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.

CHEMICAL REACTION

Different clothing brands are sprouting everywhere. It means more style choices, better designs, more quality competition. Making a splash in the retail scene is CHEMISTRY, a trendy, fashionable "lab" for the young and feeling young who love to mix and match clothes - which, generally, is the basic principle in any Chemistry subject we learned in school.

This new RTW brand is an advocate of gender-defying pieces, as it offers clothes that can be worn by both sexes. Unisex fashion in short. There are jackets and knit cardigans that boys and girls can use interchangeably. Also available are striped shirts, checkered polos, printed blouses and cute accessories. CHEMISTRY also pushes the idea of boyfriend-girlfriend shopping, wherein couples can buy similar outfits (in terms of print, material, color or pattern) and wear them in tandem.

CHEMISTRY is the newest baby in the growing SHAPES family (the brand other is called MIRROR). Congratulations to Boss August Virray and Boss Richard Romero! Fellow bloggers and stylish couple Shai Lagarde and Seph Cham of Love Chic both head the merchandising team.

Check out newly-opened CHEMISTRY outlets in SM City North EDSA Annex Bldg., SM Sta. Rosa, SM Batangas and SM Fairview. Or like their Facebook page (Chemistry), or see their blog (www.chemistry-shop.com) or add them in Twitter (http://twitter.com/chemistryshop).

CHECK MATE. Checkered outfits for matchy-matchy couples.

TOP VIEW. We'll visit one of the stores soon!

WHEN IT CLICKS. Love the camera necklace!

IN EXCESS. Accessories abound as well.

CHEMICAL ROMANCE. Watch out for more Chemistry stores opening soon!

HARDWARE HARDCORE

It makes sense that designers are becoming more resourceful when it comes to their creations. They are turning to their immediate surroundings in search for materials that others often just pass on by, and transform these items into objects of fanciful desire. For one to break in to fashion, one must push his/her artistic limits. In this case, I call it hardcore creativity.

MIGUEL PAOLO CELESTIAL is another young designer to watch out for. I don't know if he is related to Dennis Celestial (another accessory designer), but certainly, both love producing accessories! Miguel recently launched his "HARDWARE" neckpieces via his BOSQUEJO accessory label. For the love of blings, this collection features razor blades, nuts, bolts, bobbins, rings, chains and anything metallic made into edgy, cutthroat necklaces that sparkle when lights reflect on them.

BOSQUEJO is actually a Spanish term for sketch, outline, or draft. Initially, Miguel just wanted to create necklaces for himself, since he was not satisfied with what was available in the market. He wanted to use materials that were not usually worn as accessories, and join different types - such as metal, wood, stone, and plastic - to see how they complemented each other. After making a few necklaces, interest in them convinced Miguel to produce commercially.

Named after Norse and Icelandic mythological characters, these neckpieces belong to the Furies + Dragon Hardware series. Male, female, or any gender in between, these accessories will surely unleash the rockstar in you. Wear them with shimmery tops, then you're the next disco diva. Or subtly use them on simple white tops, just enough bling for you to get noticed. Just be careful with the razor blades, though.

Check out BOSQUEJO at Anthology (2/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati) and AC+632 (2/F Greenbelt 5, Makati). Or visit www.bosquejobazaar.com.

THE BOSQUEJO HARDWARE 001 LOOKBOOK. Necklaces Arianna (P1,600), Zuzeca (P1,800), Fafnir (P2,300)

STARGAZER. Fafnir (P2,300), Eumenides (P1,800)

BLING ON ME. Alecto (P1,400), Magaera (P1,800)

THE DARK KNIGHT. Metal Urchin (P2,000), Io (P2,200)

WHITE RIGHT. Tetanya (P2,200)

GLITTERATI. Thelxinoe (P2,200), Fraener (P1,400)

HOLY GHOST. Metal Urchin (P2,200)

FESTIVE MOOD. Magaera (P1,800), Tisiphone.II (P1,200), Zuzeca (P1,800), Fraener (P1,400)

CONSERVATIVE APPEAL. Zuzeca (P1,800), Fraener (P1,400)

FULL METAL JACKET. Alecto (P1,400), Jormungandr (P2,600)

TOUCH ME NOT. Laura (P1,200)

CUTTING EDGE. Eumenides (P1,800), Alecto (P1,400)

Photography: Rxandy Capinpin
Styling: Ryuji Shiomitsu
Hair & Makeup: Katchie Mejias
Models: Jessica Chiao-han Yang (Mercator) & Terence Lloyd (Elite Manila)

August 2011 Covers of the Month: PREVIEW, MEGA AND SENSE&STYLE

So what's to look forward during August? It seems that fashion magazines are leaning toward a common trend: androgynous styling.

