Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Denim Forever

Most of us have at least a pair of denim jeans that we are sure look fantastic on us. They feel right, they fit right, and they look right. Denim has never left our wardrobes; a girl can’t do without a pair of trusty old jeans! Over the past few decades we have been truly embracing denim in all forms: day dresses, waistcoats, shorts, crops, and trousers are all getting a denim makeover and it is so fab! Denim is still at the peak of the trend cycle and will forever be a fashion staple. Ever wondered when the idea of using denim for all kinds of clothes was born and how long it took denim finally to be considered a fashion statement, not any more being simple fabric for workers’ clothes?

Here’s a bit of history: In May of 1873, Levi Strauss received a U.S. patent for his denim jeans and especially for the rivets he had incorporated to ensure their strength and durability. The denim jeans were officially born. Since then, they have become a multi-billion dollar industry around the globe.

In the 1950’s film stars evangelized jeans for a new generation, and in recent decades high fashion and consumer culture have combined to make them universal: worn by rappers, fashionistas, discount shoppers, and politicians; embodying fashion and cultural ideas of immensely different segments of society. It is so amazing how denims have evolved from lower to upper economic classes (trickle up theory) and how the masses have adopted this trend.




Since denim jeans are so ubiquitous I didn’t have a hard time spotting them; however, I had difficulty finding the best Fasyon wearing denim jeans. It was after lunch and extremely hot when we tried to spot trends in Greenbelt. So I believe every fashionable mall rat was out of sight. But after two hours of waiting, I was finally able to see a girl wearing denim shorts, a printed tank top, blue ballet flats and a white belt; She looked so laid-back but still nice in them. I especially liked the way the chained bag glammed up her casual outfit.

--Rhea Correche

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

These Clogs are Made for Strutting!


People-watching is one of the things that I love doing whenever I go around places- like when I travel outside the country, when I hang-out in a mall, when I read a fave book in a cafe, or even when I just wander around the streets of Manille. I like how it instantly gives you energy, as well as a sense of creativity and wonder. Needless to say, the Trend spotting activity that we were assigned to do for the FASHION TRENDS class was something that made me feel giddy and glad.
So one Sunday eve, while I was sauntering around High Street, in a sea of belted denim shorts, gladiator sandals, and floral mini dresses, this girl who is sporting an easy-breezy white V-neck shirt, a pair of belted and ripped boyfriend jeans stood out from the crowd. My eyes could not help but be glued on her fabulous red pair of clogs, that definitely added a total spunk to her semi-androgynous ensemble of boyfriend jeans and shirt. She, along with the 3 adorable girls gamely posed for a few shots. 


This chunky pair of shoes, no matter how uncomfortable they looked, has definitely made a comeback this Spring Summer 2010. Let credit be due to Karl Lagerfield for Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, and Miu Miu, as seen on their runway collections.




As I look back, I remembered that my sister and I used to wear jelly clogs as it were all the rage back in the 90’s.
And now, with its resurgence, many styles have been incorporated – from patent to printed, from embellished to studded, from buckled to slingback to ribbed.

















It evolved from being a rigid wooden soled, initially used by farmers, miners, workers and other types of peasants as protective footwear, providing warmth and safety. Clogs, are most associated with Scandinavia but were also very popular in the Netherlands, in the 1800. The Dutch found the shoe to be comfortable on their feet, and the shoes, eventually made their way to UK, France, Italy and Spain, with each country creating their own style of clogs for aesthetic and functional reasons.

  Basing on this information and how different designers reinvented the clogs throughout the time, the fashion leadership that would best apply to it is the Trickle-Up theory.

Some fashionistas believe that it is the hottest comeback this SS 2010, some, however, are not so thrilled about its revival. In the fashion capitals of the world, I think it has reached the height of the trend popularity as seen on these celebrities (such as Alexa Chung, Mary Kate Olsen and Rachel Bilson), and with international brands, adapting the trend with a variety of price points.




