WILL SOMEBODY GIVE THESE GIRLS NICE CLOTHES!

Folks, please tell me what were these girls thinking? WOWOWEE's female hosts RR ENRIQUEZ and newcomer JED MONTERO must have had mistaken a noontime show as extension of their household. We would often perceive celebrities to look their best on TV, but it seemed like these two have their own definition of "effortless style". 


Screen shots of RR & Jed with their pambahay look: July 5, 2010

Appearing on and hosting a national TV show suddenly mean looking like this - you know, tank top + shorts = nautusan ng nanay na bumili ng suka sa tindahan. Very pambahay glamour lang!

Or it could be that both RR and Jed were stuck to summer beach fashion, trying to flaunt their sexy wares in a season full of rain.


They must still be thinking of beachcombing with these attires - July 6, 2010

Now I feel sorry for Mariel Rodriguez, Carmen Soo and even Pokwang, who all together put their best efforts to wear something nice, creative and stylishly different everyday. I wonder if these two starlets ever feel ashamed of what they're wearing when hosting with them. Please let a veki come in and provide them real clothes. I mean, real nice clothes!

PRIMETIME FASHION DIVA MADNESS

Yes dear, the vekis have done it! ABSCBN primetime has become too gay with two of its soap operas – MAGKARIBAL and RUBI. Both shows emulate the fashion industry – the beautiful and ugly sides of it. Must be the flourishing homosexual writers. Or directors. Or the influx of fashion stylists. Whatever influenced Channel 2, we are all treated to a cheesier version of fashion drama – the young, the bold, the beautiful, and put them all together, the bitch!

I seldom watch TV lately though, but I noticed both shows revolve their stories around fashion with cheap faux fashion shows and cheap-looking models in some of the scenes. MAGKARIBAL, which dubs itself as the first fashion-novela in the Philippines, is a major source for sharp, tangy one-liners and devil-may-care bitchiness. With Gretchen Barretto in one of the lead characters (as the vengeful Victoria), what else do we expect from the fashion diva? La Greta’s showmanship of Birkins, LVs and Hermes alone, we just know that true beauty has finally arrived!

(Photo from www.abs-cbn.com)

On the other corner, RUBI has its own fashion moments. Angelica Panganiban delivers very well as the vida-contravida who pits herself against Shaina Magdayao’s retail brand incongruously called Sylvana’s (isn’t that a kind of sweet or pastry? Hahaha!). Of course, we always see the signature red outfits on Rubi matched with equally bright red lips... Plus the agawan blues and tons and tons of bitchiness delivered with much gay candour! It seems endless!

(Photo from http://www.starmometer.com/)

Incidentally, the two divas of primetime bitchiness appear on the covers of two battling fashion magazines. Gretchen makes a refreshing comeback on Preview, while Angelica looks angelic on Metro. Now, this is what I call effortless glamour! With white, clean backgrounds and subtle makeups, both look loveable and flawlessly ethereal.

Whoever you think has the better cover, aba malay ko sa ‘yo! Bitch!

NIP/TUCK

At the mention of the word crease as a major wardrobe woe, a question comes to mind: To tuck or not to tuck?

Professional women often get petrified with the sight of every unlikely fold on their garment, especially towards the second half of their usual 8-hour daily work routine. Looking neat, clean and polished ‘round the clock is a common sense requirement – with or without guests/clients to cater to.

ENSEMBLES, a popular local brand for Pinay career women launches a variety of bodysuits that work well with high-waist pencil skirts or flat-front pants. These are classic, well-fitted shirt styled tops with an extended bottom that’s cut like a one-piece swimsuit. Just tuck in and snap at the crotch, put on your bottom and you’re off to dazzle at work!

For this series, ENSEMBLES features bodysuits in woven stretch poplin or knits with dramatic collar treatments. Wear these with a jacket or vest during power meetings to impress your bosses or snatching a deal. With bodysuits, say goodbye to messy tuck-ins and crumpled look at the end of the day as you remain looking neat and refined up to the time you hit the bars for a night out.


 

  This crisp white formal dress shirt will look good on androgynous slim pants with blazer.
 

  Look soft and feminine in this draped surplice number.

Be in total command by donning a military-inspired top.

Get date-ready in an alluring ruffled bodysuit that's perfect with a pencil skirt.

 

 

Impress a client in this white top that will look sharper with high-waisted pair of trousers.