Leading the pack is PREVIEW Magazine's super fierce cover with Supermodel of the World winner, Danica Magpantay in a killer Jerome Salaya Ang ruched bodysuit. The New York-based Pinay model brings it on in with a mannish updo and pouncing stare. Although Preview does this kinda late (other magazines have already featured Danica in their covers), it's still better than never.

Photography: Jeanne Young; Art Direction: Vince Uy; Styling: Daryl Chang; Makeup: Jake Galvez; Hair: Buern Rodriguez

The second spot goes to MEGA Magazine with pretty actress Maricar Reyes taking the frontline in sleek and boyish wardrobe by Robinsons Department Store. Although chic-ly androgynous, Maricar still looks charmingly soft, and very refreshing.

Photography: Lope Navo; Art Direction: Suki Salvador & Mica Santos; Styling: Angela Alarcon & Jose Daniel Castillo; Associate Styling: Miel Villamor; Makeup: Krist Bansuelo; Hair: Mike Bawa

There's nothing new with Cherie Gil looking like a man, but I am a fan of this great character actress.  Drawing inspirations from the likes of James Dean, Marlene Dietrich, and her own character, the drug-pushing lesbian Kano, in Ishmael Bernal's 1980 opus "Manila By Night (City After Dark)," Cherie Gil wears fall 2011's new androgyny in this issue by SENSE&STYLE.

Photography: Sara Black; Styling by Hector Reyes; Makeup by Pong Niu (MAC Cosmetics); Hair by Jerry Javier (LÓreal Proffesionel)

URBAN EDGE

I am extremely happy to see a former colleague venture into full scale clothing business. Yes Haley Co-Oranga, I haven't forgotten my promise! Remember the days when we were marketing officers in a retail company, we were so young then (well, we still are) and were trying to break into fashion. Now that we're matured and fully equipped, we are more than ready for a brighter future ahead.

Together with her husband Sherman, Haley owns URBAN EDGE, an affordable yet trendy brand of comfortable clothing that caters to the young male urban dweller. With shirts that promote socio-political awareness, the brand hopes to promote Filipino values and to spread the message of youth empowerment by urging its young patrons to veer away from negative influences. These valiant designs are URBAN EDGE’s take on true Filipino grit, bringing to the wearer a sense of pride and nationalism. In addition, URBAN EDGE, being a proponent of all things Pinoy, proudly declares that all its apparel are 100 percent made in the Philippines.

With a collection that features multi-hued muscle shirts and tees great for outdoor escapades, URBAN EDGE goes beyond the traditional as its lifestyle core is free from passing trends.

Urban Cowboy

The Islander

Yellow Mellow

URBAN EDGE is available in MartOne Discount Stores, Mi Stores, Ever Gotesco Stores, Tiong San La Trinidad, Magic Mall San Jose, Magic Mall Malasiqui, Cash n Carry Dept. Store, and Centro Tuguegarao.

PIECES DE RESISTANCE

Lately, I am fascinated with any fashionable thing in shocking yellow color - probably because I missed seeing the sun, with all these bagyo coming in and out of the country. I was checking my Facebook account and I saw this awesome tote bag, in bright-as-the-sun yellow, of course, by up and coming young designer, ROLAND RENZE ALZATE.

YELLOW FEVER. Ingebjørg Yellow Tote Bag: Cowskin Treated Leather with leather trimmings and fringes (42xm x 44xm) (16 inches x 18 inches), SRP: 7,995.00

I am excited for good friend Renze, as he preferred to be called, who did the first batch of luxury bags for MYTH (in Greenbelt 5) last year through his supportive and loving partner (and one of my favorite and nicest local designers) NOEL CRISOSTOMO's fashion label. The new bag collection, five were made to raise funds for the launch of his future apparel line.

Well, Renze didn't just start designing bags basta-basta. He has a long history and love affair with luxury bags. When he was working abroad, he'd splurge on Gucci, Balenciaga, Prada etc. "I'm in love with bags. I check the hardwares, everything about it. So designing bags now, medyo comes a bit easy for me...so I think I really know what I'm doing," says Renze. Add to that the fact that Noel Crisostomo has big design influence on his works.

