Category Archives: Fashion

 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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For spring 2010, Bottega Veneta presents a collection of focused simplicity and individuality. The palette is spare — expanses of white, ivory, canvas, and straw delineated by strokes of egg yolk yellow, Delft blue, orchid, and fever red. The occasional solid-color silhouette mirrors the painterly effect, brightly punctuating the clean span of the collection.

Materials range from plain weave cotton canvas and cotton batiste to extraordinary blends of silk and viscose, silk and cotton, and silk and linen that gently outline the body

The silhouette is boxy, architectural, designed for maximum range of movement. Fabric is draped and wrapped, or cut asymmetrically to circle back upon itself, or constructed without seams to enable and enhance the body’s motion.

Pleats and folding are structural as well as decorative, adding shape and functional features like pockets. Dresses, tunics, and pants predominate, the dresses and tunics nipped in with stitched cotton belts, the pants cut square and roomy in various lengths. There are one-piece coveralls, as straightforward as uniforms, and shirts of cotton canvas with the ease of a smock.

The season’s shoes are inspired by the espadrilles and handcrafted of raffia, leather, patent leather, lizard, and other materials. Artisan techniques center on the simple strip, which is crossed, woven, wrapped, stitched, and tied. Soles are sometimes flat, thick, and wrapped with straw, other times they are organic shaped wedges sheathed in leather. Handbags are generously sized and either pale or brightly colored.

There are top-handled bags of tissue-soft cloth leather, clutches of hand-painted goatskin, and a Cabat woven from straw-like strips of nappa leather. Constructed with new invisible aluminum hardware, the handbags are remarkably lightweight. The final element in the composition is jewelry, large, sculptural, and expressive, made from antique sterling silver with rock crystal, yellow jade, mother of pearl, white Kogolong, and natural horn.

“Creative collaboration inspires much of what we do at Bottega Veneta,” says Creative Director Tomas Maier. “This season, we expanded on that fact, designing as if in collaboration with the woman wearing our clothes. In a sense, the clothes are ‘blank’ until she puts them on. Then the shape of her body, her movements, and the colors of her shoes, her bag, her jewelry — all these personal characteristics and choices complete the look.” 

In the Philippines, Bottega Veneta is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati and Rustan’s Makati. 

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A grosgrain ribbon, a gift plaque and a brilliant creative idea. This is how an icon is born: the Vara bow, an emblem of the brand. 

Created in 1979 by Fiamma Ferragamo, eldest daughter of Salvatore, to decorate the ballerina of the same name, the Vara bow immediately established itself as one of the maison’s icons and has since been used creatively in all the accessory collections due to its clean and elegant lines.

Salvatore Ferragamo Sunglasses are launching a model which pays tribute to the Vara, featuring an acetate frame, in monochrome or a sophisticated tortoiseshell effect, with sober lines and a distinct Sixties flavour.

The sunglasses are decorated by an exquisite gold or silver coloured miniature Vara bow. The brand logo is engraved at the center of the small buckle and the bow itself is laser finished to evoke the original grosgrain ribbon. Available in a palette of black acetate, dark Havana, blue, ruby, and beige, to frame tone-on-tone fume lenses.

The Vara model will be available globally, exclusively in Ferragamo boutiques from January 2010.  

In the Philippines, Salvatore Ferragamo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) and is located at Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Tower, Rustan’s Makati, Alabang Town Centre and Rustan’s Ayala Cebu.

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Furla, the internationally renowned accessories brand, has chosen Sissi to be the face of the new Spring Summer 2010 advertising campaign.  Sissi, an Italian artist and winner of the 2002 Furla Art Award, will be featured along with the new accessory collection of the season.

To Sissi, the body is the real testimony of the soul of her artwork. The materials in which she creates are an extension of her being in the space that surrounds her. Her original style, energy, and sense of aesthetic work in synergy with the distinct characteristics of Furla.

Classic and elegant, the new Spring Summer collection is contemporary yet timeless. The accessory is used as a simple and direct form of expression; a small performance of those who wish to reinvent themselves every day without leaving anything to chance.

The campaign was shot by the talented photographer Francesco Carrozzini, whose images perfectly interpret Sissi’s strong personality and the brand’s values in a unique and artistic way. The print campaign is developed in four images across single and double pages and it will be launched worldwide mid-January 2010. 

