TATTOOED IN MY MIND

Summer's war of the ultimate sexy is getting hotter and bolder! The fiercest, most loved and everlasting form of art and expression - the tattoo - is being reinterpreted into something meaner, more sultry, more stylish, that catty women would surely grab and add on to their line-up of scorching beach wardrobe pieces.

Bask in summer’s glory with Freeway’s chic and trendy summer collection. In this year’s edition, FREEWAY once again collaborated with designer TWINKLE FERRAREN for its hand-painted TATTOO Swimwear Summer 2011 Collection.

Twinkle Ferraren is a Filipino designer who started her career with designing fashion accessories back in 1999, then took up courses in London before venturing into swimwear/beachwear line. Ferraren is a self-confessed summer worshipper, “Summer is about exploration and new adventures; visiting new places, trying and learning new things, enjoying nature (which is becoming rare), breathing fresh fresh air. Creating swimwear for me is a leisurely side of fashion, representing the fun, carefree and easy going lifestyle.”

The collection, inspired by tribal art and tropical tattoos, is an intermix of strong and vibrant-colored statement with a sexy twist of something sporty or functional activewear. Swimsuits are made with mesh materials with tattoo prints, perfect for those who love to try new sports and activities in the beach. Twinkle describes the collection as “a modern and female version of the Pintados and tribes”.

However, for girls with bodily issues, knowing what’s the right cut for your bodyshape is the key factor in finding the perfect swimwear.  Heed on Ferraren’s expert advice “The basics to remember are for full chests/top heavy – styles like halter, bandeau and tankini styles are good; for those who have less on top/flat-chested can actually carry the bikinis and the one-pieces with a deep neckline; those with fuller figures can create illusions with the one-pieces-especially the curved one; from this collection – the racerback and scarf-tankini are versatile sets that can also be worn as activewear (for exercising / working out).”

RUN FOR COVER. Light blue sheer coverup with Pintados artwork over printed white bandeau top and white bikini bottom.

THE WARRIOR PRINCESS. Red one-piece swimsuit with swirly mesh cutouts (P1,195).

HEAT SENSATION. Tribal tattoo-printed backless purple swimsuit with mesh panelling (P1,195).

COME AND GET ME. Baby blue two-piece bikini with Pintados artwork.

Check out Freeway’s swimsuit collection at www.freeway.net.ph. For fresher updates, like us on Facebook, search for “Freeway Online” and follow us on Twitter twitter.com/FreewayOnline.

FOOTWEAR IN THE SAND

Who doesn’t like PARISIAN? It’s stylish and incredibly affordable. PARISIAN Summer 2011 Collection is for the lack of a better word, GORGEOUS!

Like any stylish girl on vacation, dream in warm summer days with PARISIAN's new range. Transforming runway trends into ready to wear styles, the latest collection offers everything from casual classics to high fashion must-have trends.

In an ad campaign shot entirely in the world-renowned beach paradise of Boracay, the beautiful, slender, doll-like JASMINE MAIERHOFFER reprises her role as the face - arms and legs, to be more exact - of SM Department Store's said in-house shoe brand. Let's see how Jasmine was transformed into an enigmatic woman wearing PARISIAN items in this new lookbook dedicated to sexy, long legs:

NEUTRALLY CALM. Let your feet play in the sand while wearing shoes in neutral hues, earthy colors or sand tones.

TROPICOLOURS. Wedge you like it or not, espadrille or jute wedges are summer's hottest footwear, especially if they come in tropical hues. Chunky espadrille heels, on the other hand, are also sure to make waves as soon as you hit the shore.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL. Those who are a little more daring can add a shock of colour to any outift with blindingly bold brights and the hottest neon hues. Choose from strappy sandals, chunky wedges or floral-embellished slip-ons.

WHITE SPLENDOR. Play pretty while wearing cool whites. Pair white peeptoes with wooden heels with oversized totes and float into the summer tropical season.

FLATLINERS. If you're seeking comfort with classic summer casual silhouette, opt for canvass shoes with nautical flavor - either in low wedge or sneaker-types. Or think pretty and slip into a pair of colorful soft-leather flats or kitten-heeled pumps.

ARM CANDIES. Match your colorful PARISIAN shoes with these bags of all shapes, of all sizes, of all candy colors, of course!

PARISIAN Shoes and Bags are exclusively available in all SM Department Stores.


Photography: Pat Dy
Styling: Luis Espiritu
Associate Styling: Belle Camarsi, Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales Lim & Rudolph Leonor.
Makeup: Bobby Carlos, assisted by Ria Aquino
Hair: Felicity Son

ADIDAS DENIM: GET IT ON!

