AyosDito Reimagines Philippine Fashion with #StyleKoAyosDito Fashion Show

AyosDito recently launched #StyleKoAyosDito promo where consumers had the chance to sell their pre-loved fashion items and create the next street fashion with their favorite fashion bloggers. A few days before, these sellers and bloggers met, transacted, and started to put up their collection. Now, they are ready for a fashion showdown and strut their collection at Raven Boutique Club, BGC.  

From October 20 to November 15, #StyleKoAyosDito gave social media fans the chance to co-create the next street fashion with top style bloggers Camille Co, David Guison, and Patricia Prieto. They sold their pre-loved fashion items (e.g., clothes, accessories, etc.) on AyosDito.ph with the hashtag of the team they wish to be a part of (#TeamCamille, #TeamDavid, or #TeamPatricia). The fashion bloggers were very hands-on in the campaign. A week before the fashion show, they searched for their favorite pieces on AyosDito. They contacted the sellers for a meet up last November 17. What is even rewarding, the chosen sellers met their favorite blogger not just to transact and get the cash value of their items but to form a team and co-style the collection with them.

Patricia Prieto finds the #StyleKoAyosDito competition to be a memorable mark in her fashion blogging career as the event, especially for a website like AyosDito.ph, has not been done before. She is amazed that a street fashion collection can be done within three days while most of the items came from a selling site like AyosDito. Patricia’s advice to her team is to bear in mind that fashion is always an extension of one’s personality and that should guide their collection.

“Until now, I can’t believe that with most of the fashion items coming from AyosDito, I was able to put a strong collection together with my team,” said Patricia. “Thanks to my sellers/co-stylists who were very passionate. I hope I am able to leave an important fashion lesson to them because of this challenge. One of the inspirations that played an important role in designing our collection is to be yourself as that’s what fashion is all about – to express who we really are.”

The only thorn among the roses, David Guison demonstrated noticeable competitiveness during the meet-and-greet and initial styling with his sellers. He spent time to know his sellers/co-stylists so he can assess how to best work with them. He found it heartwarming that one of his sellers/co-stylists came all the way from Nueva Ecija just to be part of his team and enjoy this unique experience. For David, it was about having fun as well. 

“I really enjoyed the whole journey of the campaign – from conceptualizing, meeting my sellers, and mixing the pieces together to build the next street fashion,” shared David. “I am glad that we had fun all throughout the process which is very important for anyone who wants to succeed. Spending time with my team enabled me to know their style and personality which helped us strengthen the uniqueness of our collection.  The moment that we all became comfortable, ideas started to come out.”

One of Preview Magazine’s 10 Best Dressed Women for 2011 and 2013, Camille Co’s fashion coaching style lies in openness. She wanted the team to listen carefully and provide feedback. Every now and then, she asked for the thoughts of her team members to create a more inclusive environment for the styling process. It was noticeable the she took time in creating dialogues with her team how to make their collection stand out. 

“I really wanted the styling process to be inclusive where each and every member of my team is heard and appreciated,” Camille underlined. “At the end of the day, the show is all about our partnership without which, our collection will not be possible. I want them to learn something new and take the learnings wherever they go especially if they want to have fashion as one of their long-term pursuits.”

One of the major criteria in judging the best collection is each team’s AyosDito factor: how well the bloggers engaged their fans to sell pre-loved fashion items on AyosDito.ph based on the number of fans who sold pre-loved fashion items to them, as well as the number of items actually posted as a #StyleKoAyosDito entry. The collections are also judged by how each team will incorporate the pre-loved stuff bought from AyosDito to their respective “Manila Street Fashion Collection”. At the blogger-seller meet-up, Patricia, David, and Camille inspected each item for sale and even haggled with their fans so they can buy a lot of their follower’s stuff! Because of this, the bloggers scored good-as-new and even premium branded clothes and accessories for an average of P350 only. 

