CHEMICAL ROMANCE

From the same team that brought SHAPES, we present you the younger, edgier fashion brand CHEMISTRY, and we're very excited to share the results of the Holiday 2012 ad campaign we did recently.

CHEMISTRY is a for-him-and-her clothing brand targetted for the young-spirited, trendy and playful. The holiday collection comprises of bold colors and chic, cheery prints in dainty florals for fall, and cute heart patterns that were styled a la preppy, androgynous-rockstar, and neo-grunge. Colored trousers and shorts are also abound, as well as coats and blazers that will keep you warm this Yuletide season.

Check out the new ad campaign that we are all raving about that stars Elite Manila models Mark Mc Mahon and Coraleen Wadell (my favorite girl model of the moment), shot by owner Richard Romero (wow boss, you've arrived!), makeup by Bobby Carlos, hair by Mark Familara and styled by MGP (kami ni Geo yun, of course!).

CHEMISTRY is available at SM North EDSA Annex 3/F, SM Fairview 2/F, SM Manila 3/F, SM Sta. Rosa G/F, SM Batangas G/F, SM San Lazaro 2/F, SM Calamba, SM San Fernando. Or go online (www.chemistry-shop.com); Facebook (chemistry) and Twitter (chemistryshop).

_____________________________________________________________________________
Photography: Richard Romero
Art Direction, Post-processing & Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Darrell Justin Bautista
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Mark Familara
Models: Mark Mc Mahon & Coraleen Wadell (Elite Manila)









 

BLONDE AMBITION

Supermodel extraodinaire RIA BOLIVAR is the new face of SHAPES Holiday 2012 Billboard Ad Campaign.

One of our favorite models of all time, La Bolivar is having a "Starships" moment, as she channels a skinnier and safe-but-fashionable version of Nicki Minaj with her long blonde straight hairdo. As you would notice recently, SHAPES has turned to Pinay supermodels (Pauline Prieto, Catriona Gray and Jessica Yang were the models last summer) to star in their billboard ads. Isn't that good news for our home-based mannequins?

With a simple concept, basic styling and a plain background used, the primary objective of the ad campaign is to transform Ria into a platinum blonde beauty while stirring everybody into thinking (who sees the billboard when passing by EDSA-Cubao), "Is that Ria Bolivar?" Very simple yet there's something that differs. Nevertheless, Ria has been styled so many ways in her countless pictorials & fashion shows, and this is something that my partner George, I and the whole team believe in to deviate from the others. So whether other people like the look or not, the important thing is that there's a reaction and it's better than none at all. Tama?

This is also the first ad campaign pictorial for our Bossing Richard Romero who also happens to co-own SHAPES with another bossing August Virray. Thanks bosses, as well as to Amphie - working with you all has always been a pleasure.

See the new ad campaign shoot we did below and check out SHAPES branches nationwide. Log on to www.shapes.com.ph or find them at Facebook & Twitter. Also watch out for my next blog feature on their other brand, Chemistry, and the wonderful holiday billboard campaign that we are all raving about.

 

________________________________________________________________________
Photography: Richard Romero
Art Direction & Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Darrell Justin Bautista
Hair & Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Model: Ria Bolivar








AWARD WINNING

There are so many fashionable clothes out there, but only few are award-winning. I am happy that two of the talented young designers that my partner Geo and I have come to love have won their respective design competitions recently, and that is certainly something to be proud of.

A few weeks back, ROLAND ALZATÉ has done it again by bagging another design title - this time he took the Grand Prize at the Look of Style Awards presented by Philippine Daily Inquirer and Look Magazine, and sponsored by the British Council. Roland bested 10 other finalists who competed in a fashion show featuring eco-chic-inspired looks, and will be on his road to high fashion as he flies to Central Saint Martins in London very soon. It can be remembered that Alzaté also won last year's Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition organized by FDCP. Award-winning ka talaga Rense!

Eco Chic. Here are the winning entries of Rense using eco-friendly materials.

Winning moment. Rense gets applause and a bouquet after winning the Look of Style Award 2012.


Winner takes all. Rense being overtowered by his muses while wearing his winning pieces.

