HOT PURSUIT: Say Hello to Summer with SASSA Swimsuits!

Summer 2011, by all means, is a colorful season with vibrant palettes, diverse patterns and incredibly feminine designs. The same global trend also applies to SASSA's latest collection of swimsuits that are sure to turn heads and make people go gaga over your treasured possession as soon as you put on that tanning lotion and lay sexy on the sand.

“My inspiration for the collection this year was paint, lots of bright colors of paint and abstract paintings, too,” says Gertie Hermanos, resident designer for the SASSA line. Rife with cheerful hues, trendy prints and stylish cuts, SASSA, like it has in the past years, makes certain that every single photo posted on Facebook of your summer vacay has you sporting a whole new swimsuit.

The Sassa Swimwear line doesn’t mean just swimsuits: one-piece, two-piece tankinis and bikinis or bikini tops and bottoms sold separately, but board shorts, rash guards (that are UV Protected, take note!) and tank tops, too. “We've made offering our summer line in collections that are in colors and cuts that are complimentary to each other, something our customer can count on. This way its easy to get some pieces from one collection, match it with another and just let their creativity make their own fashion statement. Sassa becomes a partner in making you look good in your own signature way,” Rossana L. Unson, Marketing Manager for the brand shares.


MAKE A SPLASH. If you have the gears, then flaunt it and be proud! Triangle bikinis work well with heavenly bodies. Price: P599.75; Sizes: S-XL.

TURN TO THE BRIGHT SIDE. Solid-colored swimwear is always classic and versatile. You may want to look for something a little exciting and enticing like this one-piece with sexy side cutouts. Price: P649.75; Sizes: S-L.

PUT ON A PATTERN. Always a warm-weather favorite, patterns and swirls in tropical colors will make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re only at your local pool. Price: P599.75; Sizes: S-XL.

TUTTI FRUTTI. Afraid of donning top-to-bottom prints? Happy days are here with warm solid-colored bikini top coupled with cutesy-printed bottom. Price: P599.75; Sizes: S-XL.

GONE RETRO. A skinny boyleg and a sexy twisted bra-like top heat up the mood for summer. Price: P699.75; Sizes: S-XL.

BLUE CRUSH. A vibrant-patterned bikini makes a rash guard look feminine and sexy. Rash guard Price: P699.75; Sizes: S-XL.Bikini Price (from set): P649.75; Sizes: S-XL.

STRIPE A DEAL. Bold, colorful stripes are the new sexy. Price: P599.75; Sizes: S-XL.

WATER NYMPH. Dazzle on the beach like a marine goddess by mimicking the colors of the sea in this turquoise showstopper.



SASSA is an all Filipino brand that's been around for more than a few years now. You can find Sassa swim and active wear in department stores such as TheLandmark Makati & Trinoma; Robinsons Departments Store; SM Hypermarket; Metro Market Market and in many department stores nationwide. Check out www.sassa.com.ph or look for Sassa Activewear on Facebook and like! Also see the huge billboard ad across SM Megamall along EDSA.

Photography: Ken Go

Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)

Hair & Makeup: Jen Delica

Model: Valerie Weigmann (IM-Models)

NOTE: Geo and I are thankful to Rossana Unson & Gertie Hermanos of SASSA, as well as to the whole creative team for this fun, memorable shoot. Till next!

BRIGHT BOLD HOT YOUNG THINGS: SM Boys Teens Rule This Summer!

Here comes the sun, and the boys, too!

For most of us, there is always a certain kilig feeling everytime we tackle boys and summer. Of course, this applies to giggling girls and pa-girls to be exact. Hot, young bodies under the heat of the sun, wet and wild by the beach - oh my, don't we just love boy hunting?!

This summer of 2011, all eyes turn to Boys Teens Wear of SM Department Store with the release of its ad campaign that features the brightest, the boldest and the hottest get-ups for male teens to score more pogi points. The pictorial, which was shot entirely at the breathtaking Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point, La Union, is a strong affirmation that boys will indeed be boys.

Different exciting trends highlight SM Boys Teens' latest collection. Bright, intense color combinations that most people fear conjure as they scream from the racks for you to try out. There is also pattern play on clothing to brave, too. There are colorful board shorts, checkered polos, graphic tees, printed tops and bottoms... For SM, the bolder, the better - because the bold ones are sure to get all the attention!


COLOR BLOCKING
Are you afraid of the brights? Brighten up the summer season by turning into the colorful side of fashion with a mix of bold graphics, cheerful prints and intense popsicle hues.

Tops from Baleno; Polos by Markus; Shorts by Quickstep. 

