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December 14, 2015

Fun and Playful Holiday Dessing with Aeropostale

By Heart2Heart | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

On the opposite side of the globe, the fashion-forward youth excitedly don layers of warm wool, soft scarves and thick coats to welcome the winter wonderland. Here in the tropics though (as we won’t be expecting snow anytime here), we still happily celebrate the season of cool with our own chic Fall-Winter fashion. Helping us get dressed this season is the style leader in casual apparel, AEROPOSTALE.

Today’s style bloggers Johan Aguilar, Chinchin Obcena and Crissey Si show you how to make a statement this holiday season, and lead the way to the most fashionable and most memorable Christmas yet!

Not-So-Typical Guy Next Door

Men can still be stylish without being branded a metrosexual as shown by Johan Aguilar this holiday season with the Hall Pass Collection. Johan loves the collection’s masculine palette of varsity colors such as classic red, blue and golden yellow accented by aqua and greens. For a more interesting take on the trend, varsity accents are presented with updated fabrications and color ways. Stripes are clean and classic, while animal prints and hounds tooth both add a conversational twist.

For an outdoor Christmas rendezvous, Johan looks to the Autumn Rush Collection. Travel and camping strongly influence the collection, as seen with selections such as fleece and flannel, having a color palette of sunset and autumnal hues. Plaids are abundant, graphics are influenced by nature, and global prints are more colorful.

For an ensemble that inspires more spunk and attitude, the Seattle Sound Collection is a sure style win.Yellow, tinted green and rich berry set the tone of this collection. Texture continues to be a big influence as seen in the short sleeve knits and woven pieces. Dip dye and tie dye washes sit well together, while plaids are represented in different types of prints.

Fab Females

For the holidays, Chinchin Obcena and Crissey Si keep it fun and youthful with the Aero City Collection.This boho chic collection keeps the free spirited, cool girl in mind with its selection of edgy knits and delicate prints. To add a modern twist to the collection, new silhouettes such as printed flare denim, a duster vest and high-low tanks have been added. From the flirty shorts to the flowy skirts, each style is uniquely designed for any girl who wants to stand out and create a statement.

Taking the same bohemian vibe and blending it with an English combination of romance and sensibility is theBloomsburg Boho collection. Crissey and Chinchin delight in the collection’s cozy sweaters and knits, as these can be dressed down with menswear-inspired textures to create diverse looks. The collection emphasizes greys and browns that pair nicely with a range of pinks and teals.

Getting ready for upcoming holiday parties, Crissey looks to the Magic Carpet Collection. Inspired by the adorning art of Morocco and Persia, each piece is a holiday must have with its ornate decorative tile inspired motifs and hand-painted florals, and a color palette of rich reds, paired with ceramic blues and olive tones.

Chinchin knows that she’ll never be caught underdressed with the 60’s themed comfortable and chic ensemble from the Northern Lights Collection. Nostalgic prints and florals are highlighted in loose fitting kimonos and sweaters, paired with slim fitting denim. More layered looks with a focus on red, navy and olive colors are created with military detailed bottoms and cozy cardigans, mixed with feminine tops and dresses.

While known for its easy, casual and laidback style, Aeropostale will still help you stand out with their fun, fashionable pieces. This season’s must-haves not only look great as part of your holiday wardrobe, but will help you look fashionably on-point all year round.

In the Philippines, Aéropostale is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., and is located at Glorietta 2, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, Robinsons Manila Midtown Wing, SM Lanang Davao, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall, Central Square Bonifacio Highstreet, Veranza Mall Gen. Santos City, Ayala Fariview Terraces, U.P. Town Center Katipunan and Estancia at Capitol Commons. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

December 5, 2015

Style Ambassadors 01

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My niece, Nikki Herrera Huang on the Style Ambassadors 2015 event held this year at Stradivarius Glorietta. Vlog by rappl

Pull and Bear Fashion shoot directed by Nikki and photographs by Anton Aguila

December 2, 2015

Radley Launch in Manila

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Get ready, Manila! Stores Specialists, Inc., the leading specialty retailer in the Philippines, brings British premium handbag and accessories brand, Radley, to the country.

