Tough Six: BEST FALL/WINTER BILLBOARD ADS OF 2011

Part of my resolution for 2012 is to limit myself from writing something with okray (I'll persevere on doing that), and instead focus -- wholeheartedly -- on giving light to the best of the best. After several months, it's Tough Six time again! With no further ado, allow me to crown the 6 best fashion billboard ad campaigns of Fall/Winter 2011 (in my personal opinion) before I completely deal with the year ahead - in great style, of course!


Tough 1: UNA ROSA
UNA ROSA lives up to its name by being UNA as the season's classiest, most stylish ad campaign. The brand continues to induce international flavor in its very fashionable pictorials - this time kinda reminds me of Gucci. From clothes to styling to photography to art direction, Holiday 2011 has never been this glamorous and expensive-looking, with luxurious play on fall colors and rich textures, coupled with dramatic moments and sexy elegance that only the stylish woman can pull off.

Photography: Paolo Pineda; Art Direction & Styling: Vince Uy; Makeup: Mickey See; Hair: John Valle; Model: Alisa (Elite)

Tough 2: PLAINS & PRINTS

This particular ad campaign layout of PLAINS & PRINTS is pure delight (the other one in red background I am not so sassy about) as the brand pays homage to YSL's revered Mondrian dress. It's the only local brand to channel the 60's fashion trend, which dominated the foreign runways during the fall/winter season.

Photography: Marc Nicdao; Styling: Liz Uy; Art Direction: Vince Uy; Makeup: Gela Laurel

Tough 3: HUMAN

Alternative lifestyle brand HUMAN goes black - and shoots its message direct to the point - for its Holiday 2011 ad campaign. No hanky-panky, just nice clothes and enviable edginess rendered in captivating black and white photos.

Tough 4: TYLER

After several years of dormancy, TYLER gets ressurected, and is back on the fashion spotlight through the acquisition of retail bigshot Golden ABC. The Holiday 2011 ad campaign looks very chic and modern, as put together by a new creative team that remains true to the brand's design philosophy.

Photography: Xander Angeles; Art Direction & Styling: Suki Salvador; Hair & Makeup: Pia Reyes

Tough 5: SILVERWORKS

The latest billboard ad campaign of SILVERWORKS is not utterly trendsetting, even not glamourous at all. But the spine-tingling, ghostly concept in vintage sepia (reminescent of our dead ka-lola-lolahan in baro't saya) gets everyone who passes by EDSA to take a second, third, nth look (depends on the gravity of highway traffic) and tell themselves, 'oh yeah... such a unique idea'. Unlike other accessory brands in the market, SILVERWORKS is not afraid to push the creative boundaries, thus with this billboard, I certainly agree - Never Let Go!

Tough 6: FREEWAY

Championing Filipino artistry thru fashion has been FREEWAY's battlecry for how many seasons now. The FREEWAY x MANANSALA National Artist Series is the latest installment, and the billboard ad campaign (though a far cry from Manansala's signature painting of local landscapes & folkoric colors) gets a twist with a tasteful Oriental styling - something unexpected, but rates high on my style meter.

By the way, a BLESSED, PROSPEROUS & HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

Zara Man vs. Topman: GOING GAGA

Upon a recent visit to ZARA Man at SM Mall of Asia, Geo and I saw T-shirts with LADY GAGA photographic prints. Fortunately for those diehard fans of the eccentric singer/celebrity, they can now wear Gaga closer to their hearts, and up on their sleeves.

Photos from www.zara.com

On the other hand, TOPMAN won't be left behind with its own version of Gaga shirts. Since most of us adore the singer's outrageous mala-paparazzi style, in real life, we would want to become tamed Alejandros in simple and comfy fashion - at least, in round neck cotton Gaga-printed uniforms.

Photos from www.topman.com

It seems like everyone's going Gaga. I won't be surprised if the vadings shout to the world that this is their thing, and that they're born this way. 

THROW YOUR SUPPORT: Bench vs. Folded&Hung

There is nothing wrong with sexy advertising. And there is definitely nothing wrong with something that looks exciting and enticing, even more inviting, especially in a time when selling goods is like cracking hard nuts.

Weeks back, we lament the removal of BENCH BODY's billboard roster of brief-clad, Olympus-like athletes from The Philippine Volcanoes rugby team in Guadalupe, EDSA. Perhaps the most controversial billboard of the current times, we are seeing how globally-competitive our local ad campaigns have become - only to be scrutinized by malicious, ultra-conservative minds.

BEFORE:

Photo from Bench website

AFTER:

My partner Geo would always applaud everytime we pass by the revised version of the Volcanoes ad campaign - without the Volcanoes athletes in them. This ironic visual display shows how brilliantly clever the minds of those behind Bench. A parody of sorts, the angered Bench makes it message very clear this time: THROW YOUR SUPPORT, period. I am sure there's an underlying meaning to this (maybe, let's throw our support against this move by self-proclaimed but ignorant moralists?), and perhaps an attack versus billboard censors who are obvious samples of urban, cultural decay. 

