A VELVET-Y HOLLYWOOD TRIBUTE

It's Oscars Fever today!

VELVET Channel once again paid tribute to the best of Hollywood through an exhibit held recently at Archaeology, Power Plant Mall that featured collaborative creative works from both fashion and entertainment industries. Different teams composing of top local celebrities joined forces with powerhouse photographers, stylists, hair & makeup artists to come up with editorial-like pictures inspired from an iconic Hollywood movie, with fashion and style in mind.

With utmost creativity, good teamwork and keen eyes for details, this year's winners are the following:

GOLD MEDALIST - Sherlock Holmes
Featuring: John Lloyd Cruz
Photography: Xander Angeles
Styling: Matt Gozun
Makeup: Cha Cuyong

SILVER MEDALIST - Coco Chanel
Featuring: Jewel Mische
Photography: Ria Regino
Styling: Rex Atienza
Makeup: RB Chanco
Hair: Felicity Son

BRONZE MEDALIST - Black Swan
Featuring: Kim Chiu
Photography: Miguel Miranda
Styling: Patrick Galang
Makeup: Lilian Yeung
Hair: Apriel Segun


Velvet will also air the Oscars Red Carpet Live, a prelude to the awarding ceremonies starting at 7AM today. The 83rd Academy Awards will also be aired via ABS-CBN at 10:30 am and a primetime telecast on Studio 23 on Tuesday (March 1) at 10:30 PM.



NOTE: Photos from Lilian Yeung's blog. For more info, check her site at http://lilianyeung.blogspot.com/

IN STYLE: CORY AQUINO

I am still having a People Power moment up to this day. How would people react - specifically P-Noy and Kris - when they see the late president CORY AQUINO gets restyled and all glammed-up for EDSA Revolution? I think they'll have Yellow Fever!

Saw these awesome pictures online (thru good friend and very talented fashion designer ROEL ROSAL's Facebook) in commemoration of the 1986 EDSA Revolution and in homage to the Mother of Philippine Democracy. This modern interpretation is very candid, unique on its own, artistically done, slightly political, part dramatic and has an overall high fashion feel into it. Imagine Madame Cory (portrayed by Valerie Bariou-Bondoc) looking gorgeous and uber-chic in a long, draped yellow dress (by Roel Rosal) mildly accented with specs and a rosary in the middle of EDSA - she could have easily wiped Madame Imelda Marcos (in terms of style points) out of Malacanang!

These pictures, megged by Ahleks Fusilero, are supposed to be used for an exhibit. Sayang, even Baby James would have surely loved to see these!


Photography: Ahleks Fusilero
Model: Valerie Bariou-Bondoc
Hair & Makeup: Ten Franco
Gown: Roel Rosal

PINOYS DAZZLE IN NY FASHION SCENE

We, Filipinos, take pride in everything that shines through in the global arena. After Charice for entertainment, Pacquiao and Donaire for boxing, Pinoys are aggresively stamping themselves as new forces to reckon with in the cutthroat international modelling scene.

Carrying the blazing torch of glory is Fil-Canadian model hunk PAOLO ROLDAN who recently breathed fire in many runway shows - not just in New York - but also in Milan and Paris. Paolo's rise to fame started when he debuted exclusively for red-hot label Givenchy, closing the show's fall/winter 2010 collection. He then became clearly a favorite of Ricardo Tisci, and was immediately featured in the fashion house's fall/winter 2010 ad campaign. His career is currently in a roar, and is catching up with other designers, too, as he walked the runways for such powerhouse designers Armani and Hermès in menswear shows last month.

Givenchy F/W 2011

(photo from gq.com)

 Hermes F/W 2011

(photo from gq.com)

 Armani F/W 2011

(photo from nymag.com)

G-Star Raw F/W 2011

(photo from nymag.com)

Corneliani F/W 2011

(photo from gq.com)

 Johannes Faktotum F/W 2011 Lookbook

(photo from thefashionisto.com)

On the other hand, CHARLENE ALMARVEZ, a native of Laguna, is also on fire a year after she came very close to winning the 2010 Ford Supermodel of the World (she was 1st runner-up). Chat, aside from sizzling in numerous runway shows in the current NY Fashion Week, adds Teen Vogue to her credentials.