Radley was founded in 1998 in the heart of London by Lowell Harder; and back then, Lowell had just started her journey into handbags, setting up a business selling leather goods at London’s infamous Camden Lock market in the early 1980’s – back in the days when it was a breeding ground for creative young entrepreneurs with fledgling businesses.

Over the following years, Lowell built strong relationships with her leather manufacturers and with sheer determination learnt her trade, absorbing everything she could about crafting leather, tanning and authentic leather techniques. Driven by a passion for color, carefully considered design and a strong belief that a bag only truly works when it is beautiful both inside and out, she refined her product and outgrew the confines of the market and went on to launch Radley in 1998, as a premium handbag brand based on three key principles: Beauty, Function and Integrity.

In its first year, a leading UK department store tried the collection in a few of its top stores, they sold out almost immediately. In a sea of navy, brown and black shoulder bags, Radley was an oasis of color and structured shape, the uniqueness and confidence of this new brand saw the British consumer take Radley to its hearts.

In 2000, Lowell had a chance encounter with young woman dressed all in black except for a bright red hat and socks, proudly marching alongside her was a little black Scottie dog with a bright red collar. Lowell loved this quirky little character and designed a little black Scottie dog tag to add to her latest bag collection, in her words ‘he adds a smile to the outside of our bags’. Very quickly, this little idea became a big success and the Scottie went on to become a much loved and internationally recognized symbol of the Radley brand.

The first Radley store opened in 2005 on London’s Kings Road, fast forward to the present day and the company has a portfolio of 33 UK stores, e-commerce site radley.co.uk (shipping to 47 countries), stockists nationwide including John Lewis and House of Fraser and a growing international business, key markets include: Germany, Japan and Taiwan.

Radley still operates from a bustling headquarters in its birthplace of London, with a growing team of dedicated in-house designers whose inspirations are deeply rooted in British culture and today has evolved into a British icon of affordable luxury.

In Lowell’s words, she summarizes Radley, “We blend creative design, quality materials and immaculate craftsmanship. We value being colorful, surprising and real to create luxurious handbags and purses that women can’t help falling in love with and will never make a bag that we don’t feel passionate about. Our design approach is straight forward. It’s about putting women’s needs first, achieving the perfect union of beauty on the outside and function on the inside. That’s intelligent design. That’s Radley.”

Brand Notes:

Brand: Radley was born in the heart of London in 1998, founded by Lowell Harder, driven by a passion for making bags for women that just “work.” The brand has evolved over the years into a British icon of affordable luxury.

Products: Radley designs, retails and distributes a range of handbags, small leather goods, luggage, workbags, eyewear, watches and accessories. Blending creative design, quality materials and immaculate craftsmanship, Radley products are colorful, surprising and achieve the perfect union of beauty on the outside and function on the inside.

www.radley.co.uk

In the Philippines, Radley is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc. and is located at Shangri-La Plaza. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

November 29, 2015

Rachel Weisz Wears Bally

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British film and theatre actress Rachel Weisz was spotted on two occasions wearing the BALLY Eren heels. Its versatility and classic style makes it the perfect accessory, whether at the Spectre Premiere after-party at the British Museum which she attended in support of her husband, Daniel Craig, or while attending The Martian premiere at Alice Tully Hall during the 53rd New York Film Festival in New York.

Photo credits:

Spectre Premiere after-party:Photo © Splash News

The Martian premiere: Photo © Noam Galai/ Getty Images

In the Philippines, Bally is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., and is located at Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-la Plaza Mall. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

November 24, 2015

Michael Kors Resort and MMK Holiday Ad Campaign

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Graphic glamour is the theme of the Michael Kors Collection Resort 2016 advertising campaign, shot by Mario Testino. “This season it’s all about balancing the attitude of the prints and patterns with a relaxed ease,” says Michael Kors. “I was inspired by the art deco elegance of the thirties combined with a sporty attitude that works for today.”