Also gone is BENCH BODY's Aly Borromeo billboard, team captain of The Philippine Azkals.

Photo from Bench website

Joining the bandwagon of using hot, well-endowed sportsmen as brand endorsers is FOLDED&HUNG. With the release of the new pictorial that features Neil Etheridge (obviously out to give sexy competition to teammate Aly), goalkeeper and also from the much-sought Philippine Azkals, wearing only briefs and showing armpits in the air while both legs spread on a couch, too, the trendsetting F&H seems to run out of steam as they look second fiddle to the already controversial Bench.

Photo from Folded&Hung Facebook account

The recent Facebook status of F&H also encourages its patrons to throw their support if they would want to see Neil's billboard up in EDSA. Not to stir controversy since I support and respect both brands, I can already feel the Bench group using Cherie Gil's immortal line "You're nothing but a second-rate.......... !"  You sucha kitty!

Anyways, I salute both brands for being bold. Let's just throw our support - more than those underwear supporters that these athletes wear when out on a competitive game.

Retail Wars: DENIM NATION

An uprising is at helm. Local fashion brands have gone fearless as they launch their arsenals for the ultimate denim war.

We are a country that truly loves denim. Name a single person who hasn't tried wearing jeans in his/her entire life, specifically on a casual day when one can't think of something else to use but a reliable pair of denim pants. This piece of garment has become a wardrobe staple that Pinoys, fashionable or not, can't live without.

Jeans, be it comfort, fit, style or wearability, have evolved in terms of design and functionality. The versatile jeans can go well with almost everything - from the most basic top to the more funked-up jackets, even elaborate designer pieces.

There's always a perfect pair for everyone, and so goes the battle for denim supremacy. Either done with artistic sense, or injected with seductive form of advertising, the retail brands below are equipped, and are ready to culminate the standard for trendsetting jeanetics.

Let the bloody denim revolution begin!


BENCH
The retail giant has gone all-out with an all-star cast for its OJ (Overhauled Jeans) campaign. Male or female, you can groove to the right move with dark, fitted denim.

PENSHOPPE
Much have been said about the grand launch of international star ED WESTWICK, but the pretty boy of Gossip Girl looks pretty cool in monotone double denim (chambray top + denim pants). Notice his tatoo, as well, that says "I heart romance". We heart you, too!

SM DEPARTMENT STORE
I have already included this in my previous blog article, but this awesome denim ad campaign (that features five mouth-watering, gorgeous, good-looking, male foreign models in jeans from in-house and consigned brands) is worthy of another mention, since it gets you salivating for the new sexy. Just delivered jeans, anyone?

FOLDED&HUNG
Basketball in jeans? Sam Milby gets down, sweaty and dirty wearing only jeans (well, his underwear from F&H is also showing). Styling tip: folding the hemline of the pants is kinda sexy, too.

PLAINS & PRINTS
It's girl power for Plains & Prints with a pictorial heralding the 25th year of PMAP with local top models Samantha Lewis, Girlie Benitez, Marina Benepayo, Melissa Frye and Anna Sideco. The use of basic white tops over blue and indigo jeans  make the whole styling very crisp and elegantly casual.

MINT
This has been featured in my blog entry before, but the on-going ad campaign that highlights actor/model Xian Lim going sexy in jeans still delights kinky minds. Mint says, just fit the jeans and don't doubt their denim.

HANG TEN
The local ad campaign of Hang Ten is obviously, forever summer. Although it's rainy season already, get wet and wild with their classic choice of denim wear, or should I say, the art of seduction that lingers on?

BOARDWALK
Sorry Avel Bacudio, but I'd like to see this new pictorial to replace immediately your not-so-attractive current billboard ads with Boardwalk across the metropolis. We must admit, Derek Ramsay is more yummy and endearing, and he gives classier and stellar factor to your denim designs - which means better sales for Boardwalk. Agree?

NOTE: All photos are not mine - they were grabbed from each brand's Facebook page.

THE TALES OF THE BEGGAR, THE WAITRESS, THE SEA WITCH, THE YAYA AND THE BEST FASHION BILLBOARDS OF SUMMER 2011

For all you know, I am not a judge, and most definitely, I am not an expert. Let's just say I am a keen observer, and I like seeing beautiful things.

Across EDSA - from Pasay to Magallanes to Buendia to Guadalupe to Ortigas to Cubao to QC to Monumento and back - we have seen a bombardment of fashion billboard ads from retail companies that are all out to gain and snatch attention, inspire and ignite our imagination.

From the trendiest apparel to the fiercest shoes to the latest bags to the most exciting accessories and so on, brands are battling out to create the most inviting visuals to promote their products. To make the story short, they need to make sales.

If we are to head to the malls and check the brands for their latest summer collection, would we stash the cash when we see Enchong Dee for Bench looking like a crippled beggar asking for help in an ad campaign that says 'Return to Temptation'?

