PINAY WINS INTERNATIONAL SHOE DESIGN COMPETITION

My partner George Palmiano has been very keen lately about fashion news around the globe. He recently tipped me about this international shoe design competition wherein a virtually unknown Filipina designer won -- very news-worthy, in the same manner as blog-worthy!

For many of us Pinoys, we're not totally aware of the Italian shoe brand ALBERTO GUARDIANI. Together with I-D, the British magazine created by Terry Jones, the brand recently announced the winner of Cinderthriller International Shoe Design Competition, which was launched months ago in search for the new "It-shoe". According to news, The Flutterby Shoe by Manila-based LADY SAN PEDRO bested 2 other international finalists who made the into the final cut of the competition. 

A special panel featured the celebrated British shoe designer Georgina Goodman, Anna dello Russo, Sarah, owner of Paris concept-store Colette, Andrew Keith, president of Hong Kong department store Lane Crawford, Terry Jones and Rubina Guardiani.

In a related release, LADY SAN PEDRO's design features a classic red maryjane pump that gets a stylish, fantasy-like twist with a pair of butterfly wing heels and antenna-thin straps. The Farfalla heels epitomizes the modern woman while possessing a spontaneity that can only come from a sharp mind and fearless spirit.

BUTTERFLY HEELS. Lady San Pedro's winning shoe design rendered in graphic illustration.

Check out this winning design by LADY SAN PEDRO that has been made into a real shoe for ALBERTO GUARDIANI. Fly really high Lady, fly high with might fellow Pinoys!

SPREAD YOUR WINGS. From design to reality, the Flutterby Shoe is as delicate as the butterfly.

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL. The "Lady" shown here with the "Shoe".

NOTE: Pictures from Alberto Guardiani

WILD LUXE: Louis Claparols Pre-Summer 2012

Our dear friend and one of our favorite turn-to fashion designers, LOUIS CLAPAROLS, must have adhered to the call of the "wild". The famed designer unleashes his wild, playful and creative side as leopard prints dominate his pre-summer collection for 2012, making stylish and catty women left and right growl with hunger for these beautiful but limited creations for MYTH. CLAPAROLS also injected his signature inkling for bright colors, as well as minimal studded appliques, just perfect for a chic, ferocious summer! Check out his latest lookbook, then head immediately to MYTH at 2/L Greenbelt 4 before stocks run out.

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Photography: Mau Aguasin
Styling: Reg Rodriguez
Makeup: Bobby Carlos (Max Factor)
Hair: John Valle
Model: Fatima Rabago (Mercator)

SUMMER LOVIN': Regatta S/S 2012 Ad Campaign

Finally, REGATTA gets the much-needed fashionable spin as it welcomes summer of 2012 bursting with bright colors, breathtaking background of blues that reflect the skies and the sea, and loads of casual clothing fun. Kinda brings into mind the coolness and cheerfulness of Lacoste summer ad campaigns, with a tinge of Nautica. The brand must be really keeping up when it comes to visuals with international appeal. 

Inspired by traveluxe living, REGATTA brings you a line of vibrant, sporty, and fresh summer offers that combine class and comfort. Sport that hip look with pique shirts matched with the perfect pair of shorts. Check out the latest collection, and be ready to head off for this year's much-anticipated vacation spree!

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Photography: Seven Baretto/RJ Palad
Creative Direction & Styling: Suki Salvador
Make-Up: Nadj Flores-Zaragoza
Hair: Mark Baquiran

ROW YOUR BOAT: Plains & Prints S/S 2012 Ad Campaign

I'd been sick for how many days due to stress, and it's a good feeling to finally get back to one of the things I enjoy doing - blogging about fashion (obviously).

Last week, I was too sick that I asked my brother to drive for me to attend a client meeting. On our way home, I had a glimpse of the cool-blue billboard ad of PLAINS & PRINTS along Guadalupe-EDSA, and told myself, wow!