PATTERN MISMATCH
Set up your adventurous spirit and get over your fear of combining various patterns in eye-popping colors. Finish off with something solid-colored like light cotton jackets, basic inner tee, belts, sunglasses or other accessories to keep tints and patterns from clashing so much more.

NOW BOARDING

Make a splash with board shorts that come in kaleidoscopic prints and the most trailblazing shades.

Shirts by Baleno; Shorts by Quickstep.

REALITY CHECK

Plaid prints get country high for summer. Wear them over a graphic tee, washed denims or a lightweight vest.

Plaid tops by Markus; Tees by Undefeated; Jeans by Tru Denim.

Photography: Frank Hoefsmit

Ad Agency: Millimeter

Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)

Makeup: Bobby Carlos

Hair: Louis Claparols

Models: Ian and Charles

NOTE: Thanks SM for another worthy pictorial, esp. to Ayen Florendo and to the whole creative team (Frank, Bobby, Louis, Arnel & his crew, Luis & his babies, Mau and his hot models) - everything was simply awesome!

NOW PLAYING: FEMME NOIR

Fashion films seem to be hitting the board lately like bombs being dropped on target zones. The newest craze in artistic short films showcase a particular fashion trend, look, design all interpreted in editorial manner with a story line that captivate the imaginative souls. Moving fashion editorials? I simply like!

In celebration of Philippine Star's 25th Anniversary, YSTYLE Section recently paid homage to Old World glamour with the release of a fashion video entitled FEMME NOIR, held at Whitespace in Makati. This suspense/mystery short film with inclination to French drama featured 11 femme fatales in 1940's-inspired couture (Kylie Padilla, Sam Sadhwani, Dina Tantoco, Michelle Barrera, Olivia D'Aboville, Nadine Howell, Marga Valdez, Garovs Garovillo, Valerie Weigmann, Pauline Prieto, Lucile Dizon), all stalking yummy Brazilian model, Bruno Elves, in the historic halls of The Manila Hotel.




FEMME NOIR from ystyle crew on Vimeo.


The film was directed by photographer Paolo Pineda (wow Paolo, this is level-up to your already successful career), director of photography Dondi Narciso and second director Ejay Leung - all from Midnight Bonkers. Executive producer: Bea Ledesma; Producers: Audrey Carpio, Ana Kalaw, Celine Lopez & Liane Reyes; Stylist: Charmaigne Palermo, Assisted by Vanessa Johnson; Makeup: Angel Reyes-Manghilot & Pong Niu (Mac); Hair: Alee Benson & Donald Lapez. Fashion by Noel Crisostomo, Cay Cuasay, Chris Diaz, Joel Escober, Popo Go, John Paras, Julius Tarog, Chloe, Culte Femme, Janylin, Myth, Rodina, & Schu.

GONZAGA SISTERS BLOOM ANEW IN SHAPES SUMMER 2011 AD CAMPAIGN

SHAPES is in full bloom this summer.

Instead of looking like cutesy, delicate flowers in a lush downhill garden ready for picking, celebrity sisters TONI and ALEX GONZAGA up their stylish ante with wind in their hair and some sexy leg exposure in this ad campaign shot in a remote dam location in Pampanga.

Bright, bold floral prints highlight the brand's current collection that compose of soft, ultra-feminine dresses with a hint of 70's sexiness. There are flower-printed shorts as well, and lovely ruffled blouses to match, too.  

For years now, my partner Geo and I are thankful to the wonderful people of SHAPES for allowing us to spearhead its ad campaigns in succession. Thanks also to the whole creative team who worked hard under the sweltering heat for this pictorial.

See SHAPES billboard sites in GMA-Kamuning, Cubao and C-5. Also checkout their website at www.shapes.com.ph.

SWEPT AWAY: Toni and Alex get some "leggy" competition. Also notice the shoes - love those Louboutins!

SUMMER HEAT: Toni looking sultry in a sheer, long floral dress with high-slit. Direk Paul must love this.

SUNFLOWER: Alex is no wallflower in this attire exploding with bold flower prints.

FEELS LIKE THE ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD: Toni stands tall in a short halter dress with cutout.

POWER OF TWO: It's all flower power for both Alex (long ruffled floral dress) and Toni (floral top + floral shorts).


Photography: Doc Marlon Pecjo
Art Direction: Mike de Guzman (MGP)
Styling: George Palmiano (MGP)
Makeup: Kryst Bansuelo
Hair: Macy
Models: Toni & Alex Gonzaga

OH NO... NO MORE DIOR FOR JOHN GALLIANO!