To create the warm, modern laidback mood for the Michael Kors collection advertising campaign, Testino photographed model Sasha Pivovarova basking in the sun in the back of a vintage Cadillac Eldorado. The wind in her hair evokes a sun-kissed journey.

The MICHAEL Michael Kors Holiday campaign spotlights model Karmen Pedaru getting ready for a night out. Testino created a “caught-in-the-moment” feeling in the photographs by capturing Pedaru in an intimate setting in a series of snapshots highlighting the behind-the-scenes glamour of the party season.

The global campaign will debut in October, with ads running in Winter issues of publications including several global editions of Vogue as well as select editions of W, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar and Tatler in the US and Europe. In total, the Holiday print advertising campaign will reach 39 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The images will also appear in digital outlets, as well as social media platforms and traditional outdoor media placement.

In the Philippines, Michael Kors is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of the SSI Group Inc., and is located at The Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Newport and Bonifacio High Street Central Square. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

November 22, 2015

MBT

By Heart2Heart | SSI Group Inc | One Comment

So happy to meet Jody Lancaster, VP for MBT ( Masai Barefoot Technology ) It’s been in the Philippines for a few years already through SSI.
Super need this shoes especially for posture !!! It’s a Swiss brand with Swiss technology. MBT® – For The Human Movement™ With a strong science and innovation foundation, MBT® has a unique approach that understands the human benefits of health, wellness and staying on the move. We know our consumers have realistic health and fitness ambitions. They want to maintain a healthy lifestyle which enables them to live and love life to the fullest.
So whether you are going for a walk or just standing there, you’re on the move. And if you just happen to want to look mighty cool in the process, we understand that too. It’s only human.
Global footwear brand MBT introduces its Spring Summer 2016 Performance Running collection.

MBT introduces its first performance running shoe collection to help runner’s run more efficiently with its lightweight, performance and cushioning models. The MBT running range was designed and developed to promote mid-foot striking to help runners with their conditioning and can be used post workout for recovery, through enhanced cushioning and support utilizing unique MBT technologies.

“It is with great excitement to bring MBT running shoes to life after 18 months of design and development” said Bob Dyer, Group CEO of MBT. “Our MBT running shoes provide three specific options for runners who seek a more natural run through midfoot striking. Our collection utilizes proprietary technologies to help runners achieve a comfortable and supportive run.”

“We created a line of products that are the result of countless hours of development, gait analysis and biomechanical testing to ensure the product exceeds runner’s expectations. The technology in MBT running shoes is an evolution of the MBT classic “rocker” profile but designed specifically for running providing efficiency, comfort, and protection. Runners love to run and we want them to enjoy running, every day.”

The MBT performance running shoe range consists of unique and proprietary SensorTechnology™ combined with the MBT modified running “rocker” construction and minimalistic support plate. The MBT Pivot Strike™ midfoot area provides runners with the ideal foot striking platform to transition into propulsion while enhancing support and cushioning. A tri-density feature with varying foam arrays adapts and promotes a soft midfoot landing and absorbs harmful shock and works together with the heel and midfoot sensors. MBT’s unique running specific rocker sole shape enhances transition into the runner’s next step. Runners with different running gaits will experience a functional run through mid-foot striking with MBT® running shoes.

MBT RUN MATRIX

Lightweight

The Lightweight profile is for those new to the MBT brand that want a soft comfortable running profile with minor rocking.

Performance

The Performance profile is for the avid runner who wants additional cushioning and an improved transition from mid-foot to forefoot.

Cushioning

The Cushion profile is for the runner who wants maximum cushion for the softest ride during training or for the ultimate soft feel when recovering from a long rush or marathon.

About MBT

MBT is a Swiss engineered, and the original Physiological Footwear^TMbrand focused on active, healthy lifestyles. With subsidiaries in Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, United States and Australia, MBT footwear combines a balance of function and style with its patented construction. MBT is based on the study of biomechanics and natural stability. Since its founding in Switzerland in 1996, MBT has grown to become a global brand and is currently available in 45 countries around the world.

