MANILA, Philippines - Manila may not be one of the prime fashion capitals of the world, but we are quickly getting recognized as one of the best shopping destinations for limitless fashion bargains and unique finds.

Style mavens have found fashion heaven right here, whether it be a trendy top from Divisoria’s 168 Mall, a fantastic summer bag from Rafe Totengco or a flowing floral dress from Religioso Shop. The latter two are both at the most fashionable address these days, Greenbelt 5 aka GB5.

Thanks to the reemergence of Fashion Watch, a pioneering concept of fashion shows, aficionados can once again view collections of the design mavericks of haute couture and ready-to-wear.

Developed by iconic, fashion design leader Inno Sotto and the late Richard Tann a decade ago, the shows are back in full throttle.

Fashion Watch Quartet, a series of fashion shows at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, is bringing the local fashion scene to a higher level of dynamism and richness of design.

With Nokia and Metrobank Femme Visa as presenters, in cooperation with Belo Essentials and Globe Asiatique, Inno has the country’s top designers presenting their exciting collections in the Lobby Lounge of the hotel.

Tea and fashion

The food fare for this stylish event is Filipino High Tea with tasteful creations like pan de sal with bistek Tagalog, lumpiang sariwa and delectable sweets like suman with ripe mango, turon and ginataang halo-halo.

The Filipino High Tea is offered alongside the Classic version with 15 blends of the finest teas. Enjoying tea on a Tuesday or Thursday, accompanied with a free fashion show, makes for a delightful and inspiring afternoon.

At the show of romantic designer JC Buendia, President Macapagal-Arroyo was his most honored guest. JC, of course, is one of the President’s mainstay designers for her diplomat outfits.

I also caught the sea-folly-colored collection of Cebu talent OJ Hofer. His inspiration was a tribe in Zamboanga and banig-weaving. His colors were of the sea and sun beautifully executed in flowing designs.

To close Series 2 is talented Jojie Lloren on June 10 and 12. Series 3 opens with Rajo Laurel on Aug. 5 and 7.

Call Makati Shang at 8138888.

Fashion Week

My week has been full of so much creative energy. For the opening ceremony of Runway Productions’ Philippine Fashion Week (PFW) 2008 at SMX, the country’s established and promising designers showcased their signature pieces.

Production duo, brothers Audie and Joey Espino, have promoted local fashion design for over 10 years now.

This year, PFW drew in 110 participants, each displaying creative designs, some even bordering on the strange.

Excellent designer Oliver Tolentino had an outstanding collection of beautiful gowns with flowing fabrics and bejeweled necklines.

Artistry, a global leader in skincare and cosmetics, opened PFW. Anchored on science and technology, this new makeup line was launched with the individual Filipina beauty in mind.

At the launch, Artistry introduced Emphasis Salon’s fab stylist Victor Ortega as its chief makeup artist.

Models wearing nothing but Artistry Colour and body suits walked down the runway carrying blowup photos of parts of an anonymous face.

When the photos came together, I found out the anonymous face was mine!

I may be the shortest ramp model ever, but I enjoyed traipsing down the ramp wearing my trademark feathers and Artistry makeup.

Artistry is a technology-based, skincare and cosmetic brand with years of research and experience behind it. It is exclusively distributed by Amway Philippines. Call 8148181 or visit www. amway.com.ph.

Runway debut

Not to be out-modeled by her outrageous mom, my little Athena had her own runway debut at the fashion show of the new Benetton Shop on Boni High Street.

Pretty as a doll, she modeled the matching fresh colors and fun coordinates of Benetton.

Backstage, the cutest kids were there for their big fashion walk.

Keeping the kids nerve-free was some behind-the-scenes entertainment featuring a clown and the adorable dog of Carlos Celdran.

Meanwhile, the moms all anxiously waited in front, hoping their kids would actually walk down the ramp in spite of the bright lights and loud music.

A few steps from the Benetton Shop is La Senza Boutique. Retail giant Suyen Corp. brought in this Canadian, premium lingerie brand that offers the sexiest bras, panties, daywear and sleepwear at reasonable prices.

Operating over 400 stores in 41 countries, La Senza offers pieces with the most advanced technologies and fabrics and in the most stylish cuts and colors.

I had the chance to discuss sports bras with Joel Teitelbaum, president of La Senza.

He said they have recently partnered with Victoria’s Secret and are developing sexier-looking sports bras that still give comfort and support.

Now that is exciting news! I can already envision my La Senza running under-gear!

Formally unveiling the store were Taguig’s First Lady Kaye Tinga and Suyen Corp.’s key players Bryan Lim, Virgilio and Nenita Lim and Suyen Lim.

Sexy stars Angelica Panganiban and Rufa Mae Quinto were all trying the bras on.

Marc

Rounding up this fashion summary for the week is Marc by Marc Jacobs, one of my fave signature brands for über-stylish accessories, handbags and shoes.

Their first-ever outlet in the country was recently launched with a chic fashion show.

The event showcased Marc’s muted, retro hues and bright bolds in various dresses and hip accessories. After the fashion show, guests rushed to the shop to eagerly purchase the cool designs.

And to complete the evening, the A-listers enjoyed scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and drinks courtesy of Ralph’s Wines and Spirits.

Stores Specialists EVP Anton Huang, together with Marc Jacobs executives Luc Moron, Victoria Garcia and Emma Mace-Driskill, were the team that brought in this super brand.

From Rafe to Marc and all these other fashion possibilities in our city, truly Manila is a fashion center like no other.

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