We've come to love ADIDAS ORIGINALS for putting a stylish spin on rubber shoes & sneakers, track jackets and sportswear. Not all of us know, though, that denims are also rocking their racks and are making sexy jeans for guys, girls, and all!

With the release of their new collection of denim, ADIDAS ORIGINALS is taking it off, and invites you to go behind closed doors.

Go all the way at http://www.adidas.com/originalsdenim. Watch the clip below from their latest campaign - if the dressing room's rocking, please come knocking! Satisfy your curiosity and just get it on! Featuring the Cupie, Winetta, Rekord and Conductor.





NOTE: Pictures and video from Adidas website and Facebook account. Visit  http://www.adidas.com/originalsdenim

CARMINA VILLAROEL STEPS UP HER GAME

It's sunny days ahead for chic brand ENSEMBLES!

Like the rest of the fashion pack, ENSEMBLES is also offering bright, cheerful ideas this summer.  The dressy, new collection lavishes on very feminine dresses with elegant vibe, that when wore outdoors, will heighten the glowing effect of your weekend tan.

Obviously inspired by the yellow sun, the brand's latest ad campaign looks sunny-sunshine with the brand's celebrity ambassador CARMINA VILLAROEL. "I’m a big fan of vibrant, bold colors! My super fave is the one-shouldered coral dress I wore during our shoot.", says Carmina.


TICKLED PINK. Carmina swears to this one-shoulder coral dress with white bodice.

WHITE NOW. Add shocks of color to rock this white tulip dress, such as a smoldering red belt.

WILD CALLING. Opt for a printed dress and give off animalistic appeal.

CHAIN REACTION. Layers of chain necklaces render edgy effect to this white & black get-up.

Right at the center of Ensembles’ Sultry Summer 2011 Campaign, Carmina Villaroel steps up the style ladder with her latest collaboration with Ensembles – MUNIZ SHOES x ENSEMBLES. Muñiz Shoes is a brand owned and created by Carmina featuring her own design ideas in a variety of shoe styles: from classic pumps, trendy flats, to sultry-looking high heels. Originally sold online, she wanted to try out retail, thus the Ensembles Trinoma Mall pilot project. It became so successful, with more customers requesting for the shoes in other areas. Due to the high demand, the shoes will also be available at Robinson’s Ermita and SM Megamall starting March 18.

Here are some shoe styles that I particularly like from the collection: 

TIFFANY. Named after a niece, this drawstring bootie features mesh fabric that covers the shoe from toe to heel. The Tiffany is the perfect glamour shoe to keep your feet comfortable yet chic, and is available in mocha and gray. Price @ P2,800.00.

BEATRICE. An unapologetically girly and fun shoe, the Beatrice, named after one of Carmina’s nieces, comes with a wedge heel and is made of periwinkle material. It is available in yellow, blue, black and violet. Price @ P2,400.00.

SHEILA. Its cutouts at the sides and at the top, held together by interweaving laces, can make even the widest foot look feminine and shapely. The Sheila, named after one of Carmina’s sisters, comes in blue in shiny satin, red in periwinkle material and black. Price @ P2,500.00.

PATRICIA. Channel the laidback 70s glam with these leather wedge sandals. Coming in colors of tan, teal, and plum, the Patricia, named after one of Carmina’s favorite girl names since childhood—and also the name of one of the actress’ goddaughters—feature ankle straps that keep you stable despite the towering heel. The crisscrossed straps at the toes add some delicacy to this sturdy shoe. Price @ P2,400.00.

CARMELA. Muñiz takes on the Oxford craze with the Carmela shoe. Named after Carmina’s good friend, comedienne Candy Pangilinan, this stiletto features a weave-like black and white pattern and a toe cap made of patent leather. Price @ P2,200.00.

EVELYN. For nights out that need a shot of sophisticated glamour, this peep-toe platform heel is the perfect shoe. The cork sole and woven leather texture, emphasized by patent dark brown piping and delicate ankle straps, Evelyn is both sensible and sexy, an example of “naturalist chic”. Price @ P2,600.00.

BIANCA. With its knotted-net-and-lace upper, skinny wraparound ankle straps, and heels done in subtly textured animal print, the Bianca, named after one of Carmina’s nieces, mixes unconventional material with peek-a-boo sexiness. Price @ P2,600.00

YSABELLE. One of Carmina’s favorite names, Ysabelle is a classic peep-toe pump with platform heels and a metallic finish. Trimmed with black piping and made to achieve a pebbled net stocking effect, this shoe has a sexy, vintage appeal that looks straight off the set of Mad Men. Comes in black, gray, cream, yellow, and maroon. Price @ P2,500.00.

