For her Holiday 2009 collection, designer Hindy Weber-Tantoco took inspiration from the inner ferociousness of every woman. Covetous peek-a-boo bondage dresses, frocks adorned with leatherette, lace tights and studded jersey pieces are inarguably sexy and forthcoming, but Hindy managed to transform them into chic and elegant pieces.  The sartorial creations perfectly compliment the ethereal form of a woman, hugging every curve, and sensually showcasing parts that utter come-hither.

A film by up & coming filmmaker, Christian Acuna, also gave guests an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous shoot that took place days earlier.  It mirrored the tone of the night – sultry and mysteriously provocative.

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What better way to launch a tantalizing collection than to throw a “Culte Crazy 09.09.09” party at Members Only.  The sultry appeal of the space as well as the exclusivity that Members Only offers, jived perfectly with the feel of Culte Femme’s Holiday 09 collection

Ace fashion lens man Mark Nicdao captured the spark of these alluring women whose portraits were the backdrop for the Culte Crazy 09.09.09 night. 

The event also showcased muses wearing the latest from Culte Femme’s holiday collection. Beautiful Crickette Tantoco with her new modern hairdo, stylish & sultry Kat Lobregat, sexy and sweet Dina Tantoco, gorgeous Bea Tantoco, elegant & statuesque Catherine Huang, luminous Kathy Huang, hip & pretty Krie Lopez, and radiant & blooming Margs Lopez were in full support as they represented the Rustan family muses.  

Also sashaying around Members Only were the Culte Femme muses all gorgeous and dazzling: Anne Curtis, Anne Arcenas Gonzales, Bea Constantino, Bianca Zobel, Celine Lopez, Daphne Osena Paez, Ines Lobregat, Loralee Baron Soong, Michelle Francisco, Pam Quinones and. Rachelle Wenger.

Young Accessories designer Tara Soriano who collaborated with Hindy for the hand-hammered, brushed brass pieces in lace, corset patterns.

The scene was set for a stellar night as the A-list crowd filled with fashionistas and insiders drank their Grey Goose martinis and mingled around.  Light boxes spread about Members Only showcased Hindy’s favorite styles of the cult favorite Melissa shoes, featuring styles by iconic designers Vivienne Westwood, Alexandre Herchovitch and famed architect Zaha Hadid.  The label has established itself as a brand that breaks fashion grounds with comfort and style in mind, perfect for every fierce femme.  As the mood of the night settled in, pole dancers decked out in gold mesh leotards with full head masks left guests speechless and in awe.  As they spun around and did their tricks, they oozed with eroticism straight out of the beginning of a James Bond film. Adding drama to the night was a female impersonator, Jasmine Pringles, who lit up the stage as she portrayed Lady Gaga. 

Top models Raya Mananquil, Ornusa Cadness, Lou Munoz and Jessica Yang moved about the space wearing Hindy’s studded jersey dresses that screamed punk rock elegance. 

Host Sanya Smith led the evening’s ceremonies with her oozing rock goddess appeal and cat purrs, while being escorted by Eric and Pablo, two “bad-boy” models in bondage get-ups.    

Culte Femme is available exclusively at Rustan’s Makati, Edsa Shangri-La, Alabang Town Center, and Cebu.

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The birth of a fashion icon is captured on film through Coco Avant Chanel, one of the year’s most celebrated films in and beyond the fashion industry. Coco Avant Chanel chronicles the young Parisian couturier Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel’s training years – her journey from modest beginnings as an orphan to eventually successfully weaving herself into the French elite through her exceptional personality and vision.

Coco Avant Chanel features the glorious French backdrop meshed with the luxurious fashion of the time. Faithfully depicted all throughout is Chanel’s revolutionary “less-is-more” approach to style. Chanel is best known for having broken all the fashion rules early on in her career, with her modern style outlook and slightly masculine aesthetic. She made famous tweed jackets and trousers, form-fitting little black dresses, and a subdued palette preference for black and white for women at a time when ladies were wore corsets, flap dresses, and colorful ensembles.

Through the collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel’s current Creative Director, this Anne Fontaine independent film was given rare access to archives and was lent elusive pieces from Chanel’s personal collection of apparel and fine jewelry.

Featuring acclaimed international actress Audrey Tautou who plays the elegant Coco, Tautou is likewise the newest face behind the world’s best selling and most successful fragrance in history, Chanel No.5.

In 1921, Coco launched Chanel No. 5, her first-ever fragrance. Today after 88 years since its inception, it continues to be the world’s most legendary scent, and remains the company’s most famous perfume.

In line with this, Rustan Commercial Corporation – the official and exclusive distributor of Chanel cosmetics and fragrance – will host a series of exclusive Philippine previews this month, made possible through the support of the French Embassy, The Peninsula Manila, Mandarin Oriental Suites, Moet and Chandon Champagne, Gateway Cineplex, and Rockwell Powerplant Cinema.

To gain access to this velvet-rope movie screening event, simply purchase P3,500 worth of Chanel products in any Rustan’s Department Store, and you will automatically receive two tickets to Coco Avant Chanel at the schedule specified in the ticket. This promo will run from October 10 to 15, 2009 with Rustan’s giving away 300 complimentary passes.

The brilliant portrayal by Tautou had garnered her raves from critics the world over – capturing Coco’s muted aggression and unapologetic discernment for elegance. In conjunction with the movie, Tautou’s much-talked-about Chanel No. 5 commercial was also recently revealed where she reunites with her Amelie director Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Tautou is the latest to join elusive roster of Chanel No. 5 muses including the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Catherine Deneuve, and most recently, Nicole Kidman.

Chanel No. 5 was a revolutionary scent, the first perfume to evoke the true woman’s unique and individualistic personality. In an era where perfumes were floral and pretty, Chanel wanted a perfume that reflected strength and character, without losing her femininity.

Chanel No. 5 is exclusively distributed by the Rustan Commercial Corporation and is available in all  Rustan’s Department Stores: Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Shopping Mall, Gateway, Alabang, Robinsons Place, and Ayala Center Cebu.