In the Philippines, MBT is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc.,

STORE LOCATION
Alabang Town Center (PH) G/F Rustan’s Alabang Town Center +63 2 8075986
Blue Baywalk (PH)
Ground Floor, Rustan’s Department Store, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City +63 2 8874105

Second Floor, Estancia Mall, Pasig City +63 9 85316810
Glorietta 2(PH) G/F Ayala Center Makati City +63 2 6255121
Shangri-La Plaza(PH) 2/F Rustan’s Shangri-La EDSA
Shangri-La Plaza(PH) 4/F Rustan’s Shangri-La

158 Designers Boulevard in Podium, Tutto Moda Paseo de Sta. Rosa and Wellworth Department Store in UP Town Center.

Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

November 21, 2015

Pull&Bear Worldwide Campaign – Be More Barrio

By Heart2Heart | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

For the first time ever, a brand is launching an exclusive hit song along with various covers on YouTube, which have been recorded in different neighbourhoods around the world by artists with millions of followers. One of the 21st century’s most relevant technological phenomena, the “cover” broadcast via the Internet, is used to portray everyday life in neighbourhoods.

Pull&Bear launches “Be More Barrio”, an ode to the everyday and cosmopolitan life in neighborhoods, through a tour of the world’s most symbolic districts. The experimental project aims to show that, wherever you are, Toronto, Sydney or Madrid, young people’s cosmopolitan lives share many common aspects.

Australian band Sheppard has drawn inspiration from this original journey throughout the world’s most genuine neighborhoods to write, exclusively for Pull&Bear, the catchy song “Be More Barrio”. Sheppard recently enjoyed international success with “Geronimo”, a hit which received over 25 million views on YouTube.

For the first time, a hit has been created through six covers by an internationally successful cover artist who has a following of 11 million followers and over 2.7 billion views on their YouTube channel and videos.

Pull&Bear has channelled from the conventional way of creating music. From the typical creation of covers from well-known songs, they have created various versions simultaneously with the hits released.

Covers have been performed and recorded by Boyce Avenue from Florida (US), Daniela Andrade from Toronto (Canada), Philipp Leon Altmeyer from Cologne (Germany), the Mexican group Vazquez Sounds from California (USA), the Korean musical duo Jayesslee from Sydney (Australia) and Dvicio from Madrid (Spain). Each group has recorded their own version in their neighborhood that shows us that these areas are the shaping ground of our personality in an increasingly global world that shares the same value and concerns, showing us that these are the areas which most shape our personality in an increasingly global world that shares the same values and concerns.

The project has been launched in over 900 physical and online stores owned by the brand in 70 international markets, as well as on digital video channels such as YouTube, YouKu and Vimeo, in the brand’s and artists’ various social media, and on musical platforms such as iTunes, Spotify and Deezer.

About Pull&Bear

Pull&Bear has a clear international direction, aimed at dressing young people committed to their surroundings who wish to avoid stereotypes, live in a community and mix together. For them, Pull&Bear takes the latest international trends, mixes them with street style influences and fashion clubs, and re-interprets them in a unique style, transforming them into comfortable, easy to wear items at reasonable prices.

Pull&Bear has evolved alongside its clients, and is always up to date with new technologies, social movements and the latest artistic or musical trends. This is reflected not only in its designs but also in its stores.

In the Philippines, Pull&Bear is exclusively distributed by International Specialty Apparel, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., and is located at Mega Fashion Hall. Visit www.pullandbear.com for more information.

November 17, 2015

The first SSI Midnight Madness Sale comes to Central Square

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The grandest sale comes to town this week as SSI Group, Inc. holds its very first MIDNIGHT MADNESS SALE with offers up to 65% off. For 3 days only on November 18, 19 and 20 from 11 am to 12 midnight, Central Square and C1 Bonifacio High Street Central will be home to over 100 beloved SSI brands offering up to 65% off in SSI Group stores and pop-up booths.