In our country, however, I believe that the clog trend is on its way to Early Adopter Stage. (Increase in Population). The last time I checked, these bulky shoes are now on the window displays and shoe shelves of the popular high end contemporary labels like Zara and Massimo Dutti and even junior brand like Topshop. I suppose we can now expect to encounter a lot of Manila’s fashion enthusiasts to be wearing pairs of clogs here and there.
 As for me, I would still contemplate whether I would grab a pair of this shoes, but I suppose that the type of women who would normally wear these are those in the contemporary market, those who follow trends religiously and undeniably, those who believe that sometimes, in fashion, you have to twist an ankle to channel that fierce look. =P 
 ---By: Khrisy Alegado

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

My Fashion Escapade



       Going around places gives me so much excitement. My eyes are quick when it comes to spotting girls who are fashionable and seeing how they carry themselves. However, when I went to High Street and Serendra with a friend, I didn’t see anything very interesting, extraordinary and unique to my taste. I think it was because of the time of day – very hot and humid. I randomly bumped into two other friends which made me feel better about not finding anyone. We all ended up eating in Murray d Vines, that served all kinds of burgers, heart shaped. I didn’t want to pressure myself on finding a masterpiece to my project so I decided to just bring my camera wherever I go. 
         
        Luck enough, when I attended the birthday party of my friend in B-side, Makati. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone that would interest me, but there I saw Ornusa Cadness. She was stunning in her outfit that immediately I approached her and asked her if I could take her picture. She was very willing so I took the shot. 

               Several years ago, legwarmers surfaced back on the style radar. This season, the reborn ‘80s fad of choice is footless tights or leggings. Not only have they shown up all over the runways, but they have become favorite fare of young ladies.


           The latest fashion trends have become very centered on comfort. People will always like to look fashionable, but now they also take into consideration, feeling good and being comfortable at the same time. Layering leggings under tunics and dresses has been the hottest trend. Gray is the color for Fall 2010, seen in everything from soft dove grays to bright silver.


Ornusa is wearing an attractive black tube dress with a grayish silver draped overlay scarf on top, with black leggings that matched her beige high heels. She was truly a stunning beauty that night when I took her picture. Very elegant..  




-- Arianne T.

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Six Senses Destination Spa





This luxurious getaway is a perfect haven for those in need of a long awaited break or a relaxing retreat.

Located in Phuket, on a private Island, this fantasy can last up to days. With the experience starting with the first step onto the resort and running through your veins all throughout your stay.

This resort offers more than just pampering. With the isolated location, you can be sure to have your privacy to meditate and relieve the soul.

This clicks with small indulgences; this little haven fits the perfect criteria when looking for a break from a long stressful period, and simply indulging. It clicks with anchoring; this retreat is fitting when trying to rekindle your spiritual self. The privacy and peacefulness can accommodate the mind, body and soul. This clicks with being alive; with all the right facilities to truly pampering yourself to the peace and quiet and living better. It clicks with female think; for some time now, the habitual therapies that females have been associated with, has now leaked onto mainstream markets. Gentlemen are now looking for the same grooming and care that females seek, and now at the same locations. A once frowned upon mud facial treatment, is now ordinary to the common man looking for rejuvenation. It seems that females have influenced the market for men.

Kids Spere Hotel


The Atomium

This deluxe kids retreat promises an out of this world experience. With a restaurant on the roof, films and overnight stay packages for kids.

This clicks with cocooning; this quite literally resembles a cocoon. Kids can stay overnight and have a cosy home like feel in the fascinating sci-fi structure. It clicks with fantasy adventure; this exciting building can give you the fantasy you’ve always wanted. set like a building from a sci-fi film, you can travel across the universe in this exciting building. It clicks with small indulgences; your kids can have a break here overnight while you have a little break yourself with your partner. This is perfect for small indulging for the whole families schedule. It clicks with the future; this building looks like it has been taken from a sci-fi film. The architects were obviously thinking of future trends when designing this building. You can see that this building will match the future moods of the buildings surrounding it.

The Seaside


The Ultimate Spa

This Italian spa not only looks elegant and modern, it also encompasses with it the four elements.

Water: flows in a ribbon of light. Air: the Millions of jet bubbles dispersing from the little jets. Earth: the raised seating area in which you could enjoy the perfect depth of relaxation. Fire: the light and temperature control features that make this dream come to life.

This clicks with small indulgences; treating yourself to a small luxury or break from a busy stressful day. It clicks with cocooning; you can now stay in the comfort of your own home to enjoy a relaxing spa. All the luxuries you need is within your grasp. It clicks with egonomics; there is an element of individuality when it comes to having this in your home. You are in control of it, you can adjust the setting, and you can you can have just to suit you.