Style fever hits Metro Manila

source: mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines -- Metro Manila is fast becoming the region’s fashion capital, what with the numerous “style events” happening during the past week.

Everything that happened had something to do with fashion, from fashion shows and parties hosted by the signature brands of Europe, to the launch of a men’s lifestyle magazine.
And there was the recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2011, which was a huge success. Seven days of Filipino ingenuity and creativity at the SMX Mall of Asia was beyond a visual feast. It was indeed a celebration of Filipino talent and style.

The comeback of Yvonne Quisumbing in Philippine fashion was a welcome treat. Undeniably, most young designers now follow style trends dictated by the fashion capitals such as Milan, Paris, and New York. It was during Fashion Week when I beheld a show that presented an entirely original concept and a highly creative take on a strip of fabric that became statement pieces of sophistication. I was stunned by Quisumbing’s fluid dresses. Her intelligent perspective in creating a collection, seamlessly combining art and fashion made her a standout.

Marlon Rivera’s signature tuxedo look was showcased in his new collection. No other designer has so far deconstructed the tuxedo jacket like Rivera does. At last week’s presentation, he morphed it into the most chic and sophisticated ensemble. He fused Japanese minimalism with influences of the great Yves St. Laurent and came up with a modern classic.

Meanwhile, L’Oreal Philippines, the official beauty partner of Philippine Fashion Week, not only created beauty trends for the season but also presented the most fitting tribute to one of the most loved Filipino fashion designers, Louie Mamengo. Before the designer gave in to lung cancer, he conceptualized and illustrated his last collection and gave detailed instructions to his best friend Joey Espino on how he would want his last creations to come out.

Executed by Lyle Ibanez, Mamengo’s collection was true to the designers superior tailoring and intricate embellishments. Every piece that came out made the audience gasp for its extraordinary clean lines and ultra feminine style that was truly Mamengo. The show ended with everyone in tears. Farewell, Louie Mamengo. You will forever be an inspiration to Philippine fashion.

Inside the ‘Vault’

ABS-CBN Publishing has just launched its newest title, Vault. It’s a modern, sophisticated men’s lifestyle magazine featuring global luxury brands, unique experiences, and fine products that represent the best achievements of the human hand. The magazine’s unique approach to luxury is informed by creativity, craftsmanship, passion, and heritage.

Vault’s premiere issue takes readers on an exclusive journey that begins in Basel, Switzerland at Baselworld 2011, an annual luxury watch and jewelry fair where renowned luxury watch brands like Hublot, Rolex, and Patek Philippe preview their finest vintage and modern models.

The journey continues with Vault’s step-by-step guide to the perfect bespoke suit, retracing the meticulous detail found in Italian tailoring. We then enter the picturesque vineyards of Saint Émilion, France to explore the region’s glorious chateaux and its fine wines.

Edited by David Celdran, Vault’s editorial features and photography cater to the discerning tastes of a consummate readership.

400 years of tradition

Heritage is a big word in fashion and beauty brands. It is synonymous to luxury and exclusivity. Patrick Pace flew in from France to introduce one of the world’s most storied perfumes, Rancé. The experience of the perfume house Rancé, which was erstwhile making fragrances for Napoleon Bonaparte and his family, is counting centuries. The Rancé family originates from Grasse, southern France. They were known for their perfumed gloves, which they have been producing since the 17th century.

After the French Revolution, the romantic patriot and Napoleon’s admirer, but also a talented perfumer, Jean Francois Rancé decided to make fragrances the main product of the house. In1795, he opened his atelier in Paris.

At the end of the 19th century Alexandre Rancé moved to Milan, Italy, and established a new head office there, and thus the French Rancé perfume house officially became Italian.

Today, the company remains a family business. Rancé perfume house if officially run by Jeanne Sandra Rancé and her son Jean Maurice Alexandre Rancé. The contemporary Rancé, according to the words of its owners, cherishes the centuries-old family traditions, among which creating exclusive fragrances. Besides the newest technologies, Rancé is still using the natural materials in perfume production.

Nothing feels more luxurious than wearing a scent that has been the preferred fragrance of important men and women in history. Rancé is exclusively available at Rustan’s.

source: mb.com.ph