philstar.com - Fashion and Beauty

May 132014
 
Michael Kors: ‘I never imagined I would walk to a Michael Kors store in Manila’

Michael Kors with models Tian Yi, Ming Xi and Shu Pei wearing his Jet Set collection MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine STAR caught up with Michael Kors at a suite in the Peninsula Shanghai. Here are excerpts from our interview: PHILIPPINE STAR: Why did you decide to hold the Jet Set Experience here in Shanghai? MICHAEL KORS: Shanghai because when we think about the fast life, you know New York is certainly the fast life; Manila obviously is a fast, quick-paced life, but no city has the speed and the curiosity right now that you find in Shanghai. So I thought it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the idea of living the fast life. What do you think of the market here in Asia? For a designer, it’s most interesting when people are curious about things that are new, things that are changing. If women and men have so many rules and they’re not ready to experiment, quite honestly, as a designer it’s not challenging. Last night, in fact, we were out walking, and in 20 minutes, I saw two young girls, one wearing a bright yellow long dress, with a yellow handbag and then 10 minutes later, I saw another young girl in a yellow mini-dress and yellow shoes. And I said to someone I was with, “That’s incredible that we just saw these two girls wearing yellow.” And he said, “What do you mean?” I said, “Normally people would say a Chinese woman should never wear yellow, Read More …

Apr 292014
 
Alma mater of supermodels

MANILA, Philippines – Before models Charo Ronquillo, Manuela Basilio and Heydar Hos- seini conquered the modeling world, they had a rose- colored view of the industry they were getting into. Prior to becom- ing 2nd runner-up at Ford Models Su- permodels of the World 2005, Charo was a regular girl who dreamed of becoming a model. She recalls that her idea of modeling was “it was just an easy, fun, and glam- orous job.” A former call cen- ter agent who de- buted in Beyonce’s “Pretty Hurts” mu- sic video, Manuela thought “model- ing was all glamour and beauty.” Ateneo de Naga student Heydar viewed modeling as “just like walking and posing as cute or fierce as possible for people and get paid.” “Well, there is more to being a model than simply having a pretty face,” says Cal Carrie president and managing director Joey Espino. Joey believes that the inner qualities and char- acter of a person are crucial to overcoming the challenges of a model’s career. In 2010, Joey established the Masters School for Models for aspiring models. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: Basic Modeling introduces the student to the industry, providing an overview of the various types of modeling (pho- tographic, commercial, and runway). Students undergo hands-on training in poses, walking the runway, acting for video commercials, find- ing their best angles and other practical lessons by the school’s experienced mentors during the Secondary Course to Modeling. Upon completion of this secondary course, Read More …

Apr 222014
 
Sport meets street in Aerosoles

Jules Z. Schneider of Aerosoles: “People on the go will always value comfort.” MANILA, Philippines – For Aerosoles president and chief executive officer Jules Z. Schneider, comfort is key. Working in New York City in the ’80s, he noticed that most people wore slippers or rubber shoes during their daily commute. Schneider realized that most busy, on-the-go people valued comfort over everything when it came to choosing footwear. He also knew that using the right technology, this could be easily attained without sacrificing style, however. Aerosoles was built around this idea. For the past 25 years, the company has been manufacturing shoes with design technologies that always have their customers’ comfort in mind. Each pair of shoes is made using the Stitch N Turn technology unique to Aerosoles. The upper portion of the shoe is sewn to the sole and flipped inside-out for unmatched comfort and flexibility. Additionally, all Aerosoles are shock-absorbent thanks to diamond-patterned soles and are unbelievably comfortable with their memory foam foot beds and soft suede sock lining. Aerosoles make it easy to wear heels all day with their Heel Rest Technology, which shifts body weight towards the heels and away from the ball of the foot. Through the years, the company has stuck to its commitment to innovation in footwear and has stood out in the category of comfort footwear. Today, Aerosoles continues to deliver on its promise of providing comfort and style where it matters most — on your feet. Last Friday, Schneider and his Read More …