On the other hand, the fast-rising JEFFREY ROGADOR made our country proud by winning Jeansations 2 Best Jeans Award that was held in Monte Carlo, Monaco. His jean designs bested other 22 international multiple entries. A few weeks back, we tapped Jpoi to do the chic menswear clothes used in our Milanos fashion segment during the most recent Philippine Fashion Week. So proud of you sis!


Jeansational. Here are some of the design entries (in denim) made by Jpoi.

He got it! Jpoi posted this pic as soon as he won The Best Jean Award.

Go Forth. Jpoi with his Best Jean Design Award while wearing a Levi's tee (his sponsor).

To Rense and Jpoi, congratulations! I should pullout from both of you very soon, hihihi! Keep up the awesome work. :-)





NOTE: All pictures used here were grabbed from the Facebook pages of Rense & Jpoi.

DARK HEART

If you're a K-pop fanatic, or if you love something Korean, then you must like the 3rd and last of the series of pictorials we did for SM STYLE MANUAL Vol. 12.

Channelling the K-pop phenomenon and the style they breathe in their music videos, SM MEN'S FASHION joins the bandwagon by tapping Korean male models (who are currently studying here in the Philippines) specifically for this pictorial.

Featuring the Dark Heart collection of Boys Teens Wear for Holiday 2012, turn to the dark side of fashion with slim black silhouettes, leather trims, metal studs, goth-rock and loads of punk attitude. All clothes by MARKUS and TANK JEANS.

Check out the new collection available at SM Department Stores nationwide.



____________________________________________________________________________
Photography: Glenn Peter Perez
Art Direction, Layout & Post-production: Mike de Guzman (MGP)
Styling: George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Darrell Justin Bautista
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Mark Familara
Models: Kim Haejin & Min Joon So

INVASION

This is Part 2 of the series of pictorials we did for SM STYLE MANUAL Vol. 12 of SM MEN'S FASHION, and believe me, this is another fave shoot that's worth sharing for all to see (and be amazed with it).

The opening spread seems like a scene from the movie Armageddon, with the models marching on in military fashion. You'll also noticed that we pitted white models versus oriental ones. Quite interesting di ba...

Tough, edgy and back again, fall's utilitarian style in neutral hues and rockstar vibe goes the distance. All clothes by Markus, Tank Jeans and Tee Culture. Style tip: don studded accessories like belts & leatherette cuffs, some medal pins, and get ready to launch a style invasion.

Check out the Holiday 2012 collection of Boys Teens Wear available at SM Department Stores nationwide.



_______________________________________________________________________________
Photography: Glenn Peter Perez
Art Direction, Layout & Post-production: Mike de Guzman (MGP)
Styling: George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Darrell Justin Bautista
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Mark Familara
Models: Adriel Bernwaldt & Henrique Reimann (Elite Manila), Kim Haejin & Min Joon So

HE'S ON FIRE

I super love this pictorial of ours (certainly one of my favorites we did for the whole year) - from concept to styling to photography to post-production, not to mention model Adriel's enviable long blonde extensions, slim frame and effortless stance - overall, this is a visual firestarter!

And of course, you won't believe this shoot is a part of a series of images included in the latest SM STYLE MANUAL (Vol. 12 to be exact, and was included as inserts in Esquire and FHM issues this month) featuring different fall/winter trends from SM MEN'S FASHION. This is just so conceptual, very editorial in approach, that I believe most of you will burn (with satisfaction, for sure).

So, expect sparks to fly when real men wear pink - especially when styled with modern sporty aesthetics. See this part 1 of the pictorial we did and get oh soooo tickled pink. :-)

All clothes from MARKUS, available at the Boys Teens Wear section in SM Department Stores nationwide.




________________________________________________________________________
Photography: Glenn Peter Perez
Art Direction, Layout & Post-production: Mike de Guzman (MGP)
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Darrell Justin Bautista
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Mark Familiara
Models: Adriel Bernwaldt & Henrique Reimann (Elite Manila)

BOYFRIEND

These boys are NOT Justin Bieber-types - oh puhleez, hell no!!! But if they were your boyfriend, you'll never let them go...

This Holiday 2012, SM MEN'S FASHION brings you the most exciting trends from Boys Teens Wear. These are the kinds of clothes that give warmth during malamig na Pasko. These are the looks that your boyfriend should try on and be the coolest guy in every Christmas party that you both are attending together. Or yet, these are the pieces that would impress when you present your guy to your parents and relatives during family reunions.

