Friday, March 30, 2012

THE NEW BAG DESIGNER TO WATCH!!!

This past Wednesday, I visited my good friend Satya Tweena at her new atelier. She is known for making exquisite one-of-a-kind hats. She has been very busy making custom made hats for the Kentucky Derby and New York Central Park Conservancy. She has been sharing her showroom with upcoming bag designer, Holly Caldwell. Holly wasn't there. I was very amazed with Holly's designs. Satya told me that Holly has a background in Aeronautics... very impressive. Her pieces were recently featured in W Magazine. The collection is all about clean lines and attention to detail. What caught my attention? A bright orange rubberized leather clutch that can be converted to a shoulder bag. Louis of Boston was right on the money for carrying this line. I can't wait to see Holly's line evolve.





Thursday, March 29, 2012

NICK JONAS' CHARM!!!

This past Tuesday, I took my aunt to see the broadway hit musical play "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". How did I get hooked into the play? I had the chance to dress Tammy Blanchard, played by Hedy La Rue, when she was nominated for Best Actress in a musical at last year's Tony Awards. I have seen it 4 times. I had the chance to see Daniel Radcliffe play the role J.Pierrepont Finch. His character is ambitious and wants to reach the top of the corporate ladder by following a guide book. When Daniel ended his run, Nick Jonas became his successor. I've only heard his name from my niece. I was so intrigued by his performance. My expectations served me right. He is a good actor. Aside from his talent, he is so charming on stage. There were so many young girls at the Al Hirschfeld Theater screaming. I don't mind watching it over and over again. It is an entertaining show. You can purchase your tickets online at www.howtosucceedbroadway.com.


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

THE BEST!!!

This past weekend, Mariko Jacinto and I went to the Architectural Digest Home Trade Show. There were so many furniture, light and bathroom fixtures, and things for the kitchen. What caught my attention? the range hood company from Italy called BEST. I've never seen anything like it. One famous design was inspired from a lipstick. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen and make it modern, BEST range hood will do the work. The price ranges from $1,600 and up.
Available at Sub-Zero Wolf Southeast in Orlando, Florida (407-857-3777).







Friday, March 23, 2012

THE RETURN TO THE FRICK GALA!!!

At last night's Frick Gala in New York City, Tinsley Mortimer wore a white Marchesa gown from Spring 2012. The blonde socialite accessorized her assemble with Kwiat chandlier earrings, Kwiat diamond cuff, a pink ring from Asprey, a Samantha Thavasa clutch, and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Her make-up was done courtesy of NARS. The Frick Gala is one of the best events in New York City. I believe wearing white is the best way to show Spring has finally arrived.

Images courtesy of www.bfanyc.com

Saturday, March 17, 2012

THE LANVIN OBSESSION!!!

What can say? These Lanvin shoes are simply amazing and beyond. Howard, my go to guy at Barneys New York, always keep me updated with all the latest shoes for the season. The brown and lace-up shoes are to die for. I love the blue lace-up cord detailing on the side of the shoes. It gave the shoes its edge. If you have the money to spare, you can look for Howard on the 3rd floor of Barneys. Trust me, it is worth it.



Thursday, March 15, 2012

COUTURE REPEAT!!!

At last night's White House dinner in honor of British Prime Minister David Cameron, Vogue editor-in-chief was part of the exclusive event. The most powerful woman in the fashion industry wore a 2009 Chanel Haute Couture dress she wore for the MET Gala on that same year. What is the difference from the State dinner and the MET Gala? Her hair. I like the length and the high lights of her hair better from the state dinner. It is also the first time I have seen Anna carrying a clutch. She chose a better color for shoes this time... black. The end result, she looked stunning. It was a smart move of Anna to do a couture repeat. She is also addressing the tough situations the whole world is facing. She commands presence. It proves to the world that she is the only supreme being in the fashion industry. Well done!!!
ANNA WINTOUR AT THE WHITE HOUSE, MARCH 14, 2011