 

 

Check out the entire collection at www.ensembles.com.ph. Or add at Facebook, search for “Ensembles”. Follow also on Twitter at twitter.com/EnsemblesOnline.

CHAIN REACTION

Hey bitches, don't hold back: today's cutting-edge cool is defined by accessories that transform into scene-stealers! Accentuate the positive and work your wares with plenty of attitude.

Upon our recent trek to the mall, my co-stylist George and I stumbled upon this statement piece - a metallic multi-strand chain necklace from The Ramp, Crossings that we couldn't resist:

Multi-strand chain necklace from The Ramp, Crossings (P850)

Now, there's never been a better time to open your wallet and spend in style. Spark up your basic getup with this chain necklace that instantly gives hard-edged chic. Check out this style photo from the recent lookbook of Helmut Lang:

(Photo from Style.com)

Steal this look by donning these similar finds, and walk the streets heads up and seeming effortlessly cool:

Multi-strand chain necklace from The Ramp, Crossings (P850); Black tank top by Freeway (P350); Blue cropped pants by Calliope (P1890); Black clutch with chain handle by Schu (P2499); Black peeptoe heels by Staccato at CMG (P3499).

PFW 2010: A BLACKBUSTER WEEK

OK the moment has gone away, but the memories of the recent Philippine Fashion Week are still fresh in my memory. I can still recall how die-hard style bitches fashioned their way to attend the series of events – mostly perky gays and some bisexuals kuno, young and old, wearing statements of their own.

Imagine if terrorists attacked and bombed the whole SMX Convention Center, half of the entire homosexual population in Metro Manila would certainly die. And all that would be left will be the parlor gays to dominate this industry... It’s gonna be like the scary end of glamour, the Armageddon of local fashion!

It also seemed that this year’s Fashion Week had been cut short of a day (6 days instead of 7). Lack of participants? Lack of government support? Lack of sponsors? Lack of funds? Dirty politics? Designers opting to do other big shows instead? No Project Runway Philippines? Hmmmm… intriguing!

Nevertheless, the recent Fashion Week did not fall short of showcasing good designs (despite of gradually losing its holistic appeal). I feel bad though, PFW failed (at a certain point) to attract a number of significant supporters for most of its shows had empty chairs, especially for those designers scheduled in the afternoon (who, in their right minds, would attend a fashion show during the time that the sun is at its hottest while stylishly clad in a cheeky getup?). Save for the likes of Michael Cinco, Tina Daniac and Bang Pineda, these big shows (with nice concepts and stage gimmickries) drew a humungous crowd of eager badings and other fanatics.

Seeing through the collections of different designers, BLACK is the obvious choice of color for fall/holiday of 2010. There are other palettes and trends present, but I will only dwell on the tried and tested magic of black. Take a peek on how the designers used the color as a major fashion backbone for the upcoming season:

1) Short and Sexy (The new LBDs)
 

        Raoul Ramirez                      Roland Lirio                       Tina Daniac                        Lyle Ibanez                     Ronaldo Arnaldo
 
 
2) Drama in Lace
 

           Jaz Cerezo                  Anna Leah Salvador          Jerome Salaya Ang               Patrick Galang                       Chris Diaz
 
 
3) Black and White Affair
 

         Junjun Cambe                Norman Noriega                      Chris Diaz                      Ronaldo Arnaldo                    Dimple Lim
 
 
4) One-Shoulder Delight
 

          Aztec Barba                   Catherine Cavilte               Boying Eustaquio                    Kat Corpuz                          Roel Rosal
 
 
5) Sheer Appeal
 

          Julius Tarog                      John Paras                     Junjun Cambe                       Chris Diaz                    Anna Leah Salvador
 
 
6) Draped Indulgence
 

      Norman Noriega                     Kat Corpuz                         Lyle Ibanez                       Santi Obcena                       John Paras
 
 
7) Lingerie Sophistication
 

    Anna Leah Salvador                 Jaz Cerezo                      Angelo Estera                    Patrick Galang                   Tina Daniac
 
 
8) Minimalism
 

       Martin Bautista                Ronaldo Arnaldo                 Veejay Floresca                       Roel Rosal                  Norman Noriega
 
 
9) Body Conscious
 

      Odelon Simpao                    Julius Tarog                        Tina Daniac                         Jaz Cerezo                   Shannon Pamaong
 
