WEAR MY DESIGN

How would you to like see a dress you designed being featured in ENSEMBLES stores nationwide, with your name credited as its designer, and to be worn by Carmina Villarroel in her next photoshoot? 

Local feminine brand ENSEMBLES is having its first ever Design Competition open to all designers and aspiring ones. ENSEMBLES is giving you the chance to break into the world of fashion through its WEAR MY DESIGN Contest where winning pieces will be produced for the Spring/Summer 2013 Collection.

Wear My Design Competition is looking for original yet smartly flattering creations! No experience necessary, just a love for Ensembles’ style. Just submit a dress prototype creation together with the Application Form. Can’t sew, but full of ideas, you can even have someone else sew it for you. All approved submissions will be uploaded to Ensembles Facebook Page for voting which is 10% of the criteria. There is no limit on the amount of designs submitted. Five (5) early birds approved submissions will be rewarded with Php 2,000 worth of Shopping Spree from ENSEMBLES!

The winning designers will not only receive the satisfaction of seeing their garments produced by ENSEMBLES and worn by others, but they will also receive cash prizes, gift certificates, generous gifts from our partners including a full make-over by Piandre Salon, great coffee from Bo’s Coffee and a huge gift pack from VMV Hypoallergenics. 

In addition, ENSEMBLES will feature a write up about the winning designers and their designs that will be featured on our website, in broadsheets as well as various social media outlets. 

In the meantime, here's the current S/S 2012 ad campaign of ENSEMBLES featuring actress/TV host Carmina Villaroel:

Learn more about ‘Wear My Design’ Competition Mechanics and complete set of rules in Ensembles website www.ensembles.com.ph.  Application Form can be downloaded from Ensembles Facebook page (facebook.com/EnsemblesOnline).  Follow Ensembles on Twitter (twitter.com/EnsemblesOnline) and Pinterest (pinterest.com/EnsemblesPH).

VALENTINO ROCKS THE BARONG

We've always thought of the Barong Tagalog as our National Costume, and have come across various creative and palatable renditions done by our local designers in jusi, piña or banana fabric. But how about this - the Barong seen catapulting its iconic status (as strictly Filipino) on international runway via Italian fashion powerhouse, VALENTINO for its Spring/Summer 2012 RTW collection?

In spreading news, fashion insiders (who are quick to notice) saw two pieces from VALENTINO's runway show resemble the Barong very closely. It is not known, though, if the said garments were derived from our National Costume, or just coincidental. However, VALENTINO took this to another level (with the sheer trend probably in mind) and made the Barong look so chic and modern on women by pairing it with lacey, see-thru skirts.

Photos from www.style.com

More enticingly, these two very elegant looks also made its way on VALENTINO's S/S 2012 ad campaign:

Although the Barong is usually intended for Filipino men in formal occasions, it is quite refreshing to recognize it being worn in such a delicate, ladylike manner. When VALENTINO cut it slim, romanticized it with thin belts and skirts, we all must agree that the global brand rocked the Barong - if that's the case!

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!

__________________________________________________
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

WALK LIKE A PARISIAN

Have you ever experienced, while in a hurry, you suddenly stop in awe upon a gleaming sight of gorgeous heels? You stare closely at the merchandise, hold it in your hands like a trophy. The shoes are telling you something... taking over your mind... making you crazy. Until you realize you can no longer hold it off — you gotta have those shoes!

The details that make you look good — like that fab pair of goodies — really, don't have to cost a fortune. With PARISIAN's new collection, a plethora of fresh and lovely shoes (and some bags, too) will have every girl feeding her footwear addiction this spring. From safari prints to metallics to neutrals and sorbet brights, get well-heeled in pumps, strappies and wedges that will make you walk in character, or must I say, walk like a Parisian!

SAFARI HIGH. Unleash your feline appeal in chic pumps that come in leopard prints and sexy stiletto heels.

EVENING GLAM. Get ready to shine while you party in glittered metallic platform pumps and peeptoes.

PRINTED BRIGHTS. Go for bold patterns to enliven your a little black dress.

PLAIN BRIGHTS. These sorbet-colored shoes are perfect for spring with just the right amount of color blocking.

MUTED NEUTRALS. Be caught or stay safe by donning neutrals.

Check out PARISIAN available at SM Department Stores nationwide. Styles may vary per store. Also like Parisian Shoes and Bags at Facebook.


Photography: Xander Angeles (Edge of Light)
Styling: George Palmiano (MGP) & Luis Espiritu
Associate Styling (for Luis): Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales-Lim, Rudolph Leonor, Mikka Velasquez & Noelle Llave
Makeup: Bobby Carlos (Max Factor)
Hair: Eddie Mar Go Cabiltes
Model: Petra (Mercator)
Ad Agency: Adfolio