“AyosDito is committed to helping Philippine Fashion to pursue their passions including fashion while giving them diverse options and value for their money. Fashion, being one of the fastest selling categories on AyosDito, grew by 111% from 2013 – 2014 and through the campaign, we wish to encourage more people to buy, sell, and celebrate the love for fashion on AyosDito to sustain this growth,” shared Rebecca Ricalde, Marketing Manager for AyosDito Philippines. “This is one of the most exciting campaigns we ever had and to see this come to life just really amazed us! Having the bloggers and sellers meet and transact in real life is our way of demonstrating how online selling and buying is easy, convenient, and safe.” 

For more information, follow AyosDito on Instagram @AyosDito_PH and Twitter @AyosDitoPH.

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Fil-Am Designer Closes Los Angeles Fashion Week in Style

Filipino American Alexis Monsanto closed Los Angeles Fashion Week with an entertaining and elegant runway show for VIP and media October 19. 

The evening at REEF in Downtown Los Angeles also included shows from Skintone Clothing, Deborah Manene, Ouynh Paris and Dar Sara.

The 8th season of Style Fashion Week, now deemed the Official LA Fashion Week by City Hall, was held on October 15 to 19. “It is the largest, most influential fashion event of the season,” according to Style Fashion week’s website.

“We just completed another successful season showcasing an incredible lineup of International Designers, over 25,000 guests and 327 million media impressions so far! We look forward to seeing you again!” said Fashion Week sponsor and publicist for Bubble Fish Media, Michael Hendricks in a press statement. 

Monsanto surprised the audience with not only a runway show, but also a production that included 3D special effects, music, costume along with fashion designs. This year Monsanto had a “Game of Thrones” inspired theme.

His scope of creativity kept the fashion who’s who and Hollywood A-listers like Lenny Kravtiz glued to their seats.

“I have a team of sample makers and interns. I like to take out my time and mentor students from Fashion schools in Southern California. It’s a nice feeling! I got to showcase my craft to Hollywood A-listers,” Monsanto said.

“My design concept was finalized in July and then I stopped production while I juggling clients and weddings during the summer,” he explained. “We started producing the pieces by

mid-September after getting back from New York Fashion Week. So it literally took us about five to six weeks (to prepare).

Monsanto has dressed up many celebrities such as Kate Beckinsale, Jordin Sparks, Kiara Di Guardi, Stephanie Powers, Kaya Jones, Eva La Rue, Felicity Hoffman and Charlize Theron.

The designer hails the Southern part of the Philippines, in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental. He went to schools in Dumaguete, Manila and Cebu. After college in Cebu City, he had the chance to work as a design assistant at the fashion houses of Leonardo Igloria and Phillip Rodriguez before moving to pursue higher education in fashion here in Los Angeles.

He looks up to the designs of Elie Saab “for its luxury, Valentino for its femininity and Versace for its sexiness.”

But celebrities and other designers look up to him as well.

“His style is amazing, he has a good taste, and his gowns are unforgettable,” said Lika Osipova, founder and producer of “Miss Russian LA Beauty.”

“I remember when I wore his dress at Emmys, before the red carpet I was at the ballroom with all the celebrities and nominees, they stopped me to ask who dressed me for this event, I was so honored to be in Monsanto’s creation,” added Osipova, who has worn Monsanto pieces for the Hollywood New Year Glamour Party, 2014 Emmy’s and 2014 Oscars. “Alexis has a super nice personality. He takes out time to help his clients with not only the dresses but advises the accessories and shoes for each piece.”

“He listens because he cares. He is prompt and even late nights he calls you to make sure he gets to you what you want for his creation,” explained Monsanto client Maria Wicker of Texas. He is the go-to designer of Wicker’s relatives and friends.

“He made me do things which I thought I could never do. I learned new techniques that are used in a process of making a garment. I think for me this is going to lead me to become the next Philippine Fashion designer of Los Angeles!” said Saima Hasan, who has been interning with Monsanto since June.

“His designs are contemporary yet very classy.  He adds a very feminine look to all of his collections. His designs are wearable are not made only for the ramp,” added Hasan.

“This is not an easy industry. You need to have perseverance in the design world. Know the exact market you want to be in and focus on your designs,” Monsanto advised, with future designers in mind.

“You have to be conservative in the numbers when you create and cost the merchandise. You need to learn how balance your craft as an artist and a businessperson to succeed in this industry,” he added.