Then I came across the actual image of the said ad campaign somewhere in the internet with a better view, I told myself, parang may kulang... it's so bitin without the water! It could have been more fantasy-like and captivating if the paper boat floats on a serene, sparkling blue sea water. Anyways, this is just but an opinion.

For Spring/Summer 2012, the said clothing brand collaborates with famed designer RHETT EALA. Inspired by the breathtaking beaches and stunning sunsets of world-renowned Santorini in Greece, the new collection features pieces that are fresh, relaxed and laidback with some pretty French resort flair. With the use of soft fabrics combined with the colors that mimic the sea and sunset (one of major trends this summer) and dainty interplay of prints, the Santorini collection would definitely have you wanting to hit the beach now.

For more details about the collection, check out www.plainsandprints.com.





Note: Photos from FB account of P&P

WILD THINGS: The Boys of SM Mens Fashion Summer Ad Campaign 2012 (Part 1)

Are you ready for a scrumptous summer feast? Feel the temperatures soar as the BOYS of SM MEN'S FASHION ignite the ultimate summer adventure. Let your appetite sizzle for pretty, young things - these free-spirited boys have gone all out to reveal their wild side! And mind you, this is just a preview of what SM BOYS TEENS WEAR has in-store for you this 2012. Yes, watch out, 'coz there's more to satisfy your thirst and hunger...

Check out the new summer collection of BOYS TEENS WEAR at all SM Department Stores nationwide. Also watch out for the other series of hotter summer images in my next blog post.


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Photography: Jo Ann Bitagcol
Art Direction & Post-production: Mike de Guzman (MGP)
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog
Grooming: Ria Aquino
Models: Nat Kiefer (Mercator), Robson Guaragni (IM-Models)
& Pedre Dutra (Reco)
Ad Agency: Adfolio

PROMinent STYLE

All across highschools everywhere, the act of asking a chick to prom has become an all-out, starry-like affair. Oftentimes, the prom becomes a rite of passage, and would be the first time a boy wears a formal suit, even tuxedo. In an ad campaign that we (at MGP) conceptualized, styled and are excited about, take cue from the latest red-carpet style as SM MEN'S FASHION brings all the cool must-haves fit for the Kings of Prom - and get ready thereafter for the girls to swoon.

MAKE WAY. The Prom Kings of 2012 are definition of the words: suave and cool.

There's an endless amount of ways to let your try style shine through your prom look. If your date isn't big on trends, a classic black or monochromatic suit with necktie is stylish and sharp.

If you want to dress up a la debonair, try it with wingtips, a perfect tie knot, polished hair and a drop-dead smirk. On the other hand, there's just nothing more dapper than a three-piece suit. You'll definitely feel like taking the prom king crown if you step out of the limo in a charcoal gray suit, vest and a stylish tie. It’s sophisticated, appropriate, and drool-worthy.

If you don't want to play it safe, opt for a suit with a cool print on it (such as plaid, checks or stripes), and pair it with a bow or neck tie.

Should your girl have problems with what to wear, even she can borrow from your look. A boyfriend blazer styled with a flambouyant, even frothy skirt (such as ball or bubble skirt) will have her looking stylishly different from an excessive sea of evening gowns.

Check out the latest collections from in-house brands MARKUS, UBERTO DURANTI and MAIN STREET, all available at SM MEN'S FASHION.


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Photography: Jo Ann Bitagcol
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Neri Rieza
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Bea Misa
Models: Nathaniel Kiefer, Robbie Becroft, Gonzalo and Pauline Prieto
Ad Agency: IXM

FEBRUARY 2012 TOP COVERS OF THE MONTH

Love is in the air, with February in mind - and in the hearts of everyone. The second month of the year boasts of tantalizing visuals from different magazines that aim to captivate our hearts. Let's see the top three local magazine covers that we love this month, and those that are worthy of our unquestionable admiration:


1st Honor: KC CONCEPCION for ROGUE Magazine
Another controversial magazine cover from the formidable ROGUE team (headed by photographer Mark Nicdao & stylist Pam Quinones), we've been spoiled by seeing various sexy concepts rendered in good taste for several months now. To the shock of the many, actress/TV host KC Concepcion is all out to give us a heart attack with a splendid view of her back. For a woman on the verge of healing, is this KC's way to tell her ex (Piolo Pascual) that she is loaded with stuff that every man could dream of, and that she's so hot to be ignored? Love the snake that she holds on one of her hands, together with a head of a man that resembles her ex. I wonder how Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion react to their daughter's sexy transformation.