Oh my gosh! What's happening to extremely talented and couturera designers lately that they get hooked up in smashing controversies? Locally, we have Puey Quinones and the inevitable "Dansen Debacle" that spewed ashes like Mt. Pinatubo both in Twitter and Facebook recently that got many enraged souls putting an X-mark to his credibility as a couturier. Now comes international heavyweight JOHN GALLIANO, a veki icon and our kumadre in faith, getting his booty kicked out by the HOUSE OF DIOR after his incriminating, anti-semitic remarks!

Sources are reporting that after allegations of alcoholism and anti-Semitism following an altercation at a Paris café and two racist videos, John Galliano has been relieved of his duties at Dior.

Sayang naman, nobody does a freakin' show like John Galliano... All the drama and extravagance, all the creativity and fantasy he conjures. In fact, nobody closes a show like him (I would always remember the smize and the pout he puts on every curtain call). Nevertheless, he still has his Galliano label, though.

Here's the complete article as printed from Shine from Yahoo! written by Joanna Douglas, or visit the link at (http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/dior-fires-designer-john-galliano-after-anti-semitic-remarks-2460191/#photoViewer=1):

Fifty-year-old British designer John Galliano has acted as head designer of Christian Dior since October of 1996, but his reign came to a shocking end today as the result of his reported anti-Semitic behavior. Last week a couple accused the designer of making racist slurs toward them at a Paris café called La Perle. Upon learning of the allegations, Dior immediately suspended Galliano from his post despite the fashion house's upcoming fashion show scheduled for March 4. Yesterday, an incriminating cell phone video was released (though there is some debate over when it was taken) capturing the incident and shows a seemingly drunk designer saying “I love Hitler.” He continues on saying, "People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f------ gassed.” Click here to see the video.

A second complaint was filed yesterday with Paris police alleging an anti-Semitic verbal attack, and Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman, the face of Miss Dior Cherie fragrance, released a statement about the incident: “I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments that surfaced today,” said Portman. “In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful.”

This morning, Dior said the company had begun the layoff process due to "the particularly odious nature of the behavior and words" of Galliano in the video. President and CEO, Sidney Toledano, told Women’s Wear Daily, "We unequivocally condemn the statements made by John Galliano, which are in total contradiction to the longstanding core values of Christian Dior.” There is no word yet on whether the Dior show or the John Galliano show will be canceled.

The news of Galliano's departure has rocked the fashion world. His first couture show for Dior marked the label's 50th anniversary, in January of 1997. Famous supermodels like Kate Moss, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista have walked the runway for Galliano, while stars like Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, and Cate Blanchett have frequently worn his designs on the red carpet.

Interestingly, other designers have recently come under fire for racist remarks, but held on to their titles. Last fall, Jean-Paul Guerlain dropped the n-word several times during a French television interview, and Yves Saint Laurent designer Stefano Pilati made some racist remarks in 2007, commenting that "You can't find [black models] that are beautiful and with the right proportions."

MONDAY MAG SAILS AWAY VIA NAUTICAL NUMBERS

It's almost summer. That means sun, sea, skies and lots of fun... For the rich, it's taking off in style and sailing the blues away aboard a luxury yacht.

MONDAY MAGAZINE's Edition V features another of our workwatsa adventure wherein we hailed off to Subic for a dose of luxurious nautical spree. Aboard Apa Ongpin's Isla Yacht, we cruised the open sea, braved the tides, embraced the wind, toiled under the sun - and the result was a lifestyle shoot (entitled "NAUTICAL NUMBERS") that the whole team could be proud of!

See how MONDAY worked summer's utmost fashion trend - nautical - as you prep your way to this year's ultimate holiday getaway:

ON ALI: Denim top by TERRANOVA MAN; Brown trunks by PHILOSOPHY; Sunglasses by FOLDED&HUNG; White belt by SOLO; Denim belt by FOLDED&HUNG; Denim espadrilles by WADE.



ON GWEN: Striped maillot by FREEWAY; Nautical cap by FIRMA; Metallic choker by FOLDED&HUNG; Gold bangles by FIRMA; Red belt by SHAPES; Strappy heels by NATUREZZA.



ON ALI: Blazer by MARITHẾ + FRANCOIS GIRBAUD; Striped shirt by PENSHOPPE; Shorts by BALENO; Necklace by FOLDED&HUNG; Wayfarers by SM Department Store; Sling-on bag by SOLO; Blue loafers by WADE. ON GWEN: Swimsuit by AVA PAGUYO (to order at 09178920143); Striped tank top by SHAPES; Sunglasses by FREEWAY; Piled-on necklaces by IORA; Silver chain necklace by FIRMA; Red belt by MANGO; Striped bag by FOLDED&HUNG; Bangle by IORA; White peeptoes by WADE.