Mar 182014
 
It’s a bleach white season at Charles & Keith

Brogues are in vogue: A pair of thick-soled brogues from Charles & Keith is hot, hot, hot!, Heavy metal: Studded clutch bag and metallic pumps from Charles & Keith   MANILA, Philippines – Whether it is the drastic change of weather, the budding of flowers, or the simple fact that everyone’s fashion looks a bit more casual cool, there has always been something undeniably refreshing about spring. Charles & Keith’s Spring 2014 collection is a breath of fresh air with brand new constructions straight from the runway. The newly-released product line invests a bit more in trendy and fashion-forward pieces to keep to the season’s renewed look. Here’s a guide to the season’s best and freshest accessory trends. • Bleach white is chic and classic. For a laidback look fit for denim shorts or sun dresses, scallop sandals in all white exude ease and innocence. For an edgy look fit for pencil skirts and cigarette pants, white wedges with Lucite or clear heels are the strongest bet. • Unapologetic shine and metallic finishing is the key detail this spring season. Minimalist clothing with either an all-silver shoulder bag or sling-back wedges is the ultimate spring outfit. • The New Shoe relieves blistered toes and aching ankles. With the modern 21st century woman in mind, designers are creating and stylists are lauding footwear that balance comfort and style. From strappy fisherman’s sandals to thick-soled brogues, up the style ante without compromising comfort. • Masculine constructions and menswear now inspire details. Lace-ups, Read More …

Mar 182014
 
Fairer skin, in an instant

Who’s the fairest of them all?: (from left) Mian Datu David, Unilever’s marketing manager for skin; Kaye Paras, Vaseline’s assistant brand manager; Julian Gollayan, Vaseline’s brand manager; Maxene Magalona, Vaseline’s brand ambassador; and Apples Aberin, Unilever’s PR head for personal care While there is a plethora of whitening products on the market, how many can claim instant results? That you’ll look immediately whiter after — not a month or two weeks — but after one application? Vaseline can. After doing consumer research into what Filipinas wanted in a whitening lotion, the bodycare brand found that women are more discerning — as well as a bit more demanding — now. “They always say, ‘We want a more effective whitening lotion,’ and when they say ‘effective,’ it’s really the speed of the results,” says Julian “Jules” Gollayan, Vaseline’s brand manager. “So that’s why we came up with Instant Fair.  How fast do you want it? ‘We want it in one application,’ and we give it to them.” How is this possible, you ask, barring skin bleaching on a Michael Jackson level? Vaseline’s Healthy White Instant Fair lotion has micro-reflector technology that adds an additional layer to your skin that is fair, so you look instantly lighter, according to Gollayan. “For real whitening, it also has vitamin B3 or Niacinamide, which is our patented whitening ingredient, so that has long-term effect,” he adds. “In seven days you’ll see a noticeable difference, but in two weeks, skin will really be fair based on clinical tests. Lifestyle Feature ( Read More …

Feb 112014
 
Clutch of the titans

Ann Ong wears her own triangle-shaped wooden clutch with a large rose quartz lock. A clutch bag or two should be welcome staples in a well-dressed woman’s closet.  For a simple day affair, one needs a purse to hold a few personal items — cell phone, lipstick, cash or credit card. For formal events, a minaudiere is a must. Leave that bulky purse behind when going to a chichi event no matter how tempted you are to show off that large expensive purchase from a top luxe fashion house. Remember, the smaller the size, the more polished you will look for dressy evening socials.  Stylish Filipinas have displayed  their passion for beautiful things by designing clutch bags that are proudly Philippine made. Ann Ong’s sculptural works of art A three-time Manila FAME Katha awardee, Ann ong has exhibited and sold her bags in top international stores and world exhibits. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: “ I want to show the world that Filipino accessory designers are at par with the best in the world and my accessories have a lot of Filipino elements in it,” Ong enthuses. A self-taught designer, Ong uses materials as diverse as tree barks, twigs, banig (woven mats) and python skin accented with vari-sized baroque pearls and roughly cut semi-precious stones.  Her bags look like sculptural works of art. Prices: P15,000-P30,000. Available at House of Laurel, Makati and Religioso, Greenbelt 5. Her flagship store will open in March at the new Marco Polo Hotel, Read More …

Feb 042014
 
Beautiful reunions with Pond’s

The Pond’s Beauty Council experts: Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach, Kelly Misa-Fernandez and Cheska Garcia-Kramer MANILA, Philippines – Reunions are a great time to rekindle friendships and reconnect with those nearest and dearest to us. And this is when women always want to look and feel their best, hopefully better than the last memory people have of them. Pond’s understands this and as the leading skincare brand, it offers skincare so- lutions and expert tips that promise to make reunions ultimately more beautiful. Because when women feel good about themselves, they are more empowered to share and uplift those around them. This season, Pond’s unites women for a beauti- ful cause: to celebrate the Filipina at her most beau- tiful — resilient through whatever circumstance and generous in her care — and to inspire her to create a positive impact. Sharing Their experTiSe With advice from the Pond’s Beauty Council, Pond’s Age Miracle chan- nels its expertise to motivate Filipinas. Aside from promis- ing to help women look up to 10 years younger, Pond’s Age Miracle also gives prac- tical beauty and style tips to boost her confidence, out- lines ways for her to manage her hectic daily schedule, and even recommends ways for her to spend quality time with loved ones. In Pond’s council of experts are: Charlene Gon- zales-Muhlach, celebrity, mother of tween twins; Cheska Garcia-Kramer, ce- lebrity, mom of three from #TeamKramer; Hindy We- ber-Tantoco, style maven; Kelly Misa-Fernandez, beauty editor, model, and Read More …