 
10) Power Sleeves
 

          Roland Lirio                     Patrick Galang                Catherine Cavilte             Frederick Policarpio            Junjun Cambe
 
 
I also have personal favorites and some things to give recognition. If I may, the awards go to the following:
 
a. Top 5 Outstanding Pieces
 

       1) Kermit Tesoro              2) Michael Cinco                     3) Jan Garcia                   4) John Herrera                 5) Enrico Carado
 
 
b. Runway Queens
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





              Ria Bolivar               Jasmine Maierhoffer
 
 
c. Comeback Queen
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


                    Marina Benipayo
 
 
d. Miss Photogenic
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

                            



                                             Michelle Panemanglor
 
e) Fierce Award
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

                  (Too bad, I don't know her name)
 
  f. OK Ka Lang Ba Teh? Award
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

                                             (Anuvah?!!! Peace mga sisters!)
 

 
 
(CREDITS: All pictures from Stylebible.ph)
 
 
 
 

METROWEAR 15

This is only the second time in a row that I attended SAMSUNG METROWEAR, and I felt it’s going to be this fashion addict’s habit from now on! The buzzworthy annual event held recently at the NBC Tent celebrated its fabulous 15th year, with joint efforts by designers from YDG and FDCP.

Going better and stronger at 15!

Mela de Luna, METRO Magazine’s Fashion Editor, told us that this year’s show would be spectacular (as usual). Geo and I found it more stellar – we were both awe-struck with the whole production value the creative team poured onto the event, just as how we adored Mela’s fully beaded killer dress by current fashion darling Michael Cinco.

Mela dazzled in a Michael Cinco frock while Mayone B. strutted in a Topshop ensemble

Speaking of stellar, the stage design looked like a million bucks as the audience were treated to a state-of-the-art stage-cum-ramp that felt like going thru an intergalactic, outer space sort of dimension. There were twinkling stars on the background, as well as a big wallscreen that changes background graphics, and the much talked about dome-like figure at the center of the stage. Add to that the edgy, wonderful music they played and brilliant choreography only from Direk Robby Carmona.

Intergalactic drama with direction by Robby Carmona

  

Introduction number with futuristic-clad dancers donning Samsung mobile phones.

Jet Pangan rocked on stage.

The jam-packed event looked even more marvelous with left-and-right fashionistas, celebrities, stylists, designers, models, icons, wannabees and other people who dressed to the nines.

Of course, the show’s highlight was the collections made by the designers. What’s good about METROWEAR is that instead of competing with and upstaging each other, the designers seemed like one big happy family all out to promote local fashion and creativity. I also love the MTV that played before showcasing each segments by YDG and FDCP – the designers were dancing around, looking very candid and very human.

Designers Regine Dulay, Reian Mata and Louis Claparols showed that YDG can dance (in their MTV).

Designers took a bow during the finale.

The vanguards of Philippine fashion in one momentous event.

Since it’s METROWEAR at 15, I listed below the Top 15 designer pieces/looks that I personally like. Kudos to METRO, the designers and the whole production team! We also thank Mayone Bakunawa and Francis Balbarin for sticking with us after the show (von voyage Francis!).

1) OJ Hoffer

Fierce long gown in snow leopard spots with cutouts and power shoulders! Grrrowl!

2) Ferdie Abuel

Ferdie's super back with this ethereal, drapey modern-day Roman warrior princess.

3) Ivarluski Aseron

Love this chic and elegant  Audrey Hepburn-ish LBD with shredded fabrics.

4) Mitzi Quilendrino-Bustos

Mystery and drama heightened in this high funnel-necked long dress.

5) Avel Bacudio

The new Metro man in a relaxed short suit.

6) Regine Dulay

Ethnic-inspired beadwork and knots on this dress have never looked this sexy!

7) Bryan Leyva

This lone, shiny entry (made of coins) from Bryan is worthy of an applause.

8) Vic Barba

Gilded cocktail + street style = new city glam

9) Dong Umaga-Diaz

Gray matters in this structural long dress.

10) JC Buendia

Simple yet sleek - my kind of man!

11) Randy Ortiz

This evening stunner is definitely for the tall and sexy.

12) Louis Claparols

Create impact in this super heroine body suit with colorful geometric patterns.

13) Eric delos Santos

Whimsical piece with touches of blue.

14) Gerry Katigbak

Dark Age gothic beauty with vampish appeal

15) Jerome Ang

I really love the shoes!