Visit Ensembles branches at The Row Glorietta 5, Trinoma, SM Megamall, SM Bicutan, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, Festival Supermall, Chimes Davao and EDSA Shangri-la Mall. Be a fan of Ensembles on Facebook, search for “Ensembles”. Follow them on Twitter, twitter.com/EnsemblesOnline. Or checkout www.ensembles.com.ph and http://www.munizshoes.com/

GODDESSES ON HIGH

Fall on your knees and worship, the goddesses of summer are here!

She almost conquered the universe, but it didn't stop her from breathing fire this summer! With blazing beauty, commanding presence and walk of a true queen, FOLDED&HUNG welcomes another sizzling beauty to behold, a "major-major" endorser exclusively for its swimsuit line - and VENUS RAJ was her name!

On the other hand, ANNE CURTIS, the original dyosa, is also back in billboards for FOLDED&HUNG Fragrances. Poised with love, beauty and more, Anne becomes the summer rose with the release of the new fragrance, Black Rose Eau de Toilette.

I wonder what happened to ANGEL LOCSIN, another screen goddess, who seemed to be absent this time in F&H's series of summer ads. She used to model the latest swimsuits from the brand, in fact, her two-piece bikini billboard last year catapulted her to FHM Philippines' Sexiest Woman for 2010.

Anyways, check out the new collections at FOLDED&HUNG's branches in major malls nationwide. Or visit www.foldedandhung.com.


NOTE: All pictures from Mr. Ronald Pineda.

SO YOU! SO NOW!

Have you experienced, even once in your life, the ultimate summer "bling"?

Offering much more than just a supporting role, accessories are also taking centerstage this spring/summer of 2011. Summer dressing is more fun with accessories - and lots of it! A simple dress, or trousers and shirt can look totally different with a statement necklace, a printed scarf or a pair of chic sunglasses.

For SM ACCESSORIES, this is right season when the hottest jewelries, blings, trinkets and all those trendy stuff that hit the catwalks, land in its department store. But you have to be quick, because they'll be sold out faster than you can say 'must have'. But where to begin? SM ACCESSORIES have boiled down the key trends in its latest ad campaign, and how to wear them in many ways for you. Ready, get set, shop!

KEY TREND: BOHO LUXE FOR WOMEN
Radiate heat waves when you add accessories with boho vibe to your sexy summer wardrobe. Pile cuffs and bangles on with excessive abundance... layer necklaces and chokers with ample statetment... fill up fingers with ornamental rings... accentuate more with fab earrings. Then don't forget to dazzle with the right dose of animal appeal!

Earrings, necklaces, bangles, rings, belt - all by WWW.
Available at Ladies' Accessories Department.

Wear this trend using a single outfit in 3 ways:

1) Sweet and chic at the cafe; 2) laid-back boho at the beach; 3) Glam goddess at the club

KEY TREND: SAFARI ADVENTURE FOR MEN
Unleash your wild side with earth-toned accessories when you go for the hunt. Let the adventure begin with stylish aviator sunglasses, canvass bags, leather belts, paisley scarves and native fedoras.

Fedora hat, sunglasses, scarves, watch, belts - all by MSENSE.
Available at Men's Accessories Department.

Wear this trend using a single outfit in 3 ways:

1) hip summer at the beach; 2) on a stylish summer vacation; 3) dapper at night

KEY TREND: STREET STYLE
Colorful belts, watches, bags, caps and shades round up the new street cool. Add some leatherette bracelets and piles of metallic chains, you're off to gangsta's paradise!

Caps, shades, watches, bracelets, belts, bag - all by SCUBED.
Available at Men's Accessories Department.

Wear this trend using a single outfit in 3 ways:

1) Punk it up at the beach; 2) Chill out at the mall; 3) Rock hot at the club

Photography: Bug Nieva (Shutterbug)
Ad Agency: Adfolio
Styling: Mike de Guzman and George Palmiano (MGP)
Makeup: Bobby Carlos (for WWW); Edwin Calingasan (for MSense & SCubed)
Models: Katarina (for WWW); Mark (for MSense); Sam (for SCubed)

NOW TRENDING: IN THE NAVEL

Fashion has a short story to tell.