From neutral shades of brown and khaki with hints of rocker and military chic, to slim black and whites with leather appeal and gothic edge, there are endless ways to rock your clothes and be the ultimate dream boy this holiday season.

See the new SM Boys Teens ad campaign below:



  

Clothes from Markus and Tank Jeans. Check out the new collection of SM Boys Teens Wear at SM Department Stores nationwide.



__________________________________________________________________________________ 
Photography: Jo Ann Bitagcol
Styling, Layout & Art Direction: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Darrell Justin Bautista
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Assisted by: Ria Aquino
Hair: Jaime Sy
Models: Nat Kiefer (Mercator), Adriel Berwaldt & Gonzalo Mena (Elite Manila)
 

THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES

Lifestyle columnist, art patron and accessory designer JUNJUN ABLAZA truly knows how to throw a party in blazing style. He celebrated his birthday last October 24 with a headlining social event-cum-exhibit at The Manila Polo Club attended by Manila's elite, fashion denizens and art lovers.

Junjun's red-themed birthday party was highlighted with a photo exbihit that showcased his creations with Japanese and tribal-inspired artwear & artcessories that ranged from kimonos, obi wraps, feather capes, fur shrugs, chunky necklaces, spectacular headdresses, and other fabulous excesses that make these pieces all together an art form.

"The Emperor's New Clothes" gathered a multitude of visionary photographers and stylists that collaborated in different teams to produce unparalled, almost bizaare images with Ablaza's pieces interpreted in conceptual Japanese style - that included Raizel Dy x Louie Parinas; Ryuji Shiomitsu x Rxandy Capinpin; Jhay Layson x Arvin Cruz; Roko Arceo x Filbert Kung; Mike de Guzman + George Palmiano x Bethoven Filomeno; Rolee Umali x Mark Jacob; Edrick Paz x Sylvester Sy; Louis Gonzalez + John Damagan x Mark Ryan Alvarez; Rob Lim x Ram Mendoza + Arojo Santos; L.A. Feriols x Wesley Villarica; Mica Santos x Alvin John Adriano; Angelo de Cartagena x Christine Day Lorico; Argie Salango x Glenn Peter Perez; Michael Russell Lo Reyes x Michael Franks; Gio Gahol x Jav Velasco.

Unfortunately, my partner Geo and I were not able to personally greet Junjun and attend the event (due to prior work commitments), and lament the fact that we weren't able to see (in flesh) the actual images we worked hard for in larger-than-life print. Good thing though, our photographer Bethoven was there, and hearing from him that there were people who liked our exhibit entries was truly heartwarming enough.

Now, let me share with you all the end products of our labor, and hope you guys like these. We are genuinely proud of these images that may seem a bit controversial - and controversial is quite good. Since our team has limited resources, and wanted to deviate from the pack & create a bit of shock factor, we transformed our game male models into transgendered Japanese dowagers & Mongolian divas. We are thankful to everybody in the team - definitely an awesome job for all!

SNOW MOUNTAIN QUEEN. Model Adriel as a mystical snow goddess. Doesn't he look like actess Daryl Hannah here?

THE ART OF SEDUCTION. Model Jayjay looking like a Yakuza mistress with her tattoed man.

BARBARELLAS. Models Adriel & Jayjay as Mongolian warrior queens.

GENGHIS DIVAS. Another option layout.

Photography: Bethoven Filomeno

Art Direction, Styling & Post-production: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)

Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Darrell Justin Bautista

Hair & Makeup: Paul Refol

Models: Adriel Berwaldt & Jay Jackson (Elite Manila)

 

On the other hand, here are some fascinating visuals from several other teams:

Some exhibit sidelights...

The entralling exbihit hall.

 Photographer Betong poses with pride alongside one of our works.

 The celebrant and man of the hour, Junjun Ablaza, with one of our entries.

Congrats Junjun Ablaza and thanks again for inviting us to collaborate for this out-of-the-ordinary project that envisions fashion and art on a daring, upbeat scale.

Check out Ablaza Artwear & Artcessories at Ablaze, G/L Market Market Mall.