His involvement with the LGBT community takes up some of his time. He helps raise funds for Aids Project Los Angeles and he’s in the Planning Committee for the GLAAD Media

Awards (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Againts Defamation), which monitors the police and media in their handling of gay issues and depictions of fictional gay characters.

“I also help the Trevor Project December fundraising event annually, which is an American non-profit organization founded in 1998 and the leading national organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.”

To top it off, he’s also active in Fil-Am events like Binibining Pilipinas-USA and its charity work and projects of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation.

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Swatch Turns 25 with BenCab, Sabel & 25 Philippine Fashion Designers

Inspiration is everywhere. You just have to keep a keen eye. Just take a look at National Artist of Visual Arts, Benedicto Cabrera a.k.a. BenCab. Who would have thought that a scavenger roaming the streets of Manila would become one of the most iconic muses of one of the most respected Filipino artists of our time?

“Sabel,” the woman adrift whom he would see through his window in his youth, would become a major subject of his works. “She lives on the street. So I took photographs and did sketches. So when I paint her, she just evolves — sometimes abstract, sometimes Japanese-looking. She’s just my muse and she’s been sort of my inspiration,” BenCab said in an interview by blogger Sunshine, for Musings Under The Sun, in October 2012.

The woman wandering the streets of Tondo, a.k.a. taong grasa, became the artist’s symbol of life’s inequalities — poverty, despair, disorder, isolation and sadness.

“This vagrant woman is one of the best-known muses of the artist’s storied career. In her plainness, he saw beauty. In her anonymity, he saw an individual person who chose to live as she saw fit; in her weakness, he saw her native wit and strength. It is a tribute to BenCab that what he saw, what he painted, are what endure,” the artist told Rene Guatlo.

Today, Sabel has many faces. Watch Sabel get reinvented and celebrated not only by BenCab but also by 25 of the most popular fashion designers of the country when Swatch turns 25. The ever-present and stylized muse continues to inspire.

It is timely, too, for BenCab, who is also one of the most beloved artists in Southeast Asia and recognized internationally to design a Swatch for Swatch to mark its 25 years in the Philippine Fashion. The Swatch Sabel world launch happens on Nov. 4.     

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Solaire Presents Halloween by Rocky Gathercole

Halloween costumes will always be in. But it is a whole new different experience if your scariest outfit is created by the world-renowned Filipino fashion designer Rocky Gathercole whose creations are worn by Hollywood artists. 

“This is the sexiest, most scandalous, and most provocative fashion show this Halloween season.” That’s how the international fashion designer, Rocky Gathercole describes hisfashion show, “Halloween by Rocky Gathercole” slated last October 31 at the Solaire Resorts and Casino.

Rocky Gathercole is a Philippine Fashion designer whose creations are worn by Hollywood stars like Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton. During the press conference of the said event, he revealed that this is actually the first time he’s showing of his creations in the Philippines. He, himself, couldn't find words to describe how his creations would be.

Other than being an “out-of-the-ordinary” fashion show, a dance party was also held after. A guest bands like Inner Voices and Route 70 was also there to perform for the crowd. Before the fashion show, there's a free make-up tutorial led by “Nena Cosmetics.” Nena Cosmetics, founded by Lorena “Nena” Mondonedo Perez, is Chicago based but manufactured in New York. They would also be launching Nena Cosmetics in the Philippines, hopefully, by December.

“The Halloween by Rocky Gathercole” fashion show is produced by ERASE, Solaire Resort and Casino and Nena Cosmetics. The fashion show was for the benefit of the UP Women’s Volleyball Team.

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All-Weather Leather with Converse Jack Purcell

Converse debuts the fall 2014 Jack Purcell collection into Philippine Fashion, delivering classic versions with a modern blend of weatherized fabrics and leather.

The cool season is here and these sneakers, with their wax cotton cross-stitch detail, outfitted leather, and a core texture are perfect.

The Converse Jack Purcell Cross Stitch will make one reminisce the classic Jack Purcell design but this time, with a twist. Its re-outfitted sophisticated leather comes in the colors of twilight, tobacco, black, Converse charcoal and bordo.

It also features a Jack Purcell stitch on the tongue and square wax cotton laces with brass eyelets.