Cropped tops are hitting the trends lately, as seen from the latest billboard campaigns, lookbooks, fashion shows and now - on the streets. It seems that this "navel" invasion is giving girls the sexy edge. The modern incarnates that bring us sudden 80's nostalgia include shortened cotton t-shirts (with or without photographic or graphic prints), midriff blouses, cutoff tanks, loose assymetric tummy tops, as well as cardigans that expose the lower abdomen. However, like most risky trends, this look requires a major dose of confidence: I mean, it’s not everyday you expose your stomach to the world!

KC Concepcion looks fab and lean in this Bayo billboard ad.
(Photo from Bayo's Facebook account)

Oxygen knows the right "short-cut" in this X-series Photographic Shirt.
(Photography by Doc Marlon Pecjo)

Isabelle Daza rocks the trend with a little peeping flesh for Human.
(Photo from www.be-human.com)

Kashieca goes for pattern clash in this plaid ruffled top with polka-dotted shorts.
(Photo from www.kashieca.com)

Solo's striped cropped cardigans add nautical appeal.
(Photo from www.solo.com.ph)

Forever 21 is having lacey days.
(Photo from www.forever21.com)

Folded&Hung likes it hippie-sexy during Phil. Fashion Week.
(Photo from www.stylebible.ph)

Behold, even guys are braving their boundaries and are looking super-edgy, super-sexy for this Oxygen pictorial!
(Photography by Doc Marlon Pecjo)

Think you have what it takes to make a cropped top work? Gifted with flawless, flabless abs, take your guts and face the challenge - match the garment with washed or ripped denim shorts, high-waisted pants, a dropped-crotch pair, or even skinny jeans. Better yet, have some fun and try some layering.

MAKING THE KILL (Killer Heels, that is!)

Reading on  VIRTUAL MAE's website, a review by Anna Canlas of Preview says, "Poring over Virtual Mae’s vast selection of shoes will make you die and go to heaven, only to be resurrected and killed yet again by the sheer exquisiteness of yet another pair. That’s why they’re called killer heels, agree?"

Agree!

Although without formal training in shoe design, MAE SERGIO is quickly getting the positive nod of stylistas through her shoe business available online called VIRTUAL MAE.

A graduate of Business Management of DLSU and a law student of San Beda College, Mae is keen on presenting a wide selection of trendy, edgy, fleeting footwear designs but in limited numbers. That means only a handful of women can own a single pair or design.


From fashion magazines to chic celebrities, VIRTUAL MAE makes the kill this summer as it turns more women translating shoes as their fashion vice. Drool over her Color Splash collection that can leave inggiteras in shock and awe. This assortment, inspired by smoldering runway trends abroad, is made up of color-savvy shoes in tall, sexy heels fierce enough to cut through a stranger about to harass you on the street.


LEGO LOVE. Color-blocked structural shoe with sexy stiletto heel.
 Style No. 900. Price available upon request.



PURE ARTWORK. Abstract-printed boot-pump with skyscraper heel.
 Style No. 901. Price available upon request.




BURNING DESIRE. Red orange textured platform pumps.
Style No. 904. Price available upon request.



INTO THE BLUE. Blue velvet high-heeled pump.
Style No. 903. Price available upon request.



THE PERFECT TIE. Wrap-around peeptoe with purple lucite bottom.
Style No. 801. Price available upon request.



STAND TALL. Multi-strapped platform with metallic heel.
Style No. 902. Price available upon request.

All shoes are Italian-made. For pre-orders only. 50% downpayment required. Contact Mae Sergio at 09175375901 for inquiries and bulk orders. Also check her shoes online via http://www.virtualmae.multiply.com/ or look for her at Facebook (Mae Sergio) and Twitter (Virtual Mae).

DENIM HEAT

Hot guy, hotter denim...

Feel the temperatures rise as SM Department Store Menswear stage a fiery showcase of raw, sexy and masculine denims through its in-house brand, V+ JEANS.

For summer, forget about the 80's-inspired acid and faded washes. Whether made of softer denim, stitched with yellow thread, cut slim or straight, jeanswear takes on a deeper, more intense hue. 

Turn the heat on this summer with V+ JEANS available at SM Department Stores nationwide.


Wet N' Wild



Rock denim rock!



In-jean-ious



Into the blues



Stud in denim


Photography: Frank Hoefsmit
Ad agency: Millimeter
Styling: Luis Espiritu
Associate Styling: Reg Rodriguez & Rudolph Leonor
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Louis Claparols
Model: Hideo Muraoka (Mercator)