Nanette Lepore F/W 2011

(photo from Women's Wear Daily)

Yeohlee F/W 2011

(photo from Women's Wear Daily)

Jenny Packham F/W 2011

(photo from Women's Wear Daily)

Prom Cover & Editorial Supplement - US Teen Vogue March 2011

(photo from teenvogue.com)

Fashion Editorial - US Town & Country March 2011

(photo from fashionmedia.ph)

Cover for Wedding Essentials January 2011

(photo from tumblr.com)

Also from Ford Models, DANICA FLORES MAGPANTAY is creating her own flame after winning the 2011 Supermodel of the World. Statuesque and exotic Danica is burning hot in runway and collection presentations in New York, alongside and head-to-head with fellow Pinay, Chat Almarvez.

 Tim Hamilton F/W 2011

(photo from style.com)



John Patrick F/W 2011

(photo from nymag.com)

Bensoni F/W 2011

(photo from nymag.com)

Nanette Lepore F/W 2011

(photo from Women's Wear Daily)

Cover for Sense & Style March 2011 

(photo from Lala Flores)

Now, who's next?

THE DOC IS IN: X-SERIES PHOTOGRAPHIC SHIRTS BY OXYGEN

Our hats off to uber-cool, always edgy, super in-demand fashion and celebrity photographer DOC MARLON PECJO for bringing his creative genius to another level.

This month, the very fashion-forward retail brand OXYGEN is all about photographic tees with the launch of its limited edition X-SERIES shirts in collaboration with the said famous photographer who breathes life to basic cotton tees with some images that he contributed. Doc Marlon has been known for shooting ad campaigns for the brand for several years now.

Priced at P449 (for women) and P469 (for men) , these photographic shirts are made of 100% cotton. Yes dear, as Oxygen said in its website, you can have your art, and wear it, too!

  

 NOTE: All photos from www.oxygentm.com

BUY OF THE MONTH: RED LOVE

Red is the color of love...

In the spirit of post-Valentine's Day, I saw this pair of chunky midtop sneakers in screaming red that instantly gained my fascination, with my partner Geo's loud approval. These are the type of shoes that command attention on the streets, the kind of sneaks that are (literally) red-hot on the dance floor.

SHOES KO DAY! Tassled midtop sneakers by KARTEL at TRAFFIC for only P2,199.00

Taking on board an interesting construction that culminate in a luxurious look, the sneakers also come with tassles on each shoe string that make the design more adorable. Furthermore, notice the quilted flap at the back - makes it easier to tuck pants into.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: Although we got the shoes on sale, I certainly know that we had an amazing, fashionable great buy!

On a side note, these shoes reminded me of the very same design collaboration between Kanye West and Louis Vuitton some seasons back:

Isn't this what you call value for money afterall? :-)

HIS and HERS

This Valentine's Day, are you ready to bend the gender rules and barriers of style to come up with a look that is hip for both boy and girl, or girl and boy?

Global fashion seems to shift radically at recent times, that trends are no longer just for him, or exclusively for her. We've heard of the "androgynous" look for women a lot of times, as designers sent models wearing boyfriend blazers, boyfriend shirts and even boyfriend jeans in many runway shows before. In this case, it's now time for men to face their fears, embrace feminine silhouettes and make the look distinctly their own - as widely exhibited in most Paris fashion shows for men recently (think Lanvin, YSL, Viktor and Rolf to name a few).