Converse also has the Jack Purcell Ox which is water-resistant for the erratic Philippine weather. It sits on a comfy cork bed with the signature Jack Purcell blue bottoms and smile toe cap, available in shades of wild honey, terrarosa, and old silver.

 For added warmth and comfort, one may opt for the Converse Jack Purcell Split Tongue design which features a wool inner lining, exuding warmth in a fashionable style.

The new collection also boasts some mid-cut goodness with the Converse Jack Purcell Mid. This leather sneaker with aluminum eyelets goes in the colors of rusty, black, and admiral. It also sits on a comfy cork foot bed along with the Jack Purcell signature blue bottom and smile details.

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Lee Cooper opens first store in the Philippine Fashion

While everyone seems to have been beguiled by the prospects of shopping at an H&M Store in Manila, something they only probably had seen when they traveled to Hong Kong or for those who can afford to go farther may have peeked into their stores in Europe or the US, another European brand is making inroads in the country.

Lee Cooper London, a British Denim and Apparel brand founded by Morris Cooper in 1908 in Stratford, East London is actually the first jeans company in Europe. From ‘work wear’ and ‘military wear’ to ‘must wear’, the brand continues to develop an international following, continually innovating fashion product designs and pioneering in music, from its UK headquarters.

And now from London to the Philippine Fashion, Lee Cooper is finally taking up its first store at the MarketlMarket! in Taguig City.

Officially opened on Sept. 23, the occasion started with a store blessing and was attended by Lee Cooper Philippines executives and previous international brand ambassadors, fashion bloggers and the press.

Guests and mall clients had the opportunity to travel to London through the UK-inspired booth that was designed with iconic structures of the bricked wall, a miniature London Tower, a red telephone booth proto-type, and the most prominent British symbol Big Ben.

The Fine British Denim Jeans brand displays a one-of-a-kind British inspired tops and bottoms collection. You can also find the awesome collections of accessories from bags, eyewear, belts and caps at very reasonable prices.

Coincidentally, their new settlement touches down with the launch of their British Indigo collection. Indigo fabrics form the backbone of the collection from the rugged and raw dark-denim to the softer and blurred indigo piece. Centering on the all-overs tweak seasonal carpenter pants and vests, the denim-finishes from clean and sharp to shaded worn-in, giving the collection a uniquely sophisticated rugged look.

The store, located at the Ground Floor, New Wing, is a standout with its iconic British design of the red telephone boxes, Mini Cooper toys, electric musical instruments and an ambient music from different British music icons bringing in denim lovers in trance as they storm through the streets of East London. The Lee Cooper store is open seven days a week. For more information, visit www.leecooper-philippines.com. Like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/leecooperPH, and follow them on Instagram:@leecooperph, and Twitter: @LeeCooperPH

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Jojie Lloren shows all colors at the Red Charity Gala

The Shangri-La Makati last Saturday evening was graced by Manila’s elite, exquisitely dressed and in fine spirits as they set out to celebrate an evening “where fashion and benevolence come together.” 

Gala co-chair Tessa Prieto-Valdes fluttered soundlessly across the room, her salmon-colored cut-out platforms soft against the carpet (though her presence was loud and unmistakeable as ever), as she welcomed all her guests—loyal patrons, friends and supporters of a worthy cause.

“I want you all to get smashed… so that you’ll become more generous,” she quipped.

Now on its sixth year, the Red Charity Gala has become a staple in social events.

Headed by Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga—ladies who, as mentioned by the gala’s first featured designer Dennis Lustico in Lifestyle Asia’s September issue, have “a heart of gold and platinum connections”—the gala is a grand fundraiser for the Philippine Red Cross and the Assumption HS Batch ’81 Foundation.  

With numerous sponsors and patrons and Manila’s wealthiest on the guest list, it is an extravagant operation, and one that does not go without preparation.

Champagne and “Cointreau-politans” kept the room buzzing with lively chatter before the main event. Leading to the ballroom was a wall of fresh pink roses with tags that read “Every rose is a thousand pesos more from Downy to Red Cross.” A photo booth and separate photo mural ensured that guests had their share of captured memories.

