1. Rajo Red! Fashion Designer Rajo Laurel brings the house down with his first solo gala in eight years. His tour de force show has set a new standard once again, for its production value, creativity and attendance. The Standing-Room-Only charity fashion show held recently at the Makati Shangri-La was co-hosted by Tessa Valdes to raise funds for her favorite charity?aptly, the Red Cross. The 65 unique outfits he created were tightly edited and showcased his creative flair, his versatility with material and his mastery of various silhouettes. Manila witnessed the birth of its newest fashion star.
2. Hooray for Flats. The heel has taken a dive?to the collective sigh of relief of fashion victims everywhere. No longer soaring to stratospheric heights, or needing to, the heel has come down to earth and has prettily become a chic wardrobe item. Thanks to Tory Burch?s (country club chic Reva flats), Roger Vivier?s (famous square toe ?pilgrim buckle?) and Repetto?s (understated Parisian ballet flats). Finally there?ll be less hobbling around and women can attempt walking a little faster.
3. Still Going Green. Now more than ever, going environmentally correct (EC) is the stylish way to outfit yourself?whether by recycling through show-stopping or classy vintage numbers or opting for fabrics that are planet-friendly like organic cotton and sweat shop-free brands. So shop conscientiously and save the planet, one outfit at a time.
4. The Return of Black. Like it ever really went away. People just stuffed all the black in the back of their closets like guilty secrets. Well it?s time to pull out those LBDs and work that holiday cocktail circuit again. From one shoulder to lace, make ?em look fresh with those naughty bondage heels. Goth is here to stay. Cheers!
5. Handcrafted Luxe. What is the last bastion of style? Hand woven, handcrafted artisan items that have been passed from generation to generation sans machines. Items that are made carefully, precisely and with pride are now a premium. Note that artisan means the materials used are of the highest quality and the emphasis is not on quantity but quality. Think Hermes bags, Chanel eau de parfum, Celestina clutches and Bea Valdes bags. Think limited edition wearable art.
6. Designer Luggage. Since 9/11 has effectively killed the allure of travel, it?s time to focus less on the voyage than on ?how one looks? while getting there. As one waits in the endless X-ray lines sans shoes, take a look around at what people are carrying. Getting lighter and more streamlined, Samsonite Black Label has collaborated with the elegantly quirky and eternally revolutionary Victor and Rolf (whose beribboned designs have everyone wishing they could wear their luggage, not just tote it) and edgy British designer Alexander McQueen, whose futuristic aesthetic inspired a collection based on the human rib cage. Explains McQueen, ?The human ribcage protects our vital organs as we move about in the world. Luggage should take on the same role as we travel and pack our worldly possessions inside for safe transport.? For those who embrace the return of minimalism, check out Adora (GB5) and their range of Rimowa luggage, a lightweight, chic retro version of the old aluminum trunks loaded onboard the luxury liners of old. Of course, you can always go classic, skip the hassle of a trip and just buy yourself a coffee table book and a post card and settle for your own personalized LV trunk?tres chic. Half the fun of traveling is packing for the trip anyway.
7. Starring the Philippine Map. Part geography lesson, part nationalistic pride but largely very hip is the latest Collezione C2 line designed by Rhett Eala. Taking a page from Ralph Lauren?s horse and rider design and doing it the Filipino way, the line proudly displays the Philippine Map. Way cheaper, and using a wider palette, too. From its crisp color combinations to its unbeatable price, a cool dozen is just a start. They have become the ?potato chip? of shirts?you start with one, and you can?t stop.
8. Beauty Boutiques. Sprouting up everywhere years after MAC and Shiseido set up shop are the beauty brands that know a great idea when they see one. From facial spas to make-up schools?or even both?these beauty outlets have something for everyone. Think Shu, Lancome, Shiseido, MU Forever, VMV, Dermalogica, Jurlique, etc.
9. The Cebu Fashion Invasion led by Cary Santiago. They come complete with amazing shoes and killer ideas. The invasion of Manila by Cebu?s best, starting with Cary Santiago, who has everyone in awe over his laser precision and stellar craftsmanship, to the grace and poetry of OJ Hofer, to the funk of Kate Torralba, to Jun Escario?s glamorous goddess gowns, to namedrop just a few of Cebu?s smoking hot fashion tribe. Definitely a group to watch in 2009.
10. Le Murse. Man plus Purse equals pure genius or pure exercise in futility. Will it catch on with anyone else outside the Pink generation? If they can get 007 to sport one in the next Bond installment, then these gadgets may have a shot. Otherwise, ladies, be prepared to keep carting your guy?s blackberry, iPhone, gum, keys and what-nots for awhile.
11. Short Shorts for Men. If you have the legs and the style quotient to make this work, by all means rock it. Paired with a jacket, this could come off looking either scholarly hot or school boyishly not.
12. Fitness Craze. Suddenly every man and his mother are running, biking, dieting and drinking healthy stuff. Notice the weekly races at the Fort, the droves of bikers at the Mall of Asia or out on the roads on weekends, the fad new diets (we can?t keep track anymore), and the drink that is putting Del Monte on the map?Fit ?n Right?touted to be loaded with L-Carnitine, a natural substance that helps burn fat, and fortified with B Vitamins to speed up metabolism. Now if you?re looking for a sweat-free, budget-friendly and painless way to lose weight, there?s always that urban legend about this mouthwatering Mrs. Fields eat-your- heart-out ?calorie-less chocolate chip cookie.? Well, it?s not supposed to exist, or does it?