ANNA WINTOUR IN CHANEL COUTURE AT THE 2009 MET GALA

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

62 AND BEYOND!!!

Why am I like this? I am honored and lucky to have a mother who is loving and understanding. Tonight, my mom celebrated her 62nd birthday in New York. She told me that she would love to have dinner at Nobu 57. It is one of her favorite Japanese restaurants in NYC. She doesn't look like 62. She told her children, my 2 sisters and I, not to be afraid of anything. She taught me how to be confident, loving, and to kill people with kindness. At a younger age, she told us to keep our friends close and keep our enemies closer. In Manila, we always go to the gym together and do our TRX routine religiously. My mother told me to be myself at all times. She also said that my career does not justify my whole persona. For this day, I dedicate this entry to my mother. She was responsible for exposing me to all beautiful things... from all the Laliques and Lladros. I love you mom. You mean the world to me, Alexa, and my 2 beautiful sisters. Happy Birthday.

MY MOTHER AND I

MY MOTHER AND I... GANDA MO MOM!!!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

THE ATELIER HUNGER!!!

As the notorious villain in the new movie "Hunger Games", her role as Effie Trinket is a dictator from hell. The premiere was held in Los Angeles, California. Elizabeth Banks strutted on the carpet wearing Fall 2012 Atelier Versace. She has been wearing Versace from time to time during premieres and award shows. The off the shoulder bright orange neon dress gave the actress cutting edge fashion. Even though the dress is phenomenal, the hair style didn't work. I was quite disappointed by it. I could have chosen a pony tail to make the look edgier. On the accessories department, the clutch worked well with the ensemble. The shoes were quite big on her. Once again, a nice pair of gold shoes could have been better. Elizabeth and the dress looked perfect, but the rest of the added things seemed to be okay.


Friday, March 9, 2012

MARNI FOR H&M- SOLD OUT!!!

H&M started the bandwagon of collaborating with high-end designers. These designers were tasked to design a capsule collection for the company. Marni is the featured designer to grace the windows of H&M. Known for the house's bold prints, Consuelo Castiglioni went back into the archives of the brand and delivered a strong collection. The result, a sold out collection on the first day. On March 7, the flagship store in NYC opened its doors to VIPs at 7pm. The line was very long. To my surprise, I didn't realize that Marni had a strong following. On the side note, the brand was introduced to me by my mother in the 90s. I fell in love with it. The next day, it was opened to the general public at 8am. I spoke to one of the cashier's. She told me that the whole store was wiped out of Marni merchandise. Hoarding merchandise is still a hobby in America. According to a reliable source from H&M, Marni is one of the most successful partnership the retail giant did. Congratulations to the team.









Wednesday, March 7, 2012

THE RETURN OF SLIMANE!!!

Exit Stefano Pilati and enter Hedi Slimane. Yes, the rumors are true that he will assume the the position as creative director for Yves Saint Laurent. He left the fashion house as soon as Tom Ford came into the picture. Hedi became one of the biggest names in the fashion industry by influencing men to wear his super tight suits, trouser, coats, and jackets. After his tenure at Dior Homme, he decided to pursue a career in photography. As a passionate artist, he excelled. PPR head Francois Henri Pinault and his team made the right decision of rehiring the shy and awkward designer. Will we see slim fitting clothes at YSL? The archives of the label is like a house of gold... full of treasure. Once again, he will be onstage and prove to the fashion industry that he can take the task of taking the brand into a new realm. He will be in-charge of designing collections for men and women. His peers in the industry are waiting upon his return. I know he will be welcomed with open arms. The acceptance will be like Phoebe Philo's big comeback to the industry for the house of Celine. It is about time.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

END OF THE RACE!!!