“Sabi ko Red Cross… so I’ll wear red!” exclaimed one guest as she explained her outfit of choice for the evening. Amidst the numerous red dresses and glittering ensembles, the sleeved “suit” gown made a notable appearance. Donned by several including Lucy Torres-Gomez, this simple style turned many heads with its feminine take on a very masculine fashion.  

Full black drapes and a dramatically lit Rizal Ballroom served as background to the evening’s dinner, auction, and much-awaited Philippine Fashion show from this year’s featured designer, Jesus “Jojie” Lloren.

This year marks the first release of the gala’s official magazine, cREDo, as well as the first year they will be featuring a Philippines-based designer once again.

In past galas, the choice for featured designer has consistently been one who became famous abroad, from Furne One, Michael Cinco, Cary Santiago to Ezra Santos (save for the gala’s first featured designer, Dennis Lustico).

As Jojie Lloren joins these names, he also marks a shift in gala history as he, unlike previous gala designers, is currently based here in the Philippines.

A staple in the Filipino fashion scene, the B.S. Clothing Technology Graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman has headed two major fashion organizations, the Young Designers Guild and the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines; has served as mentor on Project Runway Philippines; and regularly designs for Rustan’s ready-to-wear collection, Jill and Luna.

In 1998 he won the Philippine Young Designers Competition and subsequently earned a scholarship at renowned school of haute couture Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de La Couture Parisienne.

He is known for his impeccable tailoring and pieces that appear simple but are “technically intricate.”

In an interview with Inquirer’s Alex Y. Vergara, Lloren noted that his style is very different from the glitz and glitter of past gala designers.

“People who come to me aren’t expecting me to make fully beaded numbers… They know my aesthetics—simple and hopefully clean, well-constructed clothes,” said Lloren.

But given the nature of the event, the designer was well aware of the need to show something spectacular and wow the audience.

For his collection, Lloren decided to focus on interpreting the masters. From Juan Luna to Pacita Abad, the style of each piece was just as distinct as those of the artists and works that inspired them. 

In her expert opinion of Lloren’s work, Ma. Victoria T. Herrera noted, “Lloren’s proposition for each dress in relation to an artwork varies… layers of translucent fabric achieve the effect of Fernando Amorsolo’s shimmering light… and Sanso’s mysterious landscapes… Silhouettes of the dress simulate the sinuous lines of Botong Francisco or the ragged scavenger that is BenCab’s Sabel.”

As with all of Lloren’s work, the tailoring was exquisite and the experimental lines and cuts a delight to examine. One walk down the runway was not enough to view each piece.

Hiding beneath a button-down peplum shirt was a shimmering gold number. What seemed to be plain black cocktail dress showed a cascade of surprises as the model turned to reveal a sleek tapering cut down the back and a festive bouquet of ruffles.  

The 40-piece collection was certainly a treat to behold, with its eclectic use of fabric, colors and silhouettes. No two pieces were the same.

As Kaye Tinga put it, Lloren is “a prime example of Filipino creativity,” as worthy of interpreting the masters as they of being translated.

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Sweden’s H&M now in Philippine Fashion

In the prosperous northern European country of Sweden, equality and democracy are not amorphous principles.

These principles find concrete manifestation in the way its government and organizations are run, in that corporations dispense with too much hierarchy and the lines between supervisors and subordinates are blurred when discussing ideas.

In Sweden, ideas are shot down or championed on their merit, and it does not matter too much where they came from, whether from management or the rank and file.

This way, potentially trailblazing and groundbreaking concepts are brought to the fore, not nipped in the bud.

According to Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of publicly listed H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB, which owns and operates H&M retail stores, these democratic principles find expression in the entire line of apparel, shoes and accessories that H&M offers the global market.

Indeed, H&M’s business concept is “fashion and quality at the best price,” which means that the wide range of products in its store do not cater only to high net worth individuals, but rather to a bigger demographic that wants the latest in fashion but at a price point that is not too painful on the wallet.

It is democracy and equality at play in the fickle world of fashion.

“We want to be accessible to a wide market and open to all,” said the 39-year-old Persson, who was in the country last week for the opening of the first H&M store at the Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall.

That H&M, the world’s second largest clothing retailer, can afford to keep its prices within reach of a wide section of the market can be attributed to the Swedish style of running an organization, Persson said.

