Maniolas

Makeup maker: BYS founder Ed Aitken says he tests all products himself before putting them out on the market. PHOTO FROM BYS FACEBOOK The “lipstick index,” coined during the recession in the early 2000s, says lipstick sales go up in times of poor economic health. It suggests that we tend to substitute expensive items such as clothes and shoes with lipstick — the quickest beauty fix, confidence-booster, mood-enhancer and all-around girl’s best friend in one nifty stick. It was said to have been replaced by nail polish some time in 2010, but now, it seems that the index rings true for the entire spectrum of beauty products. My favorite impulse buy is makeup for the face — foundation, powder, BB cream, CC cream, primer and concealer. I enjoy the excitement that goes with trying out a new product. Unlike with lipstick, where you can almost always tell if the shade on the stick is going to look good on your lips, foundation, for example, is tricky. And it’s exhilarating for a beauty product junky to find just the right one. It’s true, makeup is the ultimate pick-me-up buy, even for women who don’t like it. It’s aspirational — maybe you’ll use it, maybe you won’t, but don’t tell me you aren’t already imagining the dress or shirt or earrings you’ll be wearing it with. Lately, it’s become easier, too. Beauty junkies in Manila are on a high, thanks to the continuous entry of various makeup brands from Japan, Korea, and Read More …

A frequent traveler to the Big Apple, Ben Chan drew inspiration from the Tony award-winning production of Pippin for this year’s ‘The Naked Truth’ — combining theatricality with the element of circus.Photos by WALTER BOLLOZOS, JERRY G. MEJIA of Brooks Institute of Photography and Keren Pascual There was fever pitch excitement — even delirium — in the air last Saturday as, in true theatrical fashion, a 10-minute announcement blared over the speakers, signifying the launch of the biggest and most hotly anticipated biennial entertainment and lifestyle event in Philippine retail history: the Bench Denim and Underwear fashion show. This year, the show was entitled simply, “The Naked Truth.” The announcement came via voiceover, calling to mind the event’s racy and controversial billboards — an event where, every two years, the hottest and most celebrated stars and personalities on screen get cheeky in their skivvies and come out and play. The hashtag (#TheNakedTruth) merited a total of 26,000 Instagram posts from all corners of Mall of Asia Arena as of press time, showcasing everyone from Tom Rodriguez to Ellen Adarna in various states of undress. But if cultural provocation, celebrity pull, and audience reception were any indication of The Naked Truth’s unprecedented success despite setbacks caused by Typhoon Mario, then it is certainly testament to how Bench, in its many years in the industry, is still very much at the top of its game. And it’s showing no signs of slowing. I was fortunate enough to have caught previous installments of Read More …

One of the Bench Skin Expert services that Carla Abellana endorses is the Revlite Laser Therapy, which reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and scars, and may be used to remove tattoos, age spots, or freckles. She also loves the MaxiSculpt Technology, which addresses cellulite and stretch marks. MANILA, Philippines – When it comes to skin care, consumers take their cue from celebrities who have their skin cared for by experts. With a roster of celebrity endorsers proving the efficiency of their treatments, Bench Skin Expert is the best place  for skin and body care, especially its range of affordable skin and body treatments. From debuting with Bea Alonzo and Enchong Dee, Bench Skin Expert’s list of celebrity endorsers has since expanded to include Paulo Avelino, Shaina Magdayao, Richard Yap, fashion blogger Kryz Uy, Laureen Uy and Carla Abellana. “I feel so blessed to be trusted to endorse Bench Skin Expert. I know they have the newest and best treatments out there, so I’m always eager to try them out and share with everyone how the services are just worth every cent,” Carla says. Carla stars in a new Bench Skin Expert campaign with fellow celebrity endorser Enchong, who thinks Bench Skin Expert is perfect for him. He says, “They not only take care of my skin and body, they also know what the best services are for my work.” Carla joins the Bench Skin Expert family, endorsing the following services: RevLite Laser Therapy, Intensiv Eye Rejuvenation, MaxiSculpt Body Firming Wrap, Warts Read More …

After 10 years, the 18th century decorative arts display at the Louvre Museum in Paris reopens after undergoing restoration with the support of Swiss watch manufacturer Breguet. Known as the Age of Enlightenment, the period of philosophers and whiz kids like Newton, the 18th century was also the last one to produce artisan furniture. The Age is depicted as many things in many films — a candy-colored party central in Marie Antoinette, a period of superfluity, extravagance and appearances in Amadeus, and a also a dangerous time to be out at night in Perfume. My gross and un-French pop references aside, the period is always remembered as one that was ruled by meticulous, creative people, when even a cabinetmaker was an artist and an otherwise utilitarian object like the cabinet, a work of art. Recently, Martin Ganz, vice president for the Breguet division of the Swatch Group, presented us with a bit of a crash course on the period over lunch, along with news of the brand’s most recent endeavor. A lesson in French history is not something that always comes with the menu at the Peninsula, which is why, when it is served, you have to take it. Swiss watch manufacturer Breguet proved its link to 18th-century culture — the period in which the brand itself was born — alive and strong, by being part of what has been a project of epic proportions with the Louvre Museum in Paris. The project, in which Breguet is a major patron, Read More …

Fashion voyage: Kate Spade’s fall 2014 collection takes inspiration from fashion capitals New York, Tokyo and Shanghai. Fashion and accessories are available at Kate Spade stores. Konnichiwa! Ni hao!  On the yearlong theme of “places to go and people to see,” Kate Spade takes her New York-based brand on an Asian-inspired design ride for fall 2014 to the region’s two most famous fashionable cities: Tokyo and Shanghai. First stop, of course, is New York, the brand’s provenance or place of birth, with the “Alice Street” collection of pebbled leather top-handled satchels in two shapes: the Adrianna and small Adrianna with cross body strap in neutral hues of warm putty and color-blocked pebble and black. Made with travel and utility in mind, these bags in luxe Italian hair-calf with large buckle detail bring a level of modernity and flair that have become essential to any voyage, near or far. The bestselling “Cedar Street” collection makes a comeback with modern updates, including prints and graphic color blocking. The patent leather line includes sleek bags in a variety of shapes and sizes in dynasty red, black and rosewater. The dot-themed pieces come in classic small Harmony, Margot and Pearl style, the new standout silhouette of the season. Next up is Tokyo, the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun. Revved up by the city’s high-speed flashes of intoxicating colors — electric and emperor blue, shocking pink, vivid snapdragon and metropolis green — popping out against gray, black and porcelain, the collection masterfully Read More …