The best offers will be available from brands such as Zara, Massimo Dutti, Ferragamo, Charriol, Jimmy Choo, Longchamp, Pottery Barn and many more, making this the perfect holiday shopping event of the year.

As you make CENTRAL SQUARE the center of your holiday shopping this season, also get the chance to drive away with a brand new LEXUS SUV.

Every PHP 3,000 single receipt purchase at select retail establishments in Central Square and Bonifacio High Street will entitle a customer to one (1) raffle ticket plus the chance to pick any of the instant prizes ranging from premium items to discount vouches from SSI. Every PHP 1,000 single receipt purchase at select food stores in Central Square entitles the customer to one (1) raffle ticket.

Exclusive privileges are also in store for HSBC credit or debit card holders. Instead of one (1) raffle ticket, HSBC card holders will receive three (3) raffle tickets for every PhP3,000 single receipt purchase at any of the participating retail stores.

The promo runs until January 5, 2016, with the Grand Raffle Draw slated on January 7, 2015.

See posters and print ads for complete details. Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 13594 and 15405 Series of 2015.

November 11, 2015

F&F Autumn/Winter 2015

By Heart2Heart | SSI Group Inc | One Comment

F&F returns to retro with its Womenswear and Menswear collections to capture this season’s nostalgic wander back to the Seventies, blurring the line with late 1960’s fashion styles.

WOMENSWEAR

This season, signature styles of the 1970’s era are given an exquisite feel. Textures are nostalgic with the resurgence of suede, shearling and patchwork. Tailored culottes, jackets and a trench arrive in real suede leather with the look of crushed velvet. There is further focus on contrasting textures with chiffon dresses worn with lightweight knitted roll necks throughout.

The colors of the season are unconventional; clashing pinks, berry’s, rust and buttery camels with pops of orange and teal. Furnished prints add a retro identity to draped jersey tops.

Ladies outerwear sees a maximalist aesthetic; a bohemian shearling jacket offers an enhanced, boxy silhouette in clashing camel hues, a real investment piece this season. Faux fur accents are a strong accessory trend whilst looks are accented with a fur cropped hooded cape or striking stole.

Layering is key to the silhouette – high waisted trousers, shrunken jackets, pussy bow blouses and fun shift dresses create a vintage-inspired look.

Silhouettes are enhanced with the addition of a clean leg boot in rich wintery tones or a paired down fringe loafer. The top handle shoulder bag in statement teal or the classic tan saddle bag further anchor the 70’s inspiration. Bold buckle belts and brassy button detail add psychedelic drama to leather tailoring.

MENSWEAR

Menswear sees the vintage aesthetic continue across key staple pieces. Fabrics and details are nostalgic with leather biker jackets embossed with a vintage polish, whilst subtle jacquard stripes decorate the sleekest of grey wool suits. Bringing depth to the look, knit jumpers in burnt amber and orange hues add warmth to charcoal tailoring.

The season heralds a combination of both rustic and contemporary revival, as oversized scarves bring a frayed edge to clean cut trench coats and smart wool trousers. Maintaining a slim and sharp silhouette, blazers are reinvigorated with tweed-like textures.

Men’s occasionwear sees black dinner jackets in soft velvet worn with jersey t-shirts splashed in artisanal prints. A sensitive play of light and dark tones bring a minimalist quality.

Richard Collins, CEO of F&F says “Our AW15 collections are particularly strong – trend, variety and wearability combine in a modern handwriting which continues to build momentum on last year’s success and on what F&F are so well known for. We decided to hold our press event this year at the prestigious Savoy ballroom to deliver a more informal yet still impactful event. The salon style show will create a more intimate experience allowing us to really showcase our AW collection”

In the Philippines, F&F is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., and is located at Glorietta 3, Century City Mall, SM North Edsa, SM Clark, Wellworth UP Town Center, Wellworth Fairview Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Limketkai Mall Cagayan de Oro and Veranza Mall General Santos. It will be opening soon at Estancia Mall and Paseo de Sta. Rosa. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.