Teamwork is favored, rather than strict adherence to the table of organization.

“The Swedishness in our offering is more in the internal, about teamwork, and not about hierarchy. At H&M, the best idea should win, it is not the person with a certain title who gets to decide. It is collaboration at all levels and also about having fun,” said Persson, grandson of Erling Persson, who opened the first shop called Hennes (Swedish for “for her” or “hers) in 1947 and then bought hunting apparel retailer Mauritz Widforss in 1968, adding the men’s line and leading to the name change to Hennes & Mauritz (H&M).

Also an integral part of the Swedish character that is reflected by the company is its dedication to being a responsible retail firm, with sustainability being a serious concern across the organization.

“We want to be a responsible company, that’s why we have this whole focus on the environment and the social environment. These are not yet very hot concepts in the Philippines, but around the world, I believe people want to buy from a company that takes wider responsibility,” said Persson.

Persson, for example, was in Bangladesh before coming to the Philippines for a discussion with stakeholders in that country’s thriving garments sector.

Bangladesh was recently in the spotlight because of safety concerns of its garments factories, which supply the needs of some of the world’s biggest retail names.

H&M was the first brand to sign the Accord for Building and Fire Safety in Bangladesh.

This move is part of H&M’s campaign—called Conscious—to make “fashion sustainable, and sustainability fashionable.”

Programs include global garment collecting scheme, through which customers can return their used garments to an H&M store in exchange for a voucher.

H&M meanwhile, takes responsibility for the proper recycling of the used products. At the same time, H&M is reducing, reusing and recycling other materials such as hangers, packaging and shopping bags.

This bias toward responsibility and sustainability, Persson said, gives one more reason for customers to patronize H&M, although the biggest driver remains its fashionable products and affordable prices.

Persson said H&M was very much aware of competition in the market that continues to tighten, making business conditions challenging for all players, including H&M.

H&M is the latest entrant to the growing Philippine Fashion market, which is already home to other global brands.

Persson is confident, however, that through its offering of a fresh line of best quality clothes at the best prices, a space will open up, and thus meet H&M’s expectations that the Philippines will be a strong market that will add significantly to its bottom line.

“We want to come in with a greater offering than what exists. We have huge respect for competition, but we believe we have a strong place in the market,” said Persson, who headed the business development and expansion group of H&M before taking over the reins of the company as CEO in 2009.

H&M has long been looking at the Philippines as a potential market, he said, given its huge and young population.

It was just waiting for the right time to enter, given its philosophy of growing in a controlled way, with quality, sustainability and high profitability.

“The Philippines is a super interesting market with its 100 million people and growing economy. Fashion interest here is also high. We have been looking at this country for quite some time, but we need to enter with quality given that we go to several countries at once. It is just that it takes more effort to go to a new country than it is to expand in others,” said Persson.

With the opening of new retail spaces and the rapid growth of the Philippine economy that has put more money into the pockets of consumers, H&M feels that it has finally arrived in the right place at the right time.

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SOLO X Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia Series: Pugad Baboy

Solo’s back with another exciting collection for its 5th year of Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia! This time, we are joined by the talented cartoonist Pol Medina Jr. as we continue to pay homage to Solo’s comic based collection!

Following the success of the first four highly praised collections comes Pol Medina Jr’s legendary comic strip PugadBaboy: A funny, tongue-in-cheek and sometimes controversial comic strip depicting the general sentiment of Filipinos on relevant topics.

If you’re already an avid reader, congratulations! You got yourself a treat! But if you’re just starting to get familiar with it, it does not matter! ThePugadBaboy’s collectionis eye-catching and fun, definitely something that everyone can enjoy!

Think comical, artistic and subtly patriotic! The colorful collection is composed of collared tees decked in all over Polgas prints, one of the cartoon strip's prominent characters. One of the famous Philippine Fashion brand Solo also offers urban-classic dresses, tops in vibrant color combinations, quirky and sleek sporty graphic tees, eccentric comic strip scenes, and statement shirts inspired by the witty comebacks of Mr. Pol Medina Jr! Lots of gift items too like bags and accessories! Keep exchanges going with these conversation pieces and gift items.

