philstar.com - Fashion and Beauty

Jan 272015
 
‘A beauty queen wearing a Philippine sash should wear a creation by a Filipino designer’

Cary Santiago leads the outcry against using a non-Filipino designer who certainly cannot capture the Filipino soul. All right, all ye beauty pageant lovers and bekis, keep calm. The worst is over. We lost the Miss Universe crown. And with it, our national pride. We couldn’t even win the Best in Gown title. How could we? The public sentiment is that the gown didn’t look Filipino at all. And social netizens say that it wasn’t even nice. “Huhu, parang plain white cake with colorful icings,” said James Ramos. “MJ Lastimosa’s national costume reminded me of my sister’s birthday cake,” posted Raffy Magno. The Bb. Pilipinas-Universe candidate was wearing a gown by a Colombian designer, Alfredo Barraza, who is being tortured now in social media for creating a confectionary mix of red and yellow flowers. Bb. Pilipinas chairperson Stella Marquez-Araneta says it was “inspired by the Panagbenga festival of Baguio.” Maria Stella Marquez Sawadzky won the first Miss International pageant in 1960 held in Long Beach, California. And she also won the heart of Jorge Araneta, head of the esteemed clan that owns Araneta Coliseum, the choice venue of beauty pageants for decades now. “The designs given to us were not good enough for our candidates. That’s the reason I went abroad,” explains the Colombian beauty queen who has adopted the Philippines as her home. She has, in fact, become an iconic figure when it comes to Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageants, which have always lorded it over other beauty contests. Lifestyle Read More …

Jan 202015
 
Beauty Box: Alicia Keys is the face of Givenchy Dahlia Divin

The product: Givenchy Dahlia Divin, a radiant new fragrance from Givenchy What it smells like: Givenchy Dahlia Divin is a sensual eau de parfum created by Francois Demachy. It is a mix of lush floral woody accents such as vetiver, sandalwood and patchouli, with notes of plum and white flowers, dominated by jasmine. Why Alicia Keys: Givenchy recognizes Alicia Keys as a divine icon. The artist has worked closely with Givenchy’s creative director, Riccardo Tisci, who designed many of her costumes. In the campaign, she wears a made-to-measure gown, 500 hours in the making, at the Givenchy Couture workshop. Where to get it: Givenchy fragrances are exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corporation and available at department stores. * * * Extraordinary new lipcolor from L’Oreal Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: The product: L’Oreal Color Riche L’Extraordinaire What it is: A new liquid lipcolor from L’Oreal Paris, L’Oreal Color Riche L’Extraordinaire is more intense than a lipstick, more sophisticated than a gloss, and more comforting than lip balm. It uses a blend of oil and color that allows pigments to reveal their full intensity. It comes in 10 rich shades. Where to get it: L’Oreal Color Riche L’Extraordinaire is available in all L’Oreal Paris counters. * * * Marilyn Monroe is Max Factor’s global glamor ambassador Why Marilyn?: This year marks the 80th year since Max Factor Jr. transformed regular girl Norma Jeane into iconic beauty Marilyn Monroe. Max Factor the brand celebrates this story with the Read More …

Jan 132015
 
Beauty Box: L’Occitane whips up a luscious new shea butter line

Whip it good: L’Occitane Shea Whipped Body Cream, Whipped Hand Cream and Whipped Shower Foam The products: L’Occitane Whipped Shea Butter Body Cream, Whipped Shower Foam, Whipped Hand Cream What they do: A pampering bodycare line with the same delicate scent as L’Occitane’s classic shea butter collection, Whipped Shea Butter is a new light and ultra-nourishing texture that immediately becomes one with the skin. It contains a concentration of shea butter that is as light as whipped egg whites — a delicious way to nourish dry skin. Where to get it: L’Occitane is available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source. * * * Color your nails ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ with OPI The product: OPI limited-edition nail lacquers inspired by the Universal Pictures and Focus Features movie Fifty Shades of Grey Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: What it includes: OPI’s Fifty Shades of Grey collection includes six new limited-edition nail lacquers — five gray polishes in varying shades and textures, and one rich red hue. The collection captures the mood, feelings and emotions of the film with assorted hues of gray, ranging from glittering and gleaming silvers to cool gray cremes to dark charcoal. Where to get it: OPI Fifty Shades of Grey collection is available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source. * * * Get glossy lips and stay-put color from Revlon The product: Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain What it is: A luxurious yet ultra-light stain that glides on lips with creamy comfort, Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain Read More …