To make things edgier and different for the season of hearts, we have fashionable and cute blogger-couple Seph Cham (freelance model, web designer) and Shai Lagarde (fashion stylist, writer, producer) , of LOVE CHIC, taking the unisex lane by braving and wearing the same items, but interpreting them individually in this pictorial:

IT TAKES TWO. Seph layers this pale gray buttoned long-sleeved top with a white tank underneath and white jeans, and finishes off with a checkered belt for a clean, boy-next-door look. On the other hand, Shai opts to loosen up the attire with her hair down and sleeves rolled up.

HIS AND HERS. Seph channels sporty vibe in this gray knit overlap top over white shirt and white jeans. Shai works the same garment with a white bandeau and a pair of white pants, and tops off with a pair of geek glasses for an innocent girlish charm.

On a side note, visit LOVECHIC (http://lovechic.tumblr.com) to view Seph's and Shai's blogsite. This twenty-something couple from Manila with a shared love for all things chic chronicles their (almost) daily interpretation of the hottest trends, fab finds and fashion insights. Seph and Shai call their style “Koreopean street,” a mix of Korean and European sensibilities but with the streets of Manila in mind. They admire the styles of nameless and fashionable guys and girls on the street who aren’t necessarily dressed in expensive pieces but really exude an effortlessly stylish vibe.

Before we hurry off to our romantic dinner date tonight, take this small love note shared by Shai: "We are two people who share a lot of things in common and in our differences, complement each other. This crazy but happy give-and-take as chronicled on our blog is what makes us click. We take delight in simple things, we enjoy the company of people we love, and we avoid taking ourselves too seriously."


Happy V-day to all!



NOTE: Photos by Richard Romero. All clothes by upcoming brand CHEMISTRY - please watch for it!  Visit http://lovechic.tumblr.com/  

FEBRUARY 2011 COVER OF THE MONTH: Nanette Medved-Po Resurfaces for MEGA Magazine

As the cover says, "Then and now, she still captivates..."

This February, MEGA Magazine celebrates its 19th Anniversary with the glorious return of Ms. Nanette Medved-Po on its cover. My most favored Darna of all time, Nanette still looks stunning with her smashing figure coupled with a refreshing face and a gorgeous stance (as if she never aged!) wearing a graphic-inspired body-con dress with cutouts by the young creative genius, Kermit Tesoro.

There are actually four covers for this month that features the former actress together with the industry's leading fashion movers (makeup artist Lala Flores, photographer Marc Nicdao and fashion designer Jun Escario), but it is Nanette's solo cover that fascinates best.

Photography Mark Nicdao
Art Direction Suki Salvador
Styling Teej Nepomuceno
Styling Associate Angela Alarcon & Eldzs Mejia
Makeup Leo Posadas
Hair John Valle

CAKES BY DESIGN

Wow, we're seeing more and more designer collaborations recently!

Although Geo and I weren't able to attend the launch, we congratulate LOUIS CLAPAROLS who intensifies his talent, vision, passion and creativity even further from haute couture design and now to cake revelry. After his successful Ensembles stint, Louis teams up anew -  this time with Hyatt Pastry Chef Johann Dreisger to come up with a sweet concoction that he calls the KALEIDOSCOPE CAKE.

Cake Couture: The Kaleidoscope Cake looks like a charming (graphic) version of Pandora's box with mouthful flavors waiting to tickle everyone's sweet tongue when they take a bite.

All boxed up. Claparols is known for his inclination for graphic patterns that he use for his couture creations... even on this cake.

Give love. Louis presents his fabulous cake (in this image screen shot from the video wall) - perfect for giving out to loved ones this coming Valentine's day!

Unbreakable. No one beats this fashionable tandem! Makeup artist Bobby Carlos gives Louis a loving tap on his shoulder for a job well done.

The Kaleidoscope Cake will be available at the Hyatt Pastry shop from February to April 2011, and for every cake sold, a percentage of sales will go to PAWS (the Phil Animal Welfare Association).


NOTE: All pictures used here came from Louis Claparols FB account.

BORACAY PRE-SUMMER FASHION WATCH

I love my work!