YOUNG BRIGHT THING. Goodlooking young designer Roland Renze Alzate is one to watch out for!

The new bag collection guarantees to be one-of-a-kind stylish pieces. All are made from imported materials. Don't get me wrong, but there are other colors in this collection as well, like black and brown. Although the yellow ones are telling me to buy, buy, buy!

PLAT DU JOUR. Bjørklund Yellow Office Bag: 100% Cowskin Treated Leather with Suede Lining, Leather trimmings and Fringes (42cm x 41cm) (17 inches x 16 inches), SRP: P10,995.00

DARK OBSESSION. Danjä Black Office Bag: 100% Cowskin Leather; Fabric Lining with Key rings; Has a strap (30cm x 41cm) (11 inches x 16 inches), SRP: P8,995.00

SKIN IS IN. Birgittä Black Tote Bag: Faux Snake skin (Italian Fabric) with Leather Handle, Leather Base & Leather Details & Fringes (37xm x 42cm) (14 inches x 16 inches), SRP: P6,995.00

CHOCOLATE FANTASY. Bergliôt Chocolate Bag: 100% Lambskin with Leather lining (41cm x 31cm) (16 inches x 12 inches), SRP: P8,995.00

These bags are available at MYTH in Greenbelt 5. For inquiries, please send private message to (Noel Crisostomo) or (Amor Vincit Omnia) at Facebook.

ON THE DOT

Blessed are the women, for they can wear these fabulous shoes!

We are currently seeing a global movement towards more elaborate, more defying, more eye-popping, more statement shoes - nevermind if the ankles hurt. These are the types that give fashion whores an instant shoegasm, and when you wear them, you're extra confident because for sure, there will be jealous eyes also wanting your gorgeous pair. And you just love the attention, don't you?

So while women find solace in owning a pair of lovely shoes, they'll even find more joy when they see GOLD DOT's latest haute shoe collection. A brainchild of Ally Duazo, GOLD DOT was founded in July of 2010 and is being run and operated by Fashion Instinct Retailers Co. GOLD DOT is a local brand that houses the trendiest and very forward statement footwear, as well as bags and jewelry. Their creations also come in very limited quantities. All pieces are proudly Philippine made, except for the jewelry.

From booties, wedges, maryjanes and slingbacks, GOLD DOT goes architectural but edgy with sculpted or structured chunky wooden heels in a collection that marks their first anniversary in the industry. Named after four fashion bloggers, check out these shoes that are bound to make you look as if cut straight from a magazine's fashion page.

KARL Slingback. Named after Karl Leuterio. Black lace over faux leather. Also available in gray embroidered crickled taffeta. (SRP: P3,695)  

LLOYDA Maryjanes. Named after Lloyda Lim. Made out of Egyptian suede and metallic foil faux leather. Available in red and gray. (SRP: P3,695)

KOOKIE Booties. Named after Kookie Buhain. Made out of Egyptian suede and metallic foil faux leather. Available in black and beige. (SRP: P3,695)

MIKE Platforms. Named after Mike Magallanes. Made out of Egyptian suede, patent faux leather and metallic foil faux leather. Available in red and gray. (SRP: P3,695)

Now, the more exciting, more enticing part - couture shoes! GOLD DOT is now accepting orders for one-of-a-kind footwear designs that are sure to blow others away. Below are sample shoes that were made for clients like TV host/comedian Vice Ganda and blogger Laureen Uy. These designs are exclusive, and they do not repeat them!



For Vice Ganda. Faux fur booties.

For Vice Ganda. Yellow peep-toed booties.

For Vice Ganda. Disco-inspired platform pumps.

For Vice Ganda. Spiked and studded rocker wedges.



For Laureen Uy. Hot pink scuplted-heel platforms

For Laureen Uy. Chunky black platform booties.

For inquiries and appointment, please email at gold.dot.shop@gmail.com. You may also check GOLD DOT at http://golddot.multiply.com/. Or call these numbers: 0917-5070585, 02-9645597. GOLD DOT is also available at:Sundae (Open Tues-Sun 12nn to 9pm) at The Collective, 7274 Malugay St. San Antonio, Makati, Philippines; Coexist at THE RAMP, Crossings, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; Cosmopolitan at 2nd Floor, Archeology, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell; Cocobelle at 50th Avenue 2nd Level Robinsons Galleria.