Category Archives: Fashion

Original, colorful and iconic, the Leitmotiv for Furla Talent Hub collection draws inspiration from the fascinating, mysterious world of tarot cards celebrating – with the originality characteristic of the two young designers – the world of fortune-telling and magic, in a playful rather than esoteric sense.

It is a surreal, fun collection, but also one rich in poetry, created for Autumn Winter 2011-2012 and continued for Spring Summer 2012; closing a circle that is rich in symbols and allegories.

The subjects of the prints and designs are the ace of cups – a symbol of harmony, sincerity and joy – and the horseman, who represents intelligence, dynamism and courage. The ancestral meanings of the two cards come to life on textiles and materials that are hi-tech, transparent and with a ceramic effect, or on glossy, sumptuous, refined satin.

The bags are light and roomy for daytime, with clean lines and functional details, such as the long zippers that allow for easy, immediate use. The evening, meanwhile, sees the return of elegant, precious materials with a retro touch. The insertion of small card-charms, the season’s genuine good-luck charms, adds a touch of fun.

Completing the collection are scarves made from soft, coloured materials with prints of the same theme.

In the Philippines, Furla is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

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 Tadashi Shoji’s  Fall/Winter 2011 collection draws inspiration from the ancient gardens of the Far East. These gardens manifest a sense of harmony among man, architecture, and nature. The art of birds dancing in rhythmic harmony, branches and moss intertwining, and light and shadows reflecting in water – all these works of nature together emote a spiritual transcendence, balance and tranquility that I hope are translated with the collection I present on the runway this season.

Tadashi Shoji is the founder and chief designer of the Tadashi Shoji collection. Born and raised in Sendai, Japan, he began painting and drawing from a young age and eventually moved to Tokyo, where he studied fine art. His talent was soon recognized and he was recommended for an apprenticeship with Japan’s leading contemporary artist, Jiro Takamatsu, who is credited with paving the way for the modern art movement in Japan during the sixties.

It was during this period that Tadashi became intrigued with New York City and its role in the contemporary art scene. He moved to the United States to attend university in Los Angeles and further his artistic development, when he discovered fashion design and awakened a life-long passion.

As a student, Tadashi was presented with the unique opportunity to work with famed costume designer Bill Whitten. In the flamboyant seventies, every major recording artist was demanding aWhitten original, and Tadashi created designs for A-list stars including Elton John, Stevie Wonder,Neil Diamond, The Jacksons, and Earth, Wind, & Fire.

After earning his degree in Fashion Design, Tadashi began working at a prominent clothing manufacturer where he climbed the ranks for several years. Troubled by the fact that women had few options for special occasion dresses in the contemporary market, Tadashi identified a niche and set out on his own.

Established in 1982 by designer, owner, and president Tadashi Shoji, the Los Angeles-based fashion house Tadashi Shoji has become widely recognized for its original designs and innovative collections. The company has seen steady growth since its inception and is carried in more than 4,000 major department and specialty store doors worldwide, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s. Internationally, the brand is available at high-end retailers such as Isetan, Epoca the Shops, and Anniversaire Omotesando.

In addition to a thriving wholesale business, Tadashi Shoji maintains its own retail operations with two signature boutiques in the United States – one in the prestigious South Coast Plaza and another in Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas.

Tadashi also launched the Tadashi Shoji Runway collection during Fall 2007 New York Fashion Week to rave reviews. By featuring the utmost in luxury and elegance, the much-anticipated collection continues to elevate and hone the brand’s image in the marketplace. His designs have won a loyal following with well-dressed women worldwide, including a wide range of celebrities from Helen Mirren, Queen Latifah, Deborah Messing, Beyonce, and Blake Lively.

“The mind is still, the body no longer distinguishable, all in harmony with the universe”

Xiao Lei

Tadashi Shoji is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-la Plaza.

 Banana Republic releases its first-ever limited edition “Mad Men” inspired collection for men and women.  The collection is designed by Banana Republic in collaboration with Emmy^® Award-winning “ Mad Men” Costume Designer Janie Bryant and will be carried in Banana Republic stores locally this August.

Inspired by the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning AMC series “Mad Men,” which returns for a fifth season in early 2012, the capsule offers a modern take on the cool polish and panache of the 1960s era through the Banana Republic lens of affordable luxury and noticeable quality. The collection features nearly 65 pieces of apparel and accessories for men and women, embodying the style tenants of the time – effortlessly chic, dressed-up American sportswear.

“Working with Janie to gain a true understanding of the ‘Mad Men’ look and feel was a delight,” says Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen. “Janie was instrumental in helping us achieve the series aesthetic and standard of authenticity with this capsule collection, offering sketches, her own inspirations and actual artifacts from the production set to help inspire the ‘Mad Men’ within all of us.”

The men’s collection includes chunky-meets-streamlined knit sweaters, tailored suit separates and fitted trousers, as well as classic accessories with character, including a money clip, cotton pocket squares, silk ties, tie bars and fedora hats.

The women’s pieces are modern yet lady-like including chic trench coats, tailored dresses, high-waisted skirts, silk tie-neck blouses and statement accessories, like print scarves and leopard print pump heels.

“Collaborating with Simon and his team to design this collection was an experience I’ll never forget,” says Bryant. “It’s so rewarding to help create a collection that will allow fans of the series to channel their own ‘Mad Men’ style and take home fashionable items that are modern, not costume.”

Jack Calhoun, President of Banana Republic said, “We began our relationship three years ago with the first-ever Casting Call and creating this capsule collection was a natural progression, allowing Banana Republic customers and fans of the series to own fashions inspired by their favorite show.”

Banana Republic is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Casual Clothing Specialists, Inc. (CCSI), a subsidiary of Stores Specialists, Inc., and is available at Greenbelt 5 and Rustan’s Department Store Makati.