Jan 062015
 
Beauty Box: La Prairie combats skin aging with ice crystals

Ice for your eyes: La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Eye Cream and La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Emulsion freeze time. The product: La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Eye Cream and La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Emulsion What they do: La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Eye Cream fights the first signs of aging around the eye area. It nurtures the eye area to vitality, improves smoothness and hydration, brightens dark circles and fortifies against the forces of time and the elements. It is soft and smooth in texture, and a gentle but effective eye care regimen. It is formulated with youth-preserving Swiss Ice Crystal Complex, which is a complete defense against harmful elements. La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Emulsion is a featherweight, lavishly hydrating moisturizer formulated with a lighter texture and a new level of potency. Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Emulsion is for those who prefer moisture during the day or at night. It is a wonderul choice for use in humid climates and delivers potently age-defying skincare around the clock. Where to get them: La Prairie is available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source.   * * * Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: L’Oreal Revitalift’s new overnight cream The product: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Night Cream-Mask What it is: The Revitalift Laser X3 Night Cream-Mask is formulated with ingredients that stimulate skin fiber synthesis to improve skin density and help reduce facial lines. It has an exfoliating agent that promotes Read More …

Jan 062015
 
Cara D for DKNY launched in London

“I love to layer every which way. There are 15 pieces to play with — no rules, no looks, just opportunities. For me, it starts with the crop top. It’s essential. You take it from there. A sweat suit/jumpsuit (put it on and you’re done).  My dream pantsuit, because you can boy it up, split it up or suit it up, when needed. There are tanks, tees, fun hoodies, track pants, a leather crop bomber to die for. And, of course, an amazing parka — an urban must,” says Cara Delevingne of her Cara D for DKNY collection. MANILA, Philippines – Cara Delevingne recently launched the Cara D for DKNY capsule collection in London. Cara made the rounds in London starting at Harrods, then Harvey Nichols, followed by Selfridges and ending at DKNY’s London flagship store on Old Bond Street. Cara tweeted clues under the hashtag #CaraD4DKNY and #CARAvan as to where she headed each step of the way. Cara’s first stop was Harrods, where she took a photo with the Harrods signature “green men.” Next stop was Harvey Nichols for a beat boxing and break dancing session followed by Selfridges, where Cara served eager customers and took selfies while DJ Paula Goldstein was spinning a set. The final stop was DKNY’s Old Bond Street Store where Cara was presented with a custom cake representing her favorite piece in the collection as well as a custom Cara D for DKNY champagne bottle by Moet Hennessy. Cara changed into various pieces Read More …

Dec 302014
 
Erich Gonzales goes for romance with Liberte

A kind of blush: Erich Gonzales is sweet and party-ready in a roomy, blush dress, available at Liberte, Robinsons Department Store.   MANILA, Philippines – Erich Gonzales has plenty of romance this season as she discovers Robinsons Department Store’s leading exclusive label for young ladies, Liberte. White is all the rage, as the purest palette takes shape in cropped tops and A-line skirts this season. Best accenting Erich’s silhouette, these cooler  months’ ultimate wardrobe sees plenty of leg and well-fitted shapes to make this season hotter. Breezy pinks make for the finest holiday dresses, offering a hint of fiery passion during the gray months. Countered by sharp, angled cuts and loose, layered fit, these blushing dresses are perfect worn with your holiday flame.  You can’t go wrong with a pale pink ruffled bottom dress, complemented by solid graphic accents and accessories. Complementing Erich’s tanned-glow, Liberte’s pale yellow floral dress showcases a glint of holiday glamour when spotted among this season’s parties. Liberte is exclusively available at selected Robinsons Department Store branches. For more information, check out www.robinsonsdepartmentstore.com.ph or like Robinsons Department Store on Facebook and follow @RobinsonsStore on Twitter.

Dec 162014
 
Wear green for good luck

Upon the advice of her feng shui master, my friend always wears green to attract more success in her business endeavors.  And so she wears her jade jewelry and ubiquitous green handbag daily. Though I am not superstitious, green is a favorite because it represents  nature, harmony, positivity, balance, and growth. Located between yellow and blue in the color wheel, this pigment  ranges from the black/brown hues of dark green and hunter green to vibrant neon green (of the psychedlic ‘60s) to the palest of celadon and pastel green. Gemstones found in this color range from the precious and expensive emerald and imperial jade  to semi-precious stones such as tourmaline, chrysophrase, malachite and garnet with the tsavorite green garnet being priced so much higher than a regular garnet because of its rarity and closeness in color to the emerald. With the holiday season upon us, now is  the perfect time to inject this color in our wardrobe with so many shades available  to flatter any skin tone. * * * Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: For your comments and ideas, please email the author at: jacinto.fa@gmail.com.

