Uniqlo featuring Keith Haring x Jean-Michel Basquiat x Madonna x SM Aura

I don't remember how I found out about it, but I do remember my reaction. I had a mini-panic attack and I found myself scrambling online, looking for pictures of the collections. I was out of breath, my mind was going in circles, and I asked friends if they've been to the stores recently. It was, in a way, an attack of the Stendhal Syndrome.

Keith Haring

One of Haring's many murals

I'm talking about the Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat collections at Uniqlo. I've been a fan of the two for quite some time, their colorful and sometimes manic approach to art hypnotizing me. Both artists flourished in the 80's and had a unique visual style. Haring's works were a series of graffiti that explored socio-political themes such as AIDS-awareness, drug addiction, and racism. His bold lines, bright colors, and sense of movement has made him one of the most recognizable artists of our time.

Jean-Michel Basquiat 

King Alphonso

Basquiat's pieces were more intense, featuring doodles of human figures in abstract shapes. He isn't quite as popular in mainstream art as Haring, but his works speak of a seriousness amid the playful lines. His sketches can be terrifying, but the details work beautifully together.

From the Madonna UT collection

Like I said, I panicked and asked my friends if any of them have been to Uniqlo recently to check if the collections are up. The Philippines isn't exactly one of the countries to get first dibs on collections, so I wasn't surprised when Melvin told me it wasn't available yet. But being the sweetheart that he is, he got me a shirt from the Madonna collection to tide me over. It's a gorgeous watercolor design from the True Blue album cover, and it was chosen by the Queen of Pop herself from a recent design contest Uniqlo had. One of the finalists was made by a Filipino student from Asia Pacific College (also selected by Madge herself).

It's a wonderful shirt, and I wore it to the party my mother threw for some kids at the St. Rita orphanage in Paranaque. Very festive.

My mom's Uniqlo stash from Japan

Being the fan that I am, I felt like I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Haring and Basquiat collections. So I quickly texted my mother, who was in Japan, to bring some home for me. I was worried she wouldn't be able to accommodate my request since she was coming home in a few days, but voila, never underestimate a mother who used to model when it comes to fashion requests.

What my mom got me in Japan

Here's my Basquiat and Haring stash. It's all so lovely. And to add to the Uniqlo fever, I bought two polo shirts at the opening day of SM Aura. I was late so I wasn't able to catch Sarah Jessica Parker, but I was impressed with the two-storey Uniqlo flagship and the accommodating staff. The best part is, there weren't that many people! It doesn't compare to the 12-storey behemoth in Ginza, but this is way better than the branch in SM Mall of Asia.

I'm planning to complete the collections. Talk about dedication.

SM Accessories' big reveal at Republiq

Last Thursday, I was at Republiq for the launch of SM Accessories' new collection and the big reveal of their four new ambassadors, who were none other than Anne Curtis, Georgina Wilson, Xian Lim, and Richard Gutierrez. There's no better choice than these four, who have the biggest star power in showbiz. It helps that they look so damn good on their own and together.

The show kicked off with a fashion show featuring the new collection of SM Accessories. The collection featured ikat prints and utilitarian pieces that would be perfect for the summer. Frankly, I haven't shopped in the SM department store for quite some time but I've noticed that their selections are becoming more sophisticated and upscale whenever I visit to pay my bills. The show last night made me want to go to the nearest branch of SM and spend, spend, spend! The collection is now available in department stores so it might be a wise idea to get there before everyone comes in for the holiday season.

The big reveal was met with much enthusiasm, even from the media area. All pretenses of indifference were dropped when Anne, Georgina, Richard, and Xian came out to take their walk. I have to admit, I had a hard time controlling myself when Xian came out. I mustered all my dignity to remind myself that I was there as part of the media and not as obsessed fan.

After the show, a private press conference was held at one of the rooms in Opus, and I had to charm my way in to get a glimpse of the endorsers (okay, Xian). I didn't really ask questions but spent the time just watching and smiling at them and taking pictures. Georgina was a little reserved but Xian was really friendly when I frantically waved and smiled at him. As you can see, I left my dignity and poise at the entrance of Opus.

Getting Anne, Georgina, Richard, and Xian will usher a new era in SM Accessories. Signing them on as endorsers will definitely help the company, but with the sublime designs, I don't think SM would need much help. Here is a teaser of their items. Dibs on everything ikat!

Ingersoll media preview at Premio, F1 Hotel

Last Monday, I was at Premio in F1 Hotel, Bonifacio Global City for the media preview of Ingersoll's new collection. Ingersoll is an American watch brand that combines the craftsmanship of Asian design and the old-world elegance of European brands. I was invited for dinner with other representatives of the press. I was seated with Amador Madamba, the lifestyle editor of Men's Health Philippines and the sales team of Gadgets magazine.

