ROCK A BOW

In many ways, the classic men's bowtie is like the Cristina Aguilera of men’s accessories - it might idle itself for a while, but it’s always poised to reinvent itself and make a comeback that would stir everybody's fancy. With two of the utmost trends in menswear dominating the runways, the tailored look and the modern preppy, we see the bowtie’s vengeful return to almost every stylish men's shirt.

Well, the bowtie never really went away as a staple of black tie attire. Lately, it has transitioned from galas, quinceaneras, proms  and red carpet events into more practical looks that are sartorial, sometimes editorial or sophisticatedly debonair. It's a chic substitute to the more corporate necktie. Moreover, the diminutive bowtie spells return to Old School cool, and is also an elegant piece of neckwear.

But for EDMIR DEQUINA LAGUI (of Envoy Man), bowties can also be used as awesome party night-out statements. While doing the styling job for menswear designer Ulysses King for his Holiday 2011 Collection entitled Contempo 70's (which I already blogged about before), Edmir imagined a British dandy dressed up for a night in town in New York during the 70s, thus the collection called Club Bowtie was born.

Edmir's Club Bowties made use of Japanese cotton and Indian silk as the main canvasses, and incorporated small metal discs, pins and beads that were handsewn to give the bowties that glitzy party mood. He also used prints that were unobtrusive, but well-recognized like the playful yet classic paisley prints, pastel-colored solids and geometric lines- elevating a party night into a more high-society affair, but still friendly and quirky.

The bowties are priced at P399, P420 and P699, and are only available at Bobon, 4th Level, Markati Palazzo at The Podium. Most designs only have 1 or 2 pieces on display. Also check out envoybeverywhere@groups.facebook.com.

PAISLEY LOVE. Double-layered bowtie in black and coral Japanese cotton with mixed prints.

PURPLE REIGN. Purple Japanese cotton with disc applique.

LITTLE STAR. White Japanese cotton with stars and spheres pattern.

NECK DECK. Lavender and textured white Japanese cotton with geometric patterns.

SAFETY FIRST. Printed black Japanese cotton decorated with safety pins.

BERIBBONED. To order from Bobon, 4F Markati Palazzo, The Podium Mall +63 2 637 3321.

I LOVE MANANG!!!

It has been several nights already. I think I was severely haunted by this pictorial entry published weeks ago by the United Blogs of Benetton that featured the creative work of stylist Eric Poliquit and photographer Enzo Modejar that centered on an old lady turned mysterious fashion icon called "MANANG".

THE AVANT GUARDIAN. Manang's very stylish arched-back profile shot (left) while donning egg-shaped rosette dress and colored up-do; only to know she's only watering her plant pala on her chunky platforms (right). Kaya mo?

She may have aged, but Manang wouldn't be outdone in terms of what's hot and what's not (she detests to be the latter). Probably, she rose from being forgotten that she transformed herself - not just to be noticed - but also to be revered and adored. Female bloggers, be very scared!

POP-ARRAZI. Would you mind if your lola wear the trends this way and blog about this experimental look?

I am not sure, but I think Manang would want to compare her aging like brewing wine, too, for she believes that taste gets better with age. Whoever Manang is, or whatever she wants to become, wala daw bagasan ng trip please!

DRAGON LADY. Manang proves here that she can be filthy rich, utterly glamorous and a real bitch out to conquer fashion with one big accessory - a muscle-clad boytoy half her age!

To Enzo and Eric, this is a really nice, mind-blowing concept, and I have become Manang's ultimate fan. Speaking of which, Fadal Manila in collaboration with OS Accessories x Enzo Mondejar and Eric Poliquit proudly present DEAR MANANG, I LOVE YOU (a short film). Catch Manang as she transit from still pictures to fashion film as she unveils her fashionable, mystical story on August 25th.

Also see this trailer. Make Up by Nina Dumpa; Music by Lintech; Written by Ehiacinth Miranda; A film by Matthew Valeriano. I hope Manang becomes a well sought-after celebrity and an icon after this. Lavshu Manang!




Or go to this link to see video: http://youtu.be/Siq8MRqC5IA


NOTE: Photos from United Blogs of Benetton. Pilipinas

WOMEN OF STYLE & SUBSTANCE 2011

First of all, my partner George and I dedicate this blog to Reg Rodriguez, Rudolph Leonor, Donna Gonzales-Lim and Mikka Velasquez. These fabulous young stylists-to-watch-for helped us out when we were physically absent (but spiritually present) during the shoot for PEOPLE ASIA Magazine's annual WOMEN OF STYLE & SUBSTANCE issue. Thanks girls for putting things elegantly altogether for our designated subjects! Thanks to Mader Luis Espiritu, too, for allowing his children to back us up.

Anyways, after People Asia's Men Who Matter, the latest issue is out, and actress Anne Curtis-Smith mesmerizes on the cover. The "dyosa" as we know her, leads the pack of stylish girls - with substance, of course - for this year. Anne is also a top celebrity endorser, and probably can be called the new billboard queen. Seeing her pretty pictures below, I am so loving her toy dogs, too (especially the yorkie)!