ON GWEN: Striped dress by MANGO; Gold hat by FIRMA; Red shawl used as bandana by CALLIOPE; Sunglasses by FOLDED&HUNG; Necklace by IORA; Red belt by SHAPES; Acrylic bangles by IORA; Sandals by NATUREZZA. ON ALI: Blue cotton blazer with white piping by PENSHOPPE (SM Makati); White scholastic polo with checkered collar by FOLDED&HUNG (Glorietta 5); Clear eyeglasses by SM Department Store; Checkered bowtie by TOPMAN (Greenbelt 3); Yellow belt by MSENSE (SM Department Store); Denim shorts by SOLO (The Row, Glorietta 5); Denim espadrilles by WADE (SM Mall of Asia).

ON GWEN: Sunglasses by MANGO; Printed scarf by TERRANOVA; White swimsuit by FREEWAY; Striped top by BYSI; Cardigan by MANGO; Necklace by IORA; Silver chain necklace by FIRMA; Platforms by WADE. ON ALI: Sheer black top by PHILOSOPHY; Necklace by FOLDED&HUNG; White trunks by PHILOSOPHY; Captain’s hat c/o Bonnapart Galeng.

ON ALI: Blazer by MARITHE + FRANCOIS GIRBAUD; Nautical shirt by PENSHOPPE; Aviator shades by PEOPLE R PEOPLE; Necklace by IORA; Khaki pants by PHILOSOPHY; Belt by CALVIN KLEIN; White sneakers by WADE. ON GWEN: Dress by MANGO; Red belt by ENSEMBLES; Necklace by IORA; Brown shoes by NATUREZZA.

ON GWEN: Gold dress by JIAN MAVERICK LASALA (to order at 09155805945); Necklace by FOLDED&HUNG; Gold cuff by FIRMA; Strappy sandals by NATUREZZA. ON ALI: Vest by FOLDED&HUNG; White tank top by CALVIN KLEIN; White denim pants by MARKUS (SM Department Store); Shawl by SOLO; Striped belt by MSENSE (SM Department Store); Striped flats by WADE.

ON GWEN: Orange dress by ROEL ROSAL (to order at 09053619263); Black necklace by FOLDED&HUNG; Brown shoes by NATUREZZA. ON ALI: Sunglasses by SOLO; Navy blue blazer by FOLDED&HUNG; Striped top by TOPMAN; White pants by CALVIN KLEIN; Striped shawl by TERRANOVA MAN.


 
Also check the blog written by photographer Diego Jose who took into account everything awesome about the shoot (http://blog.diego.ph/2011/02/nautical-numbers.html#more). Thanks MONDAY team!
 
 
Photography: Diego Lorenzo Jose
Assisted by: Brian Fontanilla @ Lostboys.ph
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Hair & Makeup: MC Pascua & Ralph Moradas (Hairshaft)
Models: Gwendolyn Ruais (Mercator) & Ali Tank (Reco)
 
 
 

MARCH COVER OF THE MONTH: Lovi Poe is Love for MEGA Magazine

Let the marchin' song begin with this lovely cover from MEGA Magazine!

Actress LOVI POE graces the March cover of the said magazine in slinky, sexy, scorching bright colored outfit - ready for summer's hot lovin'! The daughter of FPJ tops them all, in stunning visuals photographed by the comebacking Lope Navo.

Photography: Lope Navo
Art Direction: Suki Salvador & Mica Santos
Styling: Teej Nepomuceno
Styling Associate: Angela Alarcon
Makeup: Robbie Pinera
Hair: Raymond Santiago


This month has other crazy, beautiful covers as well. The pretty MAJA SALVADOR, on the other hand, rocks the boat in Oriental chic via METRO Magazine. It's all glamour and luxury for this issue - I just adore the all-Louis Vuitton S/S 2011 ensembles on Maja!

Photography: Xander Angeles
Makeup: Christine Duque
Hair: Janet de Rama
Nails: Nailaholic Nail Salon & Spa


PREVIEW Magazine, meanwhile, goes wild in a risque photo shoot starring hot model couple, GEORGINA WILSON and BORGY MANOTOC wearing nothing but summer's most ferocious animal-printed accessories on its cover. Raw, sexy, fierce - this is the first time that this couple shared the spotlight in a blistering, skin-baring pictorial.

Photography: Lilen Uy
Art Direction: Vince Uy
Makeup: Lala Flores
Hair: Raymond Santiago