All posts by Heart2Heart

 Versatile and Distinct

 Taking time to reinforce the links developed with major British iconic sporting events and institutions this season, Hackett present a versatile collection with a distinct handwriting that transcends definition by era or influence but remains unmistakably Hackett 

 “I believe that our collection for next season seals our reputation for producing clothes that reflect perfectly our British heritage while at the same time infusing it with a modern and whimsical touch” Jeremy Hackett

The style and mood of the Mayfair collection is this season governed by colour and splits into two sections: ‘Brown in Town’ and ‘London Greys’. Referring to the unwritten style rule that the colour was historically frowned upon in London, ‘Brown in Town’ is Hackett’s up-to-date advice to the contrary. Consisting of soft tailoring, fine cotton shirting and luxurious outerwear, the collection brings the spirit of the seasoned traveller to an urban environment with a brown colour palette of cognac and sepia to camel and cream. Suiting is designed for warmer climates in lightweight worsted fabrications, seersucker and cotton-based herringbones and separates in ultra-luxurious blends of wool, silk, linen and cashmere. ‘The new trench’ is cropped and fitted to give old world style a modern twist while the ultra-light packable mac is a sartorial safety-net in uncertain weather conditions. Exquisite attention to detail is evident with tortoise and leather buckles and trims and can be accessorised with fresh linen scarves, tortoise eyewear and the new City Luxx range of luxurious kid leather bags. ‘London Greys’ extracts the best of (sophisticated) sixties London in a palette of navy and cool greys with accents of coral and blue and with refined suiting, shirts and ties as sleek and slim as the men from the era it pays homage to. 

Island is inspired more by a state of mind than a geographical location. The colourful collection evokes sand-swept terrains and cerulean seascapes that one could associate with any number of ‘escape’ destinations. In a variety of bright colours, garments are treated using a newly-developed formula creating a look that indicates the natural bleaching effects of salt and sand. Natural fabrics play a key role in this story with garment dyed linens and cottons printed with floral patterns and motifs. Swimwear gets sleeker and more streamlined reflecting the 1950s style shorts with a shorter, more fitted leg to streamline the body.

 Into the Blue takes the story from day to evening with a sophisticated palette of French navy, oceanic blue, deep cobalt, cerulean, and crisp white. Pattern is key with paisley, large ginghams and micro polka-dots featuring on accessories and shirting. Textured white shirts are fitted with Eton collars. Shirts now have a slim button-down collar and a cropped body length to finish above the hip. Lightweight pima cotton polos are also more tailored with minimal branding resulting in a more formal take on classic casual ranges.

The sleek lines and dynamic style of Aston Martin Racing continues to provide the inspiration for Hackett’s technically advanced range and this (its eighth) season holds particular significance for the British automotive brand. 2009 marked fifty years since Aston Martin last won the world famous 24 Hour Le Mans outright and in an almost celebratory manner, managed to secure the Le Mans Series Trophy win once again this season.  Hackett takes the style, pageantry and glamour of events such as Le Mans and classic British Grand Prix’ along with cool drivers of this era such as Stirling Moss with thoroughly modern technology as a style starting line and engineer garments that encapsulate motor-sport inspired design in ultra modern materials. Unfeasibly lightweight, seamless garments have been created in a dynamic palette of graphite, magnesium and chrome with searing accents of red.

As key sponsors of the Aston Martin Racing team, Hackett drive home their association with racing stripes on bags, jackets a driving helmet and small leather goods all within the spring/summer 2010 range, Aston Martin branding is evident throughout.

In the Philippines, HACKETT is exclusively available in Rustan’s Makati. 

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 More than a label and an internationally recognized company, Franco Sarto is the driving inspiration and passion behind the designs of his own brand. Gracing Manila with his presence this coming March 5, Franco Sarto together with Stores Specialists, Inc. present a special treat to his Philippine followers with a store visit and meet and greet session showcasing the brand’s latest collection.