Gracing the campaign are the Solo Online Model Search 2013 winners Renee Soraya Hassani and John Edward Custodio who stood out among almost a hundred hopeful ladies and gents! The pair got to do a photo shoot with hot fashion photographer Doc Marlon.

In line with the collection launch, SOLO will be having a book signing tour with Pol Medina himself on the following dates and branches: 

• September 13 - The Row, Glorietta 1 at 12:30-2:30pm
• September 20 - Solo, Festival Mall at 12:30-2:30pm
• September 27 - Solo, Trinoma at 12:30-2:30pm

Connect with Solo via Facebook facebook.com/MySoloOnline and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MySoloOnline. Shop online with us, at www.solo.com.ph, it's easy and reliable!

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Philippine Fashion Designers Rock 2014 Emmys

Philippine Fashion designers Oliver Tolentino and Monique Lhuillier made their presence felt anew at the recent Emmys.

Oliver created a royal blue embroidered ensemble for “The Big Bang Theory” actress Mayim Bialik. It was the second collaboration for the two as Oliver also designed Mayim’s emerald green mermaid gown in last year’s Emmys. “Oliver just works with everything. Nothing was a problem for him,” the actress shared in an interview. Oliver, for his part, took to twitter to express how “honored” he is working with Mayim. 

Meanwhile, Monique designed Mayim’s “The Big Bang Theory” co-star Kaley Cuoco’s red backless dress with pink embroidered pattern, with matched her pixie cut. Both designs were hailed by critics.

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Sen. Loren Legarda and Kultura: Bringing Philippine Fashion to the mainstream

During the President’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Senator Loren Legarda turned heads when she wore a traditional attire of the Mandaya indigenous community composed of a bado (blouse) with embroidered geometric designs of colorful threads and beads, and a dagmay (handwoven skirt) made of abaca strips, dyed using organic colorants from plants and herbs.

Earlier that day, she had attended the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 16th Congress, wearing a kinamayan skirt handwoven by the Tingguians of Abra. The skirt is designed with frogs that depict abundance, “3 kamay” that represents the growing palay, and the joinery at the edges represents the hands that planted the rice. She also wore a pangalapang necklace, one of the ornaments of the Cordillera people in the eastern Ifugao region. It is made of six pieces of mother of pearl formed into flat trapezoidal shapes and connected by a thin rope of finely braided rattan.

Her fashion choices are in keeping with her “lifelong passion to explore the indigenous artistry of Filipinos told through traditional textiles. Our vibrant traditional textiles are revelations of the Filipino’s indigenous life, reflections of our cultural rootedness, and symbols of our identity.”

Her passion had led her to author Republic Act 9242, the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, which promotes the country’s natural fabrics through their use for official uniforms of government employees.

The same fervor has inspired her to spearhead programs to create awareness about the country’s weaving traditions and cultural heritage through the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery, the country’s first permanent textile exhibit at the Museum of the Filipino People. She also supports the National Museum’s Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge.

“The tropical fabrics industry has great potential in the world market,” she says. “We already have the raw materials and the skill to start with — sturdy abaca from all over the country; banana fiber from plantations in Sultan Kudarat and Davao; delicate pineapple fiber from Camarines Norte and Mindanao; and precious silk from Negros Occidental and Benguet.

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This is a passion she shares with Kultura Filipino, which she says, “has been promoting “fashionalism” — fashion with nationalism — by selling only products that are not only locally made but also represent Filipino traditions and culture.”

During a visit to Kultura at SM Aura Premier, Senator Legarda was fascinated by the contemporary Filipiniana collection in the store. Indigenous fabrics were transformed into modern pieces — mantons made of abaca, silk ponchos, and piña silk blouses — bringing Philippine Fashion into the mainstream, and hopefully to a more global market.

There were also a wide selection of elegant evening bags and accessories — mother-of-pearl clutch bags and jewelry with agate stones and South Sea pearls.

“Kultura features a wide selection of tropical garments, woven bags and Filipino-made accessories that can be worn and used in the office and even during casual and formal gatherings,” she says.

More than that, “being located in SM malls, Kultura stores are able to attract more Filipinos and foreign tourists alike to consider indigenous and local garments as part of their everyday wardrobe.”