I love it even more when we get to shoot in far-flung, awe-inspiring locations with captivating sceneries. I love it most when it almost feels like a vacation... In short, I soooo love work with little play that we now simply call it workwatsa!

Together with an awesome team of creative, sunny-sunshine and adorably energetic people, SM Department Store's Shoes and Bags Group (LTBG) headed to Boracay for its summer ad campaign shoot. The white sugar-powdery-like sand, the sparkling turquiose water (thank God, there weren't slimy lumot yet this time around), and the blue yet cloudy skies provided the set for this whole series of pictorials that's all worth the wait.

THE ROCK FORMATION. Top row, L-R: Henry Vergara, Luis Espiritu, Ricci del Rosario, Lora Gabuba-Antenor, Anna May Sta.Ana, Anderson, Nonoy Arizala, Neslyn Diaz, me and Reg Rodriguez. Front row, L-R: Donna Gonzales-Lim, Belle Camarsi, LTBG's Rina Lacia-Bugayong, George Palmiano, Bobby Carlos, Pat Dy, Ria Aquino and Rudolph Leonor.

SHADES OF SUMMER. Top row, L-R: Kuya Jerry, Nonoy Arizala, Neslyn Diaz, Bobby Carlos, Pat Dy, Ria Aquino, Anderson, and Ricci del Rosario. Front row, L-R: Rina Lacia-Bugayong, George Palmiano, Lora Gabuba-Antenor, me, Peter Nordell and Anna May Sta. Ana.

THE COCONUT NUTS. L-R: Ricci Del Rosario, Rina Lacia-Bugayong, Edwin Calingasan, George Palmiano, Felipe Otto Izing, Kuya Arnold, Anna May Sta.Ana, Nonoy Arizala, Neslyn Diaz, Kuya Jerry, me and Lora Gabuna-Antenor.


During those days, Boracay's weather was intense cold, windy with lots of hovering clouds. That would mean less sun = less sunstroke. Taking the opportunity to go around without the searing heat, I grabbed my digicam and shot pictures of different people wearing their own statement clothes while basking and enjoying the beach. Let's see how various trends kicked their way under the sun and make Boracay a regular top fashionable summer destination.


TREND: ANIMAL PRINTS

Into the wild: Stunning model Jasmine Maierhoffer shows her love for spots in a leopard-printed droppped-crotch pants and lizard-printed tee. On the other hand, makeup artist Bobby Carlos unleashes his wild side in a pair of zebra-striped shorts that matches his white and gray layered top.


TREND: SHORT SHORTS

Leg show: Spanish model/mom Fatima Rabago (center) and other unnamed women are proofs that revealing sexy, long legs are enough to grab attention while on the beach, or at the sidewalks, especially when you pair casual short shorts with comfy tank tops.


TREND: FLORALS

Flower Power: These attractive foreigners surely know how to work floral prints - from dresses to swimsuits. Even men are wearing them in shorts!


TREND: STRIPES
Full Stripes Ahead : Associate stylist and fashion blogger Reg Rodriguez (center-left) chillaxes in a cool-to-the eyes striped tank top. A Korean woman (left) goes nautical in her beige and black striped dress, while an Asian young girl (center-right) stuns while playing with bright colors in a sporty get-up. On the rightmost side, this pretty foreign lass is oh-la-la in a striped bikini paired with white polo.


TREND: SHEER

Seeing through: SM's Ruth Galvez (center) teases in a cream see-thru drop-shoulder tunic, revealing small amounts of skin. The other girls also know how to leave something to the imagination by layering their bikini tops underneath a sheer garment.


TREND: PRINTED BOARD SHORTS

Now boarding: These men scour the beach in eye-popping printed board shorts made cooler with a pair of sunglasses. Hunky Brazilian model Felipe Otto Izing (right) meanwhile gives a thumb up while exposing his washboard abs and unleashing his beachboy charm.