What happens when classic footwear design collides with modern sensibility? Introducing Franco Sarto’s Spring 2010 collection, featuring easy-to-wear style with the grace and technician of a true artisan. For this season, seven key trends make up the Franco Sarto collection. For the Exotic Traveler, it’s all about fashion’s current love affair with global cultures intertwined with the Asia and India regions as seen in tribal-inspired prints and finishes. From traveling to lounging by the beach, get swept away to a paradise unlike any other with the Isle of Capri line. The crystal blue waters, the panoramic views, and the chic sophistication of Capri, inspire Spring’s jeweled simple elegance. Open silhouettes, jute braiding, and metal accents will inspire a summer get-away.

Inspired by the “white tee and beat up jeans” look, the American Vintage trend is influenced by throwback American style. Fashion always comes full circle, and this is a clean update to the classics. Franco Sarto truly knows what a woman needs to complete her everyday dressing. Driven and hardworking, women today need footwear with practicality and function. But that doesn’t mean giving up her style. Back-to-work is the line of shoes that is tailored and sensible without sacrificing fashion. Soft Touch on the other hand is the trend that is ultimately feminine and modern. Shoe silhouettes are embellished with metallic hints, bows, and knots. Materials are powdery and soft for a delicate finish. For bolder styles, Punched Out and Studded Out are the trends that are so now and hot. Cut outs and negative space inspire the punched out designs with holes in all shapes and sizes that are ever present from sandals to flats and beyond. While studded out appears in a broad spectrum of silhouettes from girly flats to western boots, the little metal accents will add a fierce pop to any style.

Taking the spotlight to the person behind the label, Franco Sarto wasn born in 1949 in Dolo, a small town outside of Venice where he came to realize his destiny at an early age. In his twenties, he already knew shoes and fashion were to be his life, so he packed up and moved to Stra — the center of shoe design for all of Italy. He quickly partnered with another designer and opened up a studio where they made models of their designs and sold their prototypes to visitors from around the world.

It is Sarto’s start as a cobbler—and his passion as a designer—that makes him a rarity in the business; he designs his shoes both with the sweat and blood of a technician and the grace and beauty of a world-renowned fashion designer. To this day, Sarto hand sketches many of his designs and is renowned for his drawings during his international store visits.

While the technician in him continually pushes to make shoes as comfortable as possible, the other side of Franco Sarto lives for fashion. He understands a woman’s undying passion for shoes and is dedicated to keeping that fervor alive by crafting beautiful shoes that bring joy to every woman. 

To know more of the man behind the brand, meet Franco Sarto as he personally introduces the Spring-Summer 2010 Collection and showcases his sketches this coming March 5 Friday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Franco Sarto store Greenbelt 5.

In the Philippines, Franco Sarto is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Eastwood Mall, SM Megamall Atrium, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Rustan’s Alabang. 

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The Spring 2010 AK Anne Klein collection specializes in interchangeable separates that can be worn in a multitude of ways that are easy additions to her existing. With standout pieces varying from a poppy red asymmetrical trench in February to a graceful abstract print empire waist dress in April, the spring compilation aims to please the fashion savvy woman with its impressive variety of versatile pieces.

This season, the AK Anne Klein collection shines in many ways, but is particularly applauded for its diverse, explosive color palate. Classic suiting in February includes standout tunics and silk tops that pop in lime green, red fox, and pink passion colors. The March delivery exhibits pieces produced in classic neutrals such as tundra and birch brown, but is complimented by elegant painterly prints in coral and lime hues. Spring would not be complete without sea blue, crisp white, and neon shades, and the April delivery encompasses the very best of such tones.

Renowned for having useful basic staple items, AK Anne Klein Spring collection offers a strong selection of basics ranging from sleeveless tops with ruffles, drape neck tops, classic twill pants and skirts, and button front jackets.

In the Philippines, AK Anne Klein is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Rustan’s Makati, Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Tower, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, & 

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