Ingersoll watches have been here for over a year, and it is its old-world sophistication that has Filipinos clamoring to get their own. The designs are European, but it has the efficiency of Asian techniques, resulting in a refined timepiece that will win the hearts of consumers. And the best thing is, the watches are affordable, allowing everyone from every economic background to experience a touch of class.

Ingersoll began in 1880 when brothers Robert and Charles Ingersoll created Ingersoll to address a need for quality watches at reasonable prices. This resulted in the “Dollar-Watch,” which, quite literally, cost only one dollar. The watch became highly coveted that Mark Twain and Thomas Edison were some of its earliest fans. Former US president Theodore Roosevelt was known in Africa as “the man from the country where Ingersolls are produced.”

All of this was discussed at the media preview by Peter Thong and Kenny Chong, the principals of the brand. They took the time to visit the Philippines to present the watches and entertain questions. They even made rounds during dinner, initiating conversation. It must be this friendly and accommodating approach that makes the brand relevant and global. Currently, Ingersoll is available in 40 countries.

Ingersoll boasts of three collections that promise a great design and even greater quality. All pieces show bold German designs but have movements from China, an advantage because it offers more designs and variety at affordable prices.

The three collections are the Classic, Bison, and Active. The Classic and Bison both have top class automatic and mechanical movements with multi-functions and a power reserve of a minimum 36 hours. They come in high-quality genuine leather straps, and have high-grade mineral glass lens and caseback. As for the Active collection, its edge is in its functionality, allowing active users to look stylish in the game. It either comes in authentic leather straps or stainless steel buckles, giving athletes more options for dressing up.

Fashion will save the world.

In cities like Paris, Milan, London, and New York, fashion plays a crucial role in the local economy. The cities have established themselves as design capitals, with the best designers holding court in their boutiques and flagship stores. The locals take clothing seriously and hold events that the world anticipate. Case in point, Fashion Week. But in recent years, a new storm has taken over the global fashion scene. It's called Fashion's Night Out.

Conceptualized in 2009 by Anna Wintour, Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and NY & Company, Fashion's Night Out aims to resuscitate the economy by urging the people to spend. By inviting Hollywood celebrities and fashion royalty, consumers are drawn to the one-night celebration filled with music, champagne, limited edition merchandise, activities, and the promise of a great new handbag by the end of the night. What started out as a one-night event in New York has stretched to a three-week extravaganza held every September in over 19 countries.

"It was clear that something needed to happen to get people comfortable with shopping again and to remind them that their purchases were helping to support the economy and the lives of those around them that worked in fashion," says Susan Portnoy, vice president of Condé Nast. At the success of the worldwide event, we wonder: could we pull off a Fashion's Night Out in the Philippines and save our economy?

It’s no secret that a large chunk of the money we make is through remittances made by OFWs, with a recent report by the National Economic and Development Authority claiming that we cannot be completely independent from it. But what would happen in case the demand for OFWs slows down? Where would that leave us?

An event like FNO could be the answer. The clothing industry is a key player in the global economy, and can affect the country involved. If you think that the business of suiting up is best left for the rich, consider that in New York alone, the industry provides 100,000 jobs and has $14 billion in earnings. In 2008, the global community spent $192 billion on clothing, a healthy sum that can buy the entire Louis Vuitton S/S 2013 collection and a Rajo Laurel dress. In the Philippines, apparel is one of the biggest exports, rivaling that of the computer chip and the OFW.

But can fashion really save the Philippines? The thought of having FNO Manila seems like a long shot, considering how Filipinos aren’t as committed to fashion. Being in a third world country, most have bigger priorities such as food and shelter. An event as frivolous as an all-night party with designers and models doesn’t sit well for most Filipinos. The cultural divide is palpable, the dominant side a group that doesn’t care for heelless shoes and slouchy chic.

Established blogger and fashion star Cecile Zamora-Van Straten isn’t impressed, too. “I witnessed it in Tokyo last year. I was in a cab with my friend and we saw these fashion blogger-types lined up outside stores and I couldn’t be bothered or be excited to join them,” she says.

But fashion designer Santi Obcena offers a more positive view. “The concept of Fashion’s Night Out is indeed a great way to showcase up-and-coming brands from young designers and companies. God knows how hard it is for Pinoy brands, small or big, to compete with cheaper imports from other countries nowadays.”

Burgeoning shoe designer Joco Comendador has a few ideas on how the industry could help the country. Comendador, whose latest project is dressing up the models of the recent Bench Universe shows, is known for his killer heels. “The fashion industry can save the economy by maximizing locally produced raw materials such as fabric and leather, and hiring skilled workers locally instead of importing materials.” Involving everyone, from designers to mass retailers can encourage everyone from all economic backgrounds to join in the fun.

