MANILA, Philippines?If fashion were a religion, then shopping would be its sacred rite.

And for us ?women of the cloth,? or faithful disciples of style, nothing could feel more heavenly than a cluster of discriminating boutiques. One such sanctuary is the newly opened Greenbelt 5 at the heart of Makati. Hallelujah!

Among the stores in this fashion block, one stands out and can be described as a divine experience. Religioso recently opened its flagship store, boasting a collection that fuses design, drama and detail.

The store is yet another design landmark in the metropolis, where art seems to unfold before your eyes. (After all, Religion and Art are not quite strange bedfellows.)

The store?s minimalist design offers basic black and white staple pieces, but splashed with the season?s exuberant fashion colors.

Behind Religioso is the talented tandem of Choc Religioso-Dayrit and Yvette Religioso-Ilagan, who, along with their husbands Marty and Aldrich, are spreading the creed of Classic Chic.

Their principal lines are Religioso, the classic ladies line; Religioso Homme, the men?s collection of modern well-tailored shirts and trousers; and Religioso by Marty Ilagan, a showcase of active wear and ready-to-wear casual pieces.

Each piece has the feel, cut and meticulous detailing of couture. Every item is something that the owners themselves would proudly wear.

Apart from the interesting variety of clothes, the store also carries artful accessories and shoes created by Cristina Sena.

Religioso affirms the mantra many of us live by: Being fashionable is a divine right.

E-mail the author at jfashion@inquirer.com.ph

Religioso is located at 2/L Greenbelt 5, tel. 7299061; 3/L, Indulgence Zone of Shangri-La Plaza Mall, tel. 6332901.