Kultura stores are located at SM Aura Premier, SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA-Annex, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Cebu and at selected SM Stores.

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Philippine Fashion Retailers to Barge into World Scene Through Indonesia Franchise Show

Philippine Fashion industry, now facing stiff competition from foreign brands in the domestic market, will get a chance to make it to the international scene through the Fashion Brand Pavilion at the Indonesia Franchise Show on September 11 and 12 organized by Kadin-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Philippine Fashion Brand Pavilion was made possible through the coordination of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Center for International Trade Exposition and Mission (Citem).

“The DTI, through Citem’s ‘Brands in Motion,’ in cooperation with the PFA and PRA, has organized the Fashion Brand Pavilion as strategy to export Philippine fashion store brands. In view of the Asean integration, there is a need to strengthen the local brand network. PFA takes the lead to go on the offensive in penetration of the Asean market,” PFA and PRA Chairman Emeritus Samie Lim said. “With foreign brands such as the Uniqlo, HM, Forever 21, eating into our market and more will be coming year after year, the PRA and PFA joined hands to help promote the local garment industry.”

To make it inclusive, a Catalogue of Fashion Brands will be published, similar to the Korean Food catalogue sponsored by the Korea Agriculture Department.

“In the spirit of bayanihan or working together, Filipino fashion entrepreneurs will be working as one to become globally competitive,” Lim added.

PRA President Lorenzo Formoso is happy to commit the group’s resources to the project. He is hopeful that the other retail sector will have similar program so the country will be able to showcase the best of Philippine products for the coming Asia Pacific Retailers Convention & Exhibition (APRCE) that will happen from October 28 to 30, 2015. This will be a gathering of retailers and mall owners from 17 countries in Asia Pacific. The conference is expecting to have 3,000 delegates.

Citem is working with the garment and textile board to move up the value chain.

Alfredo Yao, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, congratulated the concrete action taken by the PRA and PFA.

“We aim to become a country known for export of fashionable garment brands and accessories,” Lim said.

Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), is encouraging the group’s members to franchise their stores as a strategy for garment manufacturers to export as a whole store, range/category of branded products, rather than just be contracted makers of few items of other international brands.

The Philippine Fashion Pavilion in Indonesia will be composed of nine booths: Mint, Rusty Lopez, Bench, Karimadon, Plains and Prints, Onesimus, Anemony, Figlia and Sofab.

Bing Limjoco, vice chairman of PRA, will be at the booth to promote the retail and franchise industry in general 

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Penshoppe Steps into Online Retail with Lazada Philippines

The Philippine Fashion brand Penshoppe continues to push the envelope further as it embarks on online retail with the Philippines’ Online Shopping Mall – Lazada.com.ph.

From its cool and affordable items that appeal to the Asian fashion palate, to top-billing international celebrity endorsers, Penshoppe has continuously wowed and made waves in the Philippine fashion retail arena. Now, the brand is set on conquering new and exciting territory – Online Retail; and in tandem with Penshoppe on its journey is the Philippines’ Online Shopping Mall – Lazada.

“Our partnership with Lazada stems from the company-wide commitment to serve our customers. While we continue to build and expand our brick-and-mortar stores here and abroad, Lazada will help us reach out to more consumers so they can enjoy the hassle-free Penshoppe shopping experience wherever and whenever they want,” says Golden ABC President and CEO Bernie Liu.

Excitement is really brewing in the air as Lazada Philippines’ Co-Founder and CEO Inanc Balci welcomes the lifestyle megabrand into Lazada. “We are very thrilled and happy to have Penshoppe with us and we both value the trust and confidence that they have placed in each other and we take this very seriously,” mentions Balci. “Lazada has expanded its categories from mobile and laptops to include lifestyle in our fold and we are dedicatedly strengthening our lifestyle categories, and working with the lifestyle megabrand such as Penshoppe is truly motivating,” Balci adds.

Penshoppe can now be purchased from Lazada Philippines by simply logging into www.lazada.com.ph/penshoppe. For more updates on sales promo and new products, subscribe to www.facebook.com/lazadaphilippines and visit www.lazada.com.ph

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