Gem Stores
OUR FUNKY FASHIONISTAS PUT THE GFUN BACK INTO SHOPPING AS THEY INTRODUCE US TO THEIR FAVORITE STORES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT A. WOODWARD
OUR COVER GIRL, BIANCA SHARES SHOPPING SECRETS FROM HER HOMETOWN
Location: Manila
Fashionista: Bianca Valerio
Occupation: model, tV presenter, stylist and make-up artist
This season’s style likes: Gold medallions, leggings and the sailor/military look
Fashion tips: place your own twist on the season’s trends. unusual vintage items add a touch of individuality.
#1 Favorite store: People ‘r People
Address: 1F Glorietta 4, Ayala Center Mall; 3F Powerplant Mall, Rockwell; various outlets
Tel: (2) 2890-6405
“This is an affordable, one-stop shop for chic local and imported clothes, shoes, bags and accessories for both men and women. It’s got everything!
I wear their clothes to low-key fashion events. I also pull them out for styling jobs, and I always find awesome gifts for my male friends.
Once trends in magazines are predicted, they reach the stores pretty quickly, so if I wish to buy up-to-the-minute looks without regretting the cost, this store is at the top of my list.”
#2 Favorite store: House of Laurel
Address: 6013 Villena Street, corner Manalac Street, Poblacion, Makati
Tel: (2) 895-5688
“Rajo Laurel is one of the most distinguished designers in Manila. From simple to sexy glam, he makes ready-to-wear haute couture for women, a kids’ label called Rajito as well as a maternity line. They also stock local designers such as Bea Valdes, Viktor Jeans and Puey Quinones, among others.
He’s really made a name for himself in Hong Kong and other parts of the globe. I host a lot of events in Rajo’s creations and am privileged to have been modelling for him.
My favorite thing by him is a beige canvas deconstructed wrap-around top.”
#3 Favorite store: Catholic Women’s Club “Casa Y Jardin” Bazaar
Address: Venue varies every year, but usually at the Intercontinental Hotel
Tel: n/a
“This bazaar takes place every October and sells absolutely everything: shoes, clothes, bags, toys, Christmas and Halloween decorations and costumes, household items, novelty items, furniture, food and even second-hand items with the funds donated to charity.
It started in the ’50s as a way to raise funds for over 80 charities, and huge support – including celebrities and socialites – has made this bazaar a famous annual event. Great for bargaining, especially at closing time!
Many local brands and designers in Manila actually get started at bazaars, so it’s a good place to find cool designers before they hit the mainstream, become famous and suddenly get really expensive!
I love shopping alone, but during bazaars, it doesn’t hurt to bring your boyfriend along to buy a gift or two – and help with your shopping bags!”
FASHION DESIGNER AND STYLE-LOVER, ELENA TAKES US TO HER SHOPPING NIRVANA
Location: Manila
Fashionista: Elena Andaya
Occupation: Fashion designer, model, stylist and executive editor
This season’s style likes: scarves, elastic candy headbands, soft belts, ankle boots paired with short skirts or shorts and aviator sunglasses
Fashion tips: Fashion is fun! try different things, and most importantly, feel good with what you are wearing.
#1Favorite store: ISHQ
Address: G/F Astoria Plaza, 15 Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel: (2) 687-6725
“When it comes to pretty clothes with delicious colors, ISHQ is the perfect boutique – warmly lit, quaint and tucked underneath the stairs of a hotel. Owned by stylist Candy Reyes, it has an old-school-meets-doll-house aesthetic.
Candy-colored walls, luggage and hope chests make it every girl’s dream closet – this store is packed with one-of-a-kind items from handbags, hand-painted dresses and bolero jackets to a wide array of funky accessories, all made by local designers. And if you can’t make up your mind, Jean, the store manager, knows just how to style and put outfits together.”
#2 Favorite store: Store For All Seasons
Address: 605 Shaw Boulevard, Ground Floor of Conservatory Building, Mandaluyong City
Tel: (2) 717-0884
“For those who are bored with usual mall fare, try something eclectic from Store For All Seasons. Created by designer friends Mich Dulce and Cecile Zamora-Van Straten, this artsy shop boasts extraordinary imported street wear inspired by rock ’n’ roll and J-pop (Japanese pop).
There are limited edition camouflage cargo pants, multi-layered tops, polka-dot leggings, puff-dresses and the designer’s custom-made couture. Accessories include kiddie wallets, printed bags and pins. There is no better way to be quirky than to sport skull-printed shirts – after all, skulls are the new smilies!”
#3 Favorite store: Team Manila
Address: 2/F Independent Lifestyle Section, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
Tel: (2) 899-1570
“Who would have thought that everyday things like jeepneys, street food and even Jose Rizal can be turned into something iconic?
This is the “graphic designed lifestyle” of Team Manila. Inspired by the lifestyle, culture and imagery of Manila, this graphic design studio created a whole range of urban-themed clothing.
Their modern-day Filipino wear comes in stylish T-shirts, totes, pouches, zip bags and laptop protectors. Goes to show that patriotism truly runs in the veins (and threads) of Pinoys!”
SINGAPORE-BASED FASHION STYLIST, JANICE REVEALS THE TRICKS OF HER TRADE IN STYLE -SAVVY HOTSPOTS
Location: Singapore Fashionista: Janice pidduck Occupation: Stylist and die-hard fashion-lover!
This season’s style likes: va-va volume and oversized sunnies
Fashion tips: experiment with fashion! focus on your good points and customize trends to suit your look. confidence is the ultimate accessory.
#1 Favorite store: Moschino
Address: 581 Orchard Road, #02-20/21 Hilton Hotel Shopping Gallery
Tel: +65 6732-1375
“One of the first must-visit stores where I like to run riot when I’m out sourcing for the hottest clothes and accessories is always the gorgeous Italian Moschino.
The boutique, which is a sweet mix of luxe décor and cheeky detail, is packed to the rafters with the latest quirky designs. It’s Moschino’s unique approach to fashion that draws stylists, fashionistas and super-celebs such as Kylie Minogue. Prices are not cheap, but with three different in-house lines to choose from, there is a piece to suit most budgets.”
#2 Favorite store: Antipodean
Address: 27A Lorong Mambong, Holland Village
Tel: +65 6463-7336 “Antipodean may be somewhat hidden away, but it is a virtual fashion treasure-trove, filled to the brim with hot Australian fashion labels and funky homegrown jewelry lines.
Even though it is a bit of a trek from Singapore’s main shopping hub, I always make it a priority to check out its beautiful array of smart casual clothes and interesting accessories, which never fail to fascinate me.
Nine times out of 10, I leave with a big bag full of clobber to feature in some of Singapore’s most stylish magazines. Expect to be pleasantly surprised by Antipodean’s warm service and fashion-savvy team of sales-girls.”
#3 Favorite store: Granny’s Day out
Address: 3 Coleman Street, #03-25 Peninsula Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6336-9774
“Alerting all vintage aficionados, Granny’s Day Out is a mecca for one-of-a-kind finds from the ’40s to the ’80s. This is a one-stop shop of fabulously fun finds at very affordable prices, which is why I try to feature them in editorials as often as possible.
Vintage pieces are unique – mixing old styles with the new can add oodles of personality to your outfit! Plus, dressing up with the merchandise is a fabulous way to wile away a few hours!”
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