"The challenge for the Filipino market isn't convincing them to buy, it's basically to buy Filipino goods. Why aren't we buying our own? I guess a Pinoy Fashion Night Out would be a great way to edit that perspective and probably bring the whole fashion community closer, hitting so many fashionable birds with one glamorous stone," Obcena concludes.

Let’s admit it, the Filipino is becoming stylish. We’re not there yet, but the talents of our local designers are proof that we are ready for an international market. And the smizing Filipino public is hungry for more. A revolution is starting, and the best-dressed will lead the way. Dress appropriately.

Philippine Fashion Week: The Holiday Collection 2011 (Part Une)

Last night, I was at SMX with Nikko Panti for Philippine Fashion Week. We got tickets for Menswear and Arnold Galang/Chris Diaz/Gerry Katigbak from Stylebible at the last minute.

Menswear had 12 designers and I liked Bang Pineda, Drei Soriano and Ulysses King. Pineda used a lot of interesting circles in his designs, especially on his jackets and dress shirts. Soriano mainly used blacks, greys and leather and it looked really badass. I liked how S&M his collection looked and I might pick up some stuff from his collection. The 12 designers mostly used blacks but King broke the monotony by preparing pieces in vibrant and refreshing shades of oranges and blues.

For the next show, I really liked Arnold Galang’s collection. I think his peg was Tibet or Thailand and his pieces were a tasteful combination of reds, greens, and oranges. The fabrics looked really soft, flowy and elegant. I didn’t really feel Diaz’s collection because it looked too Single Ladies, complete with leotards and that metallic glove that Beyonce seemed to obsess over a time. Katigbak used a lot of beautiful lace.

The best part of the night was seeing Chat Almarvez, Charo Ronquillo and Ria Bolivar in one show. I almost had an orgasm.

Because we got the tickets at the last minute, I didn’t have enough time to put together an outfit. Uniqlo shirt, custom-made blazer, Lee jeans, French shoes, nonprescription glasses from the tiangge. Not very fasyown, I must admit but hey, I was under duress.

My socks are also from Uniqlo. I’m so into the brand that even the underwear I wore was from Uniqlo.

I have invites for L’Oreal tonight but I can’t make it because I have a dinner. But I’ll be there this Friday for Luxewear and Oxygen, and Ford Model’s Supermodel of the World Philippines and Design Fusion this Saturday. See you guys there!

Nota bene: I need to get a better camera.

Vogue Nippon, March 2011

The cover featuring Izabel Goulart in Dolce & Gabbana, shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

A feature on Angelina Jolie, with a photo shot by Mario Testino

Interesting eye makeup from Look Out!, a fashion editorial styled by Aurora Sansone

A feature on Tom Ford

The Return of Splendor, styled by George Cortina

Coordinating Lesson with looks from Marc Jacobs, YSL, and TopShop

From Fred and Ginger, styled by George Cortina and shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

From The Look Says It All, styled by Anna Dello Russo

World Traveller, a feature on vacation spots

The supplement, Nippon Vogue Color Bag and Shoes Dictionary

Yellow

The March 2011 issue of Vogue Nippon was boring compared to its other issues. Perhaps it was the lack of interesting pictures, which is what I look at when I read foreign editions of magazines because of the language barrier. I did, however, like the cover because of the use of animal prints, even on the title!

The issue is titled Catch The Look and it featured looks by fashion personalities like Alexa Chung, Anna Dello Russo, Taylor Momsen, Vivienne Westwood, and Carine Roitfeld; and the makeup of Faye Dunaway, a young Jodie Foster, Grace Coddington, Jerry Hall, and Jane Fonda. 

There were several features that I wanted to read, such as the ones for Angelina Jolie, Tom Ford, and Tommy Hilfiger. But because it was in Japanese, I had no way of understanding it. In fact, the December 2010-January 2011 issue of French Vogue did an extensive feature on Tom Ford and I couldn't read it either, doubling my frustration.

The editorials were good, but I noticed the decimated number of pictures. Some editorials only had four shots. But they made up for it by being dramatic, especially Fred and Ginger, The Look Says It All, The Return of Splendor, and the eye makeup of Look Out!

The issue also featured top vacation spots which ignited my wanderlust. They featured wonderful places like Greece, Morocco, Maldives, and Shanghai, the last of which I'll be visiting in May. I'm looking forward to buying cultural items like Mao memorabilia and of course, stacks of Vogue China.

The issue came with a supplement, a dictionary of bags and shoes arranged by color. The dictionary is a wonderful guide, and I had fun sifting through the items. Arranging it by color was a brilliant idea and I think every stylist/style-conscious person should own a copy.