TREND: BANDEAU

Band aid: Hoping to get a tan, these ladies put on a brave show with a sweetheart bandeau top and skimpy bikini bottom that reveal feminine curves and attract lingering eyes.


TREND: TRUNKS

Trunkshow: These men refuse to be left far behind in terms of exposing their bodies (and more) as they lay on the powdery white sand.


TREND: SARONG

Feelin' Rasta: Mau de Leon of Mercator (left) is easy-breezy by the beach in a printed sarong that he wrapped around like a halter dress. Out to challenge is the cute little girl on the right in a fringed psychedelic tie-dyed sarong.


TREND: HIPPIE CHIC

It's hip to be a chick: Seventies hippie fashion makes a stunning revival in printed dresses worn by these hippie-happy chicks.


TREND: RASH GUARDS

Surfs up!: When waves are high, the Hawaiian surfer fashion looks cool with rash guards over board shorts. Even girls who wish not to flaunt are loving it!


TREND: NATIVE FEDORAS

Hats on!: Handsome model Peter Nordell (left), associate stylist Rudolph Leonor (center) and SM's Ricci del Rosario (right) are all heads up in very summery and chic fedora hats made from native woven straw materials.


TREND: BOHO CHARM

Bohemian Rhapsody: Adfolio's Anna May Sta.Ana (left) exudes Boho charm in a long multi-printed peasant skirt matched with a basic top and purple fringed shawl. The woman on the right exemplifies the same trend in a liberty-printed folkloric dress, a matching cardigan and cutesy native bag.


TREND: EARTH TONES

Neutralization: Shades of browns, beige and other neutrals that mimic the sand and the earth also make their way into the top Bora trends. Brazilian model Anderson (center) does holiday resort look in a cream linen top paired with brown shirt and grayish pants. On the left shows a Korean woman working her neutrals with a bright orange coverup. In conrats, the lovely foreigner on the right opts for an African Safari look in a beige and brown camisole and airy choco pair of pants finished with a woven native belt and opaque tote.


TREND: INTO THE BLUES

Blues Clues: These ladies reflect the azure skies and turquiose waters of Boracay in different shades of blue - in a sexy maillot, sporty top and shorts, polka-dotted bikini or even a short dress for coverup.


TREND: WHITE HOT

All white splendor: Associate stylist and fashion blogger Donna Gonzales-Lim demonstrates effortless chic in an oversized white top finished off with a fedora, dark rounded shades and a pair of white floral shorts. The girl on the left radiates feminine charm in a peasant white dress made cutesy with a pink tropical hat. Conversely, the foreign woman on the right goes ultra daring in a wet, sexy, revealing string bikini.


TREND: CRAYOLA COLORS

Color me crazy: It's a bright, bright world for these people! My partner George Palmiano (leftmost pic) exhibits color blocking in shocking yellow and bright blue shorts. Baby Daniella (daughter of models Fatima Rabago and Hideo Muraoka), center-left pic, shows signs of a bright modelling future, also in screaming yellow.

TREND: SUNGLASSES

Eye candies: SM-LTBG's Rina Lacia-Bugayong, hair and makeup artist Edwin Calingasan and Adfolio's head honcho Lora Gabuna-Antenor, all illustrate that sunglasses and a cheerful disposition are the best accessories to simple get-ups.


As I close this article, I still crave for Jonah's super famous fruit shakes, sumptuous seafoods, buffet breakfasts and nightly massages. Our heartful thanks especially to Rina Lacia-Bugayong of SM-LTBG and her gang, and to Lora Gabuna-Antenor of Adofolio and her team. We miss you already Luis Espiritu and his fashionable kids, Bobby Carlos and apprentice Ria Aquino, Pat Dy with my college classmate Henry Vergara, Bug Nieva and his Shutterbug assistants, Mama Edwin Calingasan and the models. See yah all soon!


NOTE: Also check out behind-the-scene blog articles by Luis Espiritu (stylenarratives.blogspot.com) and Reg Rodriguez (heyrocketgirl.com)