Feb 042014
 
Beauty box: Animal lust at Elizabeth Arden

MANILA, Philippines – The product: Elizabeth Arden De- luxe two-tier compact (P5,950) with animal print box What it is: The box includes 10 Beautiful Color eyeshadows, Beauti- ful Color lipgloss wands in Rose Gold and Sweet Pink, Lip Pencil in Cocoa Rose, Eye Pencil in Cocoa Brown, Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara, Ceramide Ultra Lipsticks in Cameo, Peony and Ruby Rose, and a three-piece brush set for cheeks, eyeshadow and an angled eye brush. Where to get it: Elizabeth Arden is available at department stores and is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corporation. ** * It’s starting to smell like Valentine’s Day The products: Anna Sui Vie de Boheme (P4,200), Eliz- abeth Arden Untold (P4,550) and Kenzo Flower in the Air (P6,550) What makes them unique: Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: Ideal for Valentine’s Day, these feminine scents vary in personality, ranging from sophisticated to free-spririted to full-on sensual. Where to get them: Anna Sui, Elizabeth Arden and Ken- zo fragrances are exclusively distributed by Rustan Mar- keting Corporation and are available at department stores. ** * Love-themed gifts from Lush The products: Neon Love soap, Prince Charming shower gel, and The Kiss tinted lip balm What makes them unique: The Neon Love soap is inspired by “12 Months of Neon Love,” a collaboration between artists Vic- toria Lucas and Richard William Wheater, which features lyrics from well-known love songs in giant neon lights. The heart- shaped soap is emblazoned with the word “Love” and is Read More …

Jan 282014
 
Why do we love boots?

 Parisian’s wide selection of boots will surely level up your style factor; available at all SM Stores. MANILA, Philippines – Boots rocked the 2013-2014 fashion runways as Calvin Klein paraded sleek knee-length ones, Chloe showed how mid-length could be marvelous, Elie Saab highlighted ankle boots, and Saint Laurent and Chanel got tough-luxe with moto boots. Why do we love boots?  Because they can be so versatile — they can have a rugged country look, an equestrian elegance, or a sleek urban air.  They also give polish to jeans and add a down-to-earth feel to more delicate pieces.  On chillier days, they make dresses and skirts wearable.  Surely, these boots are made for walking — in style. At SM, the iconic Parisian brand showcases a wide array of boots with its latest collection. Ranging from ankle-length to mid-calf to knee-length, from classic to edgy, these boots scale new fashion heights with perforations, studs, and buckles. Parisian’s boots are available at all SM Stores nationwide. 

Jan 282014
 
My signature scent was created by Francis Kurkdjian

The space between us: Aqua Vitae, the new bestselling fragrance of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, is all about the space between two people in love and what that would smell like, available only at Adora in Greenbelt 5. Revealing your signature scent is a bit like announcing you’re engaged: the general public becomes privy to your private tastes, and pegs you accordingly. “Oh, that’s her type.” “That’s what she looks for.” “That’s what turns her on.” In the arena of fragrance, however, I’m not afraid to pigeonhole myself. This former scent slut has finally found a fragrance she can wear every single day and not get tired of — a heavenly aroma she can proudly call her own. It’s the latest creation of Francis Kurkdjian, the master perfumer who created his first hit at age 24 (Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Le Male), followed by a string of classics: Kouros for Yves Saint Laurent, Armani Mania, and Rumeur for Lanvin are but a few. He won the fragrance equivalent of the Oscar for Perfumer of the Year in 2008, in addition to Coty’s lifetime achievement award. Oh, the French Ministry of Culture has also knighted him in the realm of arts and letters. Not surprisingly, Kurkdjian (who’s now 44) was enlisted to recreate Marie Antoinette’s perfume for the Chateau de Versailles, which is the only place you can buy it. Locally, however, Kurkdjian’s creations are readily accessible at Adora in Greenbelt 5. The line has become so popular and successful it now warrants its Read More …