Enchong Dee must be in real pain. There's nothing "tempting" in this picture at all!

According to a friend, kulang na lang ng lata, pwede na siya mamalimos! For a goodlooking actor such as Enchong and for a giant brand like Bench, this is injustice. Whoever did this must be crucified (too late though for Holy Week)! Even Enchong's other picture is a big fashion crime:

Enchong deserves more than this "pambahay lang" styling.

On the other hand, you may agree or disagree with me, but Kris Aquino should admit she could not model a pair of good shoes. In this billboard ad by Figlia, I almost thought she was a waitress. Should we place our orders now?

I don't hate Kris, but I hate the fact she agreed to pose like this. Sayang ang dress! And oh... the shoe - it seems like a size 12!

Oh my, Vanessa Matsunaga, what have they done to you lately?! Are they pegging you as a drag sea queen? With all the pearls and the sparkling gems, I did not recognize that this is a Technomarine ad (poor watch, couldn't see it)! Ariel, the Little Mermaid, wouldn't be so happy to see this under the sea!

Isn't this almost like an ill version of one of ANTM Cycle 15's photo shoots?

For Onesimus, I ask who's that girl in the background? They should have cropped yaya out of the picture. Fail tuloy!

Ate looks like a scary stalker from behind. The groom's face says it all.

Those being said, I commend brands that stepped their way with stylish effort to come up with tastefully-done pictorials that are worth the adulation - and our money, of course! We may have varied opinions, but the following ad campaigns have me in the mood for shopping:

PENSHOPPE

Solenn Heusaff's steamy swimsuit ad is a wow head-turner! Penshoppe has never gone this bold before. Vivid visual, scorching bikini, very sexy glam, ultimately lifestyle and aspirational - had me thinking of Gucci!

PLAINS & PRINTS

Love the idea of using local top models such as Ria Bolivar - it's about time! The prints, the colors and the collage are all but pretty!

BENCH

After hitting on Enchong Dee's pictures, Bench finally gets the meaning of temptation right with this sensual photo of Jake Cuenca and Lovi Poe.

BELO BODYTITE

Seeing hot momma Ruffa Gutierrez looking fierce and gorgeous in this new ad, I wanna go to Belo immediately!

BAYO

Great production design, soft-lit photography, very serene - KC Concepcion is the chic country girl for Bayo this summer.

SHAPES

The Gonzaga sisters get leggy and floral for this Shapes pictorial.

FOLDED&HUNG FRAGRANCES

Just her face - Anne Curtis gets hippie-pretty for this new scent by F&H.

CINDERELLA

Rhian Ramos captivates as the new face of Cinderella.

OXYGEN

The brand is going global in terms of look and merchandise. Love the Terry Richardson feel in each photo!

FREEWAY

Freeway goes wet and sexy - the right elements for a sultry summer.

 NOTE: These photos are not mine. Pure opinions only - nothing personal.

TICKLE YOUR NOSE: BATTLE OF THE FRAGRANCE ADS

A different kind of scent-sation still lingers in the air this chilly, post-holiday season!

How bungga (to borrow from Monday Mag's editor Sir Ric Gindap) it is to see celebrity goddesses on high, looking heaven-sent to endorsing scents as depicted in big billboards across the buzzling EDSA. Enough of Joel Cruz parading himself for his brand Aficionado - self-love and self-image doesn't seem to be the right resolution for 2011, especially if you don't possess that heavenly kind of charm and ethereal beauty!

I am always delighted everytime I pass by ANNE CURTIS' oozing ad campaign for FOLDED&HUNG Fragrances. Dubbed as PARTYPHILE Eau de Toilette, Anne screams sexy hotness in a slinky faux animal skin bustier dress, and seemingly ready to party while smelling good from dusk till dawn. Now I feel like I wanna dance!

(Photo from f&h multiply account)

On the other hand, I was surprised to see iconic GRETCHEN BARRETTO crossing over to HERBENCH for her own line of perfume, GRETA Eau de Toilette. Goddess in a bottle, as they call it, is a mildly elegant approach to fragrances. But knowing Gretchen's penchant for the expensive, I wonder if she ever uses this. Nevertheless, her beautiful face and intriguing persona make GRETA pretty interesting.

(Photo from www.femalenetwork.com)

Last December while shopping for gifts at Trinoma Mall, Geo and I were witnesses to HAYDEN KHO being back with a vengeance, rather fragrance. Surprisingly, eager fans, despite of the scandals he've been through, circled around his booth for fragrance test, and of course some photo ops.

The last picture is the billboard material I saw along EDSA. The fragrance was designed and concocted daw by Hayden himself while in Paris, therefore the HAYDEN PARIS tagline. I wonder how Parisiennes would react to such ambitious, oftentimes feign brand name. Even more, would the the scent be fragrant enough for the public to simply forgive and forget? Let's stand by for a moment and wait for Katrina Halili to dare test this cologne product by a man struggling hard to score a second chance!