red lips and polished slick hair.

Modern Neutrals. Glennys Mesa in Tods.

White wash. Rodina in Ferragamo.

Mod Glam.  Luisa in Ferragamo.

Reign of Color

Manila has been experiencing the welcoming of the rainy season the past few weeks.  Though the cold weather maybe a relief from the sizzling heat of the summer sun, the gloomy atmosphere has failed to take away the color fascination in fashion.  Still stepping bold into the rainy months ahead, these fabulous color blocking shoes from Janeo are optimistically bringing bright ideas for any ensemble.  Loving the captivating mix of hues and how it can play up with one's mix and matching wardrobe.  Without doubt, it seems like the color trend  is crossing over to the next season and definitely here to stay. Style is seemingly unweathered as brights continue to reign on everyone's parade.


Janeo is available at all SM Department Stores nationwide.

Style Bible

The hottest profession in Philippine fashion today--styling.  Most kids nowadays dream of becoming one in their attempt to follow their passion, indulge in their personal fashion (shopping), encounter with a lot of celebrities,  or simple because of the fact that the greater majority find it "cool".  Being a stylist is no easy task for it entails research, resourcefulness, discipline, attention to detail and most importantly style.  If you really want to have an idea of what this whole new world is all about, the editors of Style.com came up with a book entitled "Stylist:  The Interpreters of Fashion"(Rizzoli)--a tribute to 16 of the best fashion forward thinkers in the business.  The prestigious stellar lineup include Paul Cavaco, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Grace Coddington, Edward Enninful, Lori Goldstein, Tonne Goodman, Andrea Lieberman, Polly Mellon, Camilla Nickerson, Carine Roitfeld, Venetia Scott, Karl Templer, Melanie Ward, Alex White, Brana Wolf, and Joe Zee.

The book showcases a glimpse of the body of work of these fashion insiders and how their foresight in style affects the global world of trendsetting.  Interviewed by author and chronicler Sara Mower, these renowned stylists reveal through interviews life at the forefront of fashion.  A must-have for those who want to take this new profession seriously.     Fashion styling is a modern art form beyond than its preconception of just putting clothes together.

PS. Thanks to the author's associate fashion stylist Donna Gonzales Lim for thinking of the title of this entry.