Dec 162014
 
The gift of Pinoy art

Swan’s way: Freeway X Federico Alcuaz printed neck/bag scarf in blue and red (P399.75) MANILA, Philippines – Innovative brands Ensembles, Freeway and Solo showcase the spirit and talent of our very own Filipino masters, artists and designers through its limited-edition collections. What better way to celebrate Christmas than with fresh gift ideas? Ensembles features another budding fashion designer Xernan Orticio in its Filipino Young Designer Series. This year’s collaboration is all about the strong and independent woman with a style that’s fashion-forward yet elegant. Freeway celebrates the works of visual artist Federico Alcuaz through its National Artist Collectors’ Series. Alcuaz is one of the country’s internationally renowned and multi-awarded artists and his works are showcased in 20 museums and major cultural institutions all over the world. Perfect for the holiday season, Freeway’s Holiday collection tribute is composed shift dresses, comfortable casual tops, shirts and slinky pieces beautifully adorned with Alcuaz’s masterpieces. Freeway also brings holiday gifts featuring timeless yet quirky pieces by collaborating with creative director-cum-designer James Reyes with Designer Doodles Collection. Paired with Freeway’s cuts and silhouettes — a showcase of simplistic lines and basic shapes flattering a woman’s curves — this collection is a variety of tops and dresses featuring easy-to-wear pieces and key classics that are both functional and chic at the same time, all adorned by original doodles by James Reyes himself. Solo creates hip gifts for the young and young-at-heart through its Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia featuring Pugad Baboy by Pol Medina Jr. Think comical, artistic and Read More …

Dec 092014
 
It’s sweater weather

City slick: Classic pullover from GTW Urban worn with a floral skirt from GTW Fab, available at The SM Store.   MANILA, Philippines – It was knits everywhere on the fall 2014 runways, which overflowed with every kind of sweater imaginable. Vera Wang had a sweater emblazoned with You Bug Me over a full leather skirt, Michael Kors had delicious cozy knits worn with full peasant skirts, Ralph Lauren had day glow puffa jackets and beanies. With cooler weather ahead, this timeless classic has been updated for the younger set at GTWBYSM.  There are heritage knits like pullovers that are polished and cool; slouchy sweaters that are big on comfort and style; and novelty knits — embellished, furry, fringed, appliquéd — that bring the fun to cold-weather dressing.  There are also cool denim jackets to warm you up. The collection also takes mixed textures to a whole new level.  Usher in a new era of warm style with cozy sweaters, and denims with attitude. Worn with distressed pants, skinny jeans, feminine floral skirts, fun miniskirts and shorts, don’t hesitate to layer to ignite a look that’s fearlessly trendy. The collection is available exclusively at GTWBYSM of The SM Store. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Dec 092014
 
The season’s high street fashion trends

Falling for Shana: ‘Tis the season to let Shana dress you up in loose and crop tops, and blouses with geometric cuts and avant-garde tweaks, available at Shana boutiques in Robinsons Malls. MANILA, Philippines – High street fashion statements are a breeze to come as Shana  gets you stylishly covered this fall with sweatshirts, denim tops, jeans, maxi floral dresses, long skirts, and shorts. Jumpsuits, skinny pants, push-up leggings, cut-off shorts, crop tops, and blouses with geometric cuts and avant-garde tweaks are what make Shana’s season so exciting. Its signature textures and prints — from knits to silk — come in shades of brown, black, cream, and luxe metallics. Aztec prints are abundant in sweats and hoodies; tribal, floral and graphic swirls are also found in dresses, blouses and skirts. Fringes, tie-dye, animal prints and brilliant, fluorescent hues exude fun and flamboyance. Mix and match denim jeans with  cropped and loose tops for a casual, laidback look or slip into that flimsy flowing blouse or Shana’s LBD and lace dresses if you’re in the party mood. Complete the look with Shana’s interesting line of shoes, bags, and funky accessories. Shana also carries trendy pieces for men, while Shana Homewear boasts comfy pajama sets to bedroom slippers. Shana, the Spanish retail concept that made its Philippine foray via Robinsons Specialty Stores Inc. (RSSI), has 250 stores across 40 countries worldwide. Check out its fall-winter 2014 collection in its boutiques located at Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Mall East Wing, and Glorietta 5. Get Read More …