Photography: Mark Nicdao; Styling: Pam Quinones; Makeup: Juan Sarte; Hair: Celeste Tuviera-Querido

2nd Honor: JUDY ANN SANTOS for MEGA Magazine
Juday is back - not just in showbiz, but also on the cover of MEGA. The host of Junior Master Chef at ABS-CBN, Judy Ann looks gorgeous while donning mixed prints on the 20th Anniversary issue of the said magazine, showing proof that she's ready for battle. This is MEGA's one of the three stellar cover options for this month - the others with Kim Chiu and Sharon Cuneta - all saying that print is not dead. However, in my opinion, Juday's cover is the best (while bringing justice to mismatching prints), and the others, esp. Sharon's, can be left buried and just forgotten.

Photography: Mark Nicdao; Art Direction: Suki Salvador & Mica Santos; Styling: Angela Alarcon & Miel Villamor; Makeup: Juan Sarte; Hair: Jing Monis

3rd Honor: JASMINE CURTIS for MEG Magazine
Jasmine Curtis-Smith has the look of love for the February issue of MEG Magazine. Simply looking fresh and pretty on this cover, this young actress is to watch out for, as she tries to make a name for herself.

Photography: Niko Villegas; Styling: L.A. Ferriols & Eldz Mejia; Makeup: Robbie Pinera; Hair: Raymond Santiago

MADE TO FIT

Last Christmas, my partner George and I received a really cool gift from our beloved Rina Lacia-Bugayong, Marketing Head of SM Shoes and Bags. But it was only two weeks ago when we redeemed it, I never had my jeans customized before!

With a nod to the past and a tip of the hat to the future, indie bespoke/made-to-fit brand DEFACTO INDUSTRY journeys from a custom clothing shop specializing in limited edition denim jeans, to a boutique that is more statement than store. From one-off custom creations to tweaked classics, the shop and its products reflect the individualistic spirit of these times.

IN THE NAME OF DENIM. Defacto's logo box hangs on the wall, really, this is not your typical fashion store.

POCKET MANIA. A curtain made out of denim back pockets showing different logo renditions of the bespoke brand.

HEAVY METAL. An eye-catching piece of artwork, this industrial chandelier serves as central accent inside the shop.

JEAN POOL. Choose from a table full of denim designs that you can reference for your customized jeans.

HANG ON. Have your jeans customized not just with precision fit, but also with style, cut, pocket design, fabrication, wash and colors, even striped patterns.

YELLOW FEVER. I have my eyes set on this pair of golden yellow pants!

BLUE JEANS. Why not tweak the classic blue jeans with pink stitching?

THE BRAVE & THE BOLD. Be not afraid of donning colored jeans especially this around-the-corner summer season.

SHORT STORIES. These variety of shorts for the girls are meant to show sexy, long legs.

BLACK IS BLACK. Defacto is also doing custom-made jackets, just like this black blazer with white stitching.

SHOW YOUR STRIPES. This striped blazer is soooo screaming nautical summer.

Can't wait to have my pants - I had mine in rust orange (unusual color kasi) with regular fit as a wearable casual statement that I can use for some color blocking. Thanks again Mader Rina!

Visit DEFACTO INDUSTRY at Unit 127 Mile Long Bldg., Amorsolo cor. V.A. Rufino Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone No.: 8184708; Mobile No.: 09175033646; Email Address: defacto.industry@gmail.com. Or check their website: www.defactodenim.com.