Photography: Jun de Leon; Styling: Kai Magsanoc; Makeup: Jing Monis; Hair: Raymond Santiago; Art Direction: Tatum Ancheta

Now the part wherein we have a "little" participation. Rounding the list of Women of Style and Substance 2011 are Rhoda Campos-Aldanese, Mons Romulo, Charina Sarte, Annette Wassmer-Tirol, Cristalle Belo Henares, Reese Fernandez-Ruizand and Ann Puno. Except for Charina and Cristalle, the young associate stylists mentioned above styled for the rest, and made us proud!

Photography: Sara Black; Styling by MGP, Reg Rodriguez, Rudolph Leonor, Donna Gonzales-Lim & Mikka Velasquez (for Rhoda, Mons, Annette, Reese and Ann).

Grab your copies now!

WORKFORCE

Inspired by the continuous change in the lifestyle of today’s working professionals, retail brand MEMO tackles the dynamism of the modern city landscape with a new collection dubbed as "THE URBAN CHRONICLES". It offers versatile pieces and refined separates that reflect the smart casual looks for everyday elegance in the office or on the go. 

The collection kept in mind personality and incorporated three of fashion’s hottest dictations – smart layering, subtle color infusion and sartorial touches. In a pictorial that captures the bustling urban jungle, success is definitely for the driven, and those who wear MEMO.

For women, geometric shift dresses that can go from day to night are layered with waist coats and trenches when the cold temperatures start to set in. Subtle use of accessories like slim belts, dark shades and structured bags finish the look for the women on the way to the top.

For men, smart shirts coupled with smart blazers atop straight-fitted pants take them from the high street all the way to the board room. Knit shirts, zippered jackets and vests are also layered with key workwear items that can be pulled better with slim neckties, rectangular bags and leather belts.

CHIC IN THE CITY. Be seen and be noticed among the crowd in elegant shift dresses layered with nice coats. 

FULL ENTOURAGE. Smart layering is the key to modern day workwear.

MEN ABOUT TOWN. Keep your clothes simple and comfy after long hours of work.

RUSH HOUR. Move in haste with sartorial appeal.

Check out www.memofashion.com or like their Facebook page (Memo clothing). Or follow them on Twitter (memo_fashion).



NOTE: All pictures came from MEMO's Facebook account.

MISTER ROBOTO

Remember the days when Voltez V, Mazinger Z and Daimos ruled the TV airwaves when we were still young, playful and fragile? These Japanese robot toons have become childhood objects of fascination during the martial law era. From old day cartoons to collector item toys, now comes vintage robots (that looked similar to those mentioned above) transformed into fashion-forward necklaces by HERBERT CUSTODIO.

The accessory designer, known for his destroy-and-create aesthetics, fashioned these silver metallic robot toys into subversive yet wearable blings as part of his fall/winter 2011 collection for FIRMA. These necklaces can be worn with street-edgy style and eclectic flambouyance. George and I usually love Herbert's pieces - he would often use materials that are restored and reinterpreted into artistic, trendy pieces that surprise and impress.

LETS VOLT IN! Tri-robot necklace.

TOYS R US. Double-robot necklace.

METAL JUNKIE. Single robot necklace.

Before I end this blog entry, these leather cuffs, though not robotic,  also caught my f*ck!n attention. For all you dirty-minded people out there!

SEX & ROCK N' ROLL! You gotta have these statement cuffs!

HERBERT CUSTODIO's accessories are available at FIRMA boutique in Greenbelt 3, Makati. Or like his Facebook page (Custodio Accessories).

ENTER THE DRAGONS

After basketball and boxing, the spotlight have turned on other local athletic teams that comprise strong, colossal and muscular men. The use of athletes are becoming the in-thing for fashion & advertising, and have gone to sell like hot commodities. We cheered for and barked along The Azkals in various football games while they score a string of endorsements. We threw our support on The Volcanoes rugby team, even in the event of the removal of their controversial billboards along EDSA. Now comes THE DRAGONS breathing fire while rowing their boats - are they the next batch of hot endorsers for other brands?

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS. The Cobra Philippine Dragon Boat Team (photo from their Facebook account)

Unlike the other pre-mentioned athletic teams, the members of The Cobra Philippine Dragon Boat Team (imagine, Cobra na, Dragon pa!) are true champions as they were valiant in scoring a gold medal in the recent World Championships at Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. The small contingent, who went to the competition with lack of support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Commitee, paddled their way to win the men’s small-boat 1,000 meters in world record fashion, blowing away Australia and Hungary for the title.

And since the champs are home with a recognition that makes any Filipino proud, I can already feel some sectors planning to join the athletic bandwagon for endorsement deals. Since Collezione has two Azkals, Bench has the whole Volcanoes and one Azkal, and F&H with one Azkal, why not other retail brands (like Penshoppe, Regatta, SM Mens Fashion) get the also muscle-clad Dragons, or The Cobras, to heat up the already hot competition?

ROW YOUR BOAT. The Dragons (Or Cobras) in action - aren't they sexy, too? (photo from their Facebook account)

I won't be surprised if the well-endowed Dragons (who are sexy in their own way) also go bold someday in sexy underwear ad campaign, which is the on-going trend right now. However, the Adboard wouldn't allow billboards with skin exposure, so better scratch the idea now or just use the pictures for PR or as in-store collaterals. Better yet, why not shoot them all together like boatmen headed to the sea with ripped jeans and just enough clothes ala-Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2011 with this peg in mind: don't you agree?

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.