Bikini and other hot summer styles
MANILA, Philippines - My action-packed weekly regimen has made me more firm and toned, although there always seems to be that last bit that could be surgically enhanced by showbiz doc, Vicki Belo. Nonetheless, shopping for the perfect bikini has never been so much fun since exercise improves everyone’s dressing-room moments.
The prettiest and most flattering swimwear is in Itsie Bitsie, a chic fashion shop in the Rockwell area. The bikinis are flattering because they have matching cover-ups and accessories that complement the look. Even if one does not have the perfect figure, there are means and ways to divert the eye to expose one’s more pleasing features.
I am headed to El Nido Resort in Palawan in two weeks thanks to the Smart Infinity Subscription Program, so I will surely see an Itsie Bitsie parade. Loyal Smart Infinity subscribers are being offered vacation packages plus a free Nokia phone,too. The only difficulty is finding the time to go on holiday. Log on to www.smart.com.ph or call the Infinity hotline at 5112220 or your Smart Infinity Service at *888.
Diver’s watch
Under the sea, the best accessory is the Master Compressor Diving, the new, exquisite diving watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre. JLC has a new generation of mechanical diver’s watches designed with outstanding technical performances that exemplify aesthetic elegance and authenticity of form and structure.
Just recently launched by JLC’s managing director for the Asia Pacific region, Daniel Rogger, the collection was unveiled with the watches submerged in water-filled glass cases for all aficionados to admire. Several models were displayed like the Master Compressor Diving Pro Geographic, GMT and Chronograph. Made of custom-designed cases, these watches have innovative mechanical depth gauges and can withstand pressures at extreme depths.
My personal favorite is the Master Compressor Chronograph Lady, boasting a swish of glamorous diamonds on the bezel and a two-toned wind rose that is the signature feature of this line.
Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are available at Lucerne branches in Glorietta 4, Shangri-La Plaza and Ayala Center Cebu, and Lucerne Chronos at Power Plant Mall. It’s Mother’s Day next month, so Daddies should keep this beautiful option in mind.
Rafe’s summer totes
Above sea, the best beach accessory is a colorful beach bag filled with Nivea Sun products. A new bag shop, Rafe New York in Greenbelt 5, has awesome summer bags. Floral designs, patents and raffia bags by Ilonggo designer Rafe Totengco make the summer season more fashionably bright and colorful.
This first freestanding store outside New York is a franchise owned by Ricco and Tina Ocampo. Internationally famous Rafe bags proudly created by New York-based Rafe have been in MIX for several years. Amidst the fashion giant conglomerates, Rafe bags are creating a niche in the small and special retail market.
Rafe’s all-in-the-family business has grown, with Hollywood stars sporting the bags. His sister, Tesa Totengco, is director of sales and even his mom is the bookkeeper. Rafe was the first designer brand to create a pocket collection for the bargain chain Target, back in 2006.
Filipino talents have always penetrated the competitive global market. We have many to be proud of. For several months now, Tina Maristela Ocampo’s Celestina line of bags has been a hot fashion item in posh outlets like Neiman Marcus, Barney’s and Bergdorf Goodman. Her creations are now available all over the world. The likes of Halle Berry and Eva Longoria are patrons of both Rafe and Celestina bags.
One of Manila’s consistent best-dressed list habitués, Tina designs using indigenous materials like shell, mother of pearl, wood, animal skin accented with metals, crystals and jewelry. Crafted solely in the Philippines, her exquisitely designed bags are great investments.
Mobo’s hot fashion
Over in Europe, another Pinoy fashion designer, Lesley Mobo, has made a name in the UK fashion scene. This remarkable, young, avant-garde designer has had a challenging climb up the fashion world, but he has proved that nothing beats pure talent and hard work.
As part of the Ayala Mall performing arts series called Bravo Filipino, the fashion show of Lesley Mobo at Greenbelt 5 was a display of world-class fashion luxury with Filipino originality. Though it was strange to view an all-black, winter-looking collection in the midst of summer, the designs were quite dramatic and artistically composed.
We are so proud to have yet another Pinoy making a mark in the world. The country’s fashion innovators and next generation of style mavericks are cropping up from all over. Cebu City has quite a number of talents like Jun Escario, Cary Santiago, Fern One and young favorite Ronald Enrico. To view a sample of Cebu’s finest, check out the shop of Jun Escario in the newest lifestyle center Greenbelt 5.
Ciara’s accessories
Summer is really for the young with sexy figures and bright smiles. On invitation of gorgeous fashion accessory designer, Ciara Marasigan-Serumgard, I attended the Samsung Metrowear Young Designers Guild. This first series of fashion shows, sponsored by Samsung and Metro Magazine, also featured seven other promising young designers like Louis Claparols, John Herrera and Patty Eustaquio. It was a jammed pack show and I loved the great hairstyles and make-up by L’Oreal.
The unique, handcrafted pieces by Ciara were displayed at the foyer of the Manila Pen Ballroom. Her summer collection is inspired by the rich taste and aroma of coffee. She made a concoction of accessories, accented by such diverse elements as sea rattan, yellow jade, tiger’s eye and Swarovski crystals.