Stefano Pilati reached the finish line at Yves Saint Laurent. For 8 years, Stefano held the post as the creative director of the house. It was a tough transition. Replacing Tom Ford back in 2004 was a hard task to carry on, but he did. He rebuilt and repositioned the brand by introducing famous accessories like the "Muse Bag" and the "Tribute Sandals". Every season, he paid homage and respect for the late Yves Saint Laurent's work. He presented one of the strongest collections for YSL. He sent out an army of strong women in black, white, dark purple, and dark green. He channeled black which is the color of mourning. On the other hand, the chain mail dresses represent armor and self-defense. The flower of choice, Calla lilies. These can be seen as the main print throughout the show. He even used this flower for jewelry in the form of necklaces and bracelets. The ensembles were singed with a belt. It is a departure from the volumes he showcased last season. It made the clothes look sharper and more fierce. As his final bow, a stand ovation from the audience including Vogue editrix Anna Wintour... that's an honor. The next person in line will have to live up with the challenge of making the house of YSL a success.





Monday, March 5, 2012

CELINE IS ADDICTIVE!!!

Celine is one of the most profitable brands in the industry. When Phoebe came in to the picture as creative director of the label, she did a 360 degrees turn for the house. Last season, she introduced the peplum silhouette and made it known to women that they can wear this type of volume. Was her theory right? Yes. She managed to create an army of devotees. Women can't get enough of the brand. Each time she shows a collection, women are in trance. They are itching to get their hands on anything with the Celine tag. For Fall 2012, she opted for an intimate presentation. She presented another outstanding collection. She focused on the volume of the clothes. Unless you are a model, volume on clothes can be flattering or unflattering. With her last pre fall presentation, she gave a hint that she will be showcasing this silhouette to her current collection. She combined all of the details from previous collections and merge it into one... very clever. The combination of fabric is Phoebe's expertise. She combined fur, leather, and wool for a sweater. Her oversized fur coats in bright pink and blue is a show stopper. Don't forget the amazing shoes and bags that make the profits for the house. The Celine woman has her distinct image... simplicity with a strong attention to detail. She is a designer who understands the need of women. I won't be surprised if I see women wearing these pieces on the streets of New York, Paris, London, Milan, and Tokyo.
I am pretty sure this collection will sell. One word to describe the brand, ADDICTIVE.









Saturday, March 3, 2012

THE ELITE WORKING FORCE AT BALENCIAGA!!!

Leave it to Balenciaga designer Nicholas Ghiesquiere for presenting a spectacular collection for Paris Fashion Week. The designer brought some sunshine to a gloomy day of his presentation. On the 27th floor of a modern high rise building, he showcased an evolution of what Balenciaga is all about. He was inspired on what working women will be wearing in the future. He took the brand to a different level by modernizing it with an homage to the artistry of Cristobal Balenciaga. Bonded leather coats with space age shoulders, padded sweaters inspired by the american football proportions, and sweatshirts with 80s outer space slogans were seen throughout. These pieces will be an instant collector's items. He keeps on innovating the brand by constantly doing research with the emphasis on fabric. On the other hand, the jumpsuits made from hi-tech parachute material are show stopping pieces. His application on animal prints appeared in two ways: a jacquard snake on wool bodices and leopard spots that looked like liquid mercury on jackets. The color blocking of the shoes were beyond. He also made it easy for women to walk in them by lowering the heel. He is a true genius. I don't see why women won't wear these pieces to work. Trust me, it will be an easy way up to the corporate ladder. Bravo.










Thursday, March 1, 2012

THE GOLDEN LADY!!!

After so many years of being a runner-up, Meryl Streep grabbed the best actress award for her phenomenal performance as Margaret Thatcher for the "Iron Lady". When Colin Firth announced the winner, I jumped for joy when I heard her name. I admire Meryl's acting career. She can portray any role. For this award's season, she came prepared. Meryl wowed the crowd by wearing a gold lame dress from Lanvin. The custom made ensemble gave her the shimmer that evening. She chose gold earrings to compliment her dress. Well! After 17 nominations, the academy made the right decision. Before Meryl retires, I know she will have more awards. She is the best actress of our time. Indeed, she is the golden lady.