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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CHOO 24/7 is the ‘perfect shoe wardrobe’ with updated versions of Tamara Mellon’s favourite styles in a variety of colours, materials and heel heights.

Taking the Jimmy Choo woman from day to evening, 7 days a week; this is the definitive assortment of iconic Jimmy Choo shapes, refreshed with a new and modern twist to collect over the seasons, providing stylish dressing for all occasions.

The ‘Icons’, the ‘Perfect Platforms’, the ‘Perfect Pointy-toe Pump’, the ‘Perfect Round-toe Pump’, the ‘Perfect Flat’, the ‘Perfect Wedge’ and the ‘Perfect Evening’ all define a statement look. 

Explore the debut palette of colours and materials: for everyday chic choose from the softest kid leather,

classic patent 

 and extotic elaphe snake

Make a head-turning statement with leopard print patent and for a shimmering evening look,opt for champagne glitter,

metallic elaphe snake or mirror shine leather

For Spring Summer 2010, Jimmy Choo underlines its DNA with a focus on elegance, glamour and purity. Design energies have been channelled into the perfection of line and form, intricate detailing and handcrafted finishes, revealing a collection of dynamic and rarefied pieces. 

“The attitude for Spring Summer traces the foundations of the brand with a reinvigorated insistence on line and sculpture, intricate materials and strong bursts of light and colour.” Tamara Mellon, Founder & President, Jimmy Choo.

Exoticism is always a strong vein in the Jimmy Choo world and Spring Summer sees a wealth of exotic print, combined with rivets, chains and contrasting coloured hides.

Folk-like energy is captured in TATUM.  A super soft shoulder bag in a patchwork of suede and elaphe with long swinging fringe and chain handle. 

Its partner is QUITO, a webbed cage sandal with a 120mm sculpted heel adds a flash of exotic colour.

BREE a buckled strap tote appears in perfectly white perforated nappa

and pairs with ZENA, a 130mm platform sandal in natural snake print leather with an illusionist half wood, half Perspex heel that creates a superbly elegant line.

The iconic BLYTHE, a corseted double zipped handbag with buckle and stud straps is reinvented in metallic perforated leather, a take on the classic

Packing a punch is FABIEN, a soft oblong shape handbag which moulds to the body yet packs a punch with its metallic whip stitched trim. 

For a take on the exotic safari, strap up with ZOOM, a 110mm sculpted heel in multi colour material mix

The dynamic star has become a symbol for Jimmy Choo and scattered over the ZULU perforated nappa clutch,

For evening; CANDY clutches pop in the mirror Perspex design,

with NEVIS for crystal-cut shine against a midnight backdrop of metallic black suede.

Summer dreaming begins here.

CHOO 24/7 launches alongside the Spring/Summer 2010 collection and will be in store from February 2010. 

In the Philippines, Jimmy Choo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati City. 

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DKNY blossoms into an urban wardrobe. Bursting with fresh color and a frenzy of pattern. The base is city neutral — Black, Gray, Navy or Khaki. Stroked with vibrant floral scribbles or bold abstracts of Rosetta, Peonies, Flamingo, Nickel and Vintage Sage.

Shapes are simple in silks and crepes with a hint of sheen— Sexy, feminine dresses, wrapped, draped or knotted. Casual suiting, from boy–inspired straight to man–tailored sharp. Sportswear has graphic, spontaneous spirit: Slouchy crepe jumpsuits washed silk sweats.

Artisan embellished collage Tee shirts and intarsia sweaters; Double layered knit tanks, cardigans and pullovers, Pencil minis, short shorts or the new soft pegged pants.

DKNY Smoothies — the new toning bike shorts that add a sleek, sporty edge, while the swimwear like the Swim Tee doubles as sportswear.

The relaxed modern glamour continues the city garden party in effortless sequined and collaged art Tees and dresses. Shoes underscore the sexy vibe bi-colored, multi-strapped and stiletto high.

And handbags pack with personality, bi–colored leather, chain stitching detailing and multi-functional straps. Like the bloom of a roof garden against a gray city skyline. These are clothes full of color and joy, designed to brighten your style, your spirits, your life.

In the Philippines, DKNY is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at, Greenbelt 5, Rockwell, Rustan’s Makati and 158 Designer’s Boulevard Alabang Town Center.

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