HERE ARE some fashion news, compiled from fashion sources and magazines.

Phoebe Philo will be the new creative director for the house of Celine; Yohji Yamamoto is doing a collection for Ferragamo; Repetto, known for its ballet flats, is collaborating with Karl Lagerfeld and Rei Kawakubo of Commes des Garcon; and Christian Louboutin is launching his men?s shoes in September.

And for those women in need of fashion trends/advice, here are some: harem or gaucho pants; Gladiator Sandals for women; oversized bags and long envelope clutch; chunky jewelry pieces and bright colors.

For men: double-breasted suits, Creed cologne, designer trainers, lace-up shoes, loafers with no socks, and if you must wear sandals, please get a pedicure.

Whitney comeback

Whitney Houston back on track, not on crack?

Everyone knows her life, which reads like a Judy Garland bio, and thank God she came to her senses. In life, everyone deserves a second chance.

One of the greatest voices of all time, Whitney Houston is set to launch her comeback album, ?I Look to You,? on Aug. 31. This is definitely one of the most awaited albums this year; will Houston lift off or crash? Fans are hoping that her career gets back on track.

And speaking of music, here are some danceable tracks that you should quickly plug into your iPods, perfect for the gym or anytime you need to just dance: ?When Love Takes Over? by David Guetta and Kelly Rowland; ?Sweet Dream? by Beyonce; and ?Obsessed? by Mariah Carey.

No mean feat

I bumped into Ambassador Joey Antonio and his lovely wife Hilda at a party last week and he told me about his collaboration with the legendary architect, I.M. Pei, for a building he put up in New York City.

The Centurion in Manhattan, located at 33 West 56th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, was developed by Stillman Development International and Antonio Development.

Joey has known I.M. Pei since their first collaboration with Essensa at the Fort.

On the scene

Given the economic crisis and the monsoon rains, Manila?s party scene never takes a break.

Let?s start with the bar/nightlife scene: Nuvo and Martini?s Bar are packing it in, while a new bar/lounge, Amber, just opened at the Fort.

We heard that the Prince of Jaipur will be undergoing major renovation with new partners, name and concept.

And if you?re a looking for a simple, clean and refreshing cocktail to jump-start your evening, try vodka (Belvedere or Grey goose) with apple juice garnished with a slice of apple, and you?ll get hooked.

On the restaurant scene, Margarita Fores? Lusso, Aquaknox, Malcolm?s deli (at the Fort) and (shameless plug) Crystal Room at the Establishment are prime contenders for everyone?s palate.

For resorts/travel: Bohol seems to be on everyone?s agenda at the moment, but not far behind is Bicol. Misibis Bay Raintree (managed by Discovery Suites) is priming itself up as the front-runner in that region.

In Boracay, everyone can?t wait to check in at Asya (owned by Choy Cojuangco). It?s one of the first resorts you?ll see while coming from Caticlan, and it looks breathtaking.

Another resort set to open this year is Bravio Hotel, designed by Anton R. Mendoza.

In local fashion and design, Ricco Ocampo?s furniture line for Celestina is simply world-class. He is set to showcase his wares first at the New York Fair (August) and Maison-Objet in Paris (September).

I was able to take a sneak peek into fashion designer Pepito Albert?s line of jewelry and accessories, and they are mind-blowing. They will be sold internationally starting next year.

Congratulations are in order to Pitoy Moreno winning the National Artist award, but I can?t say the same for a certain awardee. Isn?t Dolphy far more deserving?

And I got a funny text about another awardee who was herself a judge. Did she vote for herself? Have the National Artist Awards lost their credibility? You decide.

And lastly, for those junk-food aficionados like me, try the always-sold-out Oishi?s Marty?s crackling vegetarian chicharon, simply addicting.

Prayers for Cory

The whole country is praying for former President Corazon Aquino. We haven?t seen the city decorated in this manner or showing some solidarity for quite a while (think Edsa revolution).

But it?s a good reminder that when times are tough, we can come together as a nation and be one.