Underpants and a somber summer at Paris Fashion Week

PARIS -- From wearing your underwear in the street to the very muted color schemes of big brands, some trends stood out from the spring-summer 2024 womenswear collections at Paris Fashion Week that ends on Tuesday.

Here are some highs and lows from 11 days of shows in the French capital, the climax of a hectic month of fashion weeks in London, New York and Milan.

Underwear is outerwear 

Get used to walking around in your underpants if you want to stay trendy next spring.

Already a popular look for celebs like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, it was everywhere in Paris this week.

Stella McCartney's billowing silk tops were worn over crystal-encrusted undies, Victoria Beckham had outfits that were little more than nightdresses, or swimsuits and socks, while Dries Van Noten had leopard-skin swimsuits under trench coats.

Somber summer 

A lot of designers were keen to drain the color from spring and summer.

Christian Dior, Saint Laurent, Victoria Beckham and hyped newcomer Peter Do were among the many brands with muted, often monochrome palettes.

Some observers were dismayed and also felt there was a lack of innovation.

"Where are your colors? Where are your ideas, except those that come from archives?" chided veteran fashion watcher Cathy Horyn, now of New York Magazine's The Cut.

Balmain's flowery recovery 

Balmain bucked the colorless trend with a shiny and exuberant show -- that it managed to pull together despite a dramatic robbery that saw dozens of its outfits stolen on their way from the airport just 10 days earlier.

There were lots of roses -- a woman seemingly lost in an entire red bush of them, another with a swoosh of golden feathers with roses on the tips, and a range of rose-print tops, dresses and mini-skirts -- as well as some ultra-bling glittering flower concoctions that verged on haute couture extravagance.

"Florals for spring? Groundbreaking..." designer Olivier Rousteing wrote with apparent irony on Instagram.

Balenciaga unpolished 

Balenciaga's Demna was humbled last year after highly controversial ads appearing to reference child abuse.

But after one low-key show earlier this year, he was back to his rebellious ways this week with surreal looks such as giant-shouldered suits and dresses made from retro tablecloths.

"March was very polished and I realized that I don't like it when it's polished. I like it when it's rough," Demna told Vogue.

It was also a very personal show, featuring his mother, husband and members of his staff as models.

"It was about me, it was about my story. I needed to do it... because I had a horrible year," he said.

Environmental activists 

Hermes had one of the prettiest stage designs, with guests nestled in a prairie of wildflowers and tall grasses recreated in the stables of the Republican Guard.

But animal rights group PETA does not like its style and briefly interrupted the show, objecting to its use of crocodile skin.

By contrast, Stella McCartney turned her show into a marketplace for "cruelty-free and conscious material innovations", with stalls promoting innovations like vegan leather, organic cotton and a seaweed-based yarn.

Her outfits included homages to her rock star parents -- Paul and Linda McCartney -- during their time on tour with Wings in the 1970s, including ruffled shirts and crystal-encrusted waistcoats.

Bye-byes 

Naomi Campbell was the star of the catwalk in a shimmering silver dress at Alexander McQueen, where Sarah Burton gave her final show as creative director after more than a decade in charge.

Business of Fashion called it a "typically fearless final flourish from Burton," leaving a tall order for her yet-to-be-named successor to meet.

It was also the last hurrah for designer Gabriella Hearst at Chloe, where her sustainability agenda brought acclaim but apparently not enough sales to keep her at the fabled French house and she is leaving after less than three years.

Agence France-Presse

Sharon Stone takes in Dolce&Gabbana at relaxed Milan fashion

MILAN (AP) — Front-rows of A-listers and shoulder-to-shoulder seating gave Milan Fashion Week a pre-pandemic air.

So far this week, Sharon Stone has sat appraisingly at Dolce & Gabbana, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have rocked Gucci, and Kim Kardashian wore Prada, at Prada.

After two years of digital-physical mix, social distancing and travel restrictions that kept many overseas buyers and editors away, there was a sense of return to some new normal, one now that includes war on Europe’s eastern fringe. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Milan’s central Piazza Duomo to demonstrate for peace on Saturday, crisscrossed by weekend shoppers and fashionistas.

Highlights from Saturday’s previews of mostly womenswear for next fall and winter include:

DOLCE&GABBANA CREATES REAL WORLD AVATAR

Want to be your own real-life avatar? Check out the latest collection by Dolce & Gabbana, who brought the metaverse onto the runway.

Why leave all the fun to the digital universe, when there is a real-life version of a shiny red mini-dress with exaggeratedly puffy sleeves, or a shaggy Yeti-style coat in bold stripes or checks?

Whatever the real-life avatar, the catchword in Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s new collection is sexy. The season’s stable are sheer stockings with garters, that peek out of short hemlines, through sheer lace dresses and even, improbably, from one-legged trousers. Yes, apparently, that innovation will be of some advantage in the D&G metaverse.

Corsets defined the shape of many coats and dresses, and also appeared as silky outlines on fitted black dresses, tops and jackets. For better moving from digital world to digital world, there were sleek fitted tops and leggings with shiny finishes worn under cutout dresses and skirts. Large 3-D-style sunglasses finished the look, along with stilettos. The designers also showed off-beat humor in a series of pod-like garments — coats, jackets and knitwear — designed to be worn protectively over the head, almost like a nun’s habit.

Sharon Stone sat in the front row alongside Sam Webb, Lady Kitty Spencer and Adam Senn and rapper Gunna. She nodded appreciatively at looks as they past, mouthing, ’’Gorgeous” at a strappy faux fur black dress and “Wow” at a furry white number.

The designers recently announced they were giving up fur this year, but that they would continue to work with furrier artisans on synthetic alternatives to maintain the craftsmanship.

MARNI’S NEW BEGINNINGS

Each Marni look appeared out of nowhere, on an undefined runway inside an abandoned warehouse with dirt floors and overgrown with greenery.

The models walked as though stunned through the crowd, each followed by a hooded torchman guiding their way wearing a uniform of trousers with dragging hems and spikey plastic shoes.

The models themselves each wore a creation by creative director Francesco Rizzo, but also an object from their own wardrobe, part of Rizzo’s growing collaboration with a community around the brand that he calls collaborators. Elaborate head-dressings, including teddy bears sticking out of knit caps, twisted felt and wool, or wire devils ears, gave a sort of zombie menace to the slow, irregular procession.

Rizzo himself walked in the show, midway, wearing a geometric sweater he knit himself in two days, distressed trousers from the new collection and a worn tuxedo jacket that belonged to his grandfather.

“Things in our wardrobes become the meaning of who we are. Sometimes you forget about these things,” Rizzo said afterward. “Everyone has brought their objects. Each one is collaborating in different ways. This is part of the game of what we are doing together at Marni.’’

From the dark cavernous space, the crowd spilled into makeshift feast of fruit and cakes, bread and cheeses, served on mix matched china and silver under a bright blue sky.

One collaborator, Izzy Adams from Los Angeles, wore a bespoke pleated floral dressed created by Rizzo, that looked like it had ripped and frayed after taking a tumble with a can of blue paint. She layered it with childhood T-shirt decorated with palm trees that once fit and is now a crop top. It’s her fourth show with Marni. “There is a lot of really interesting people on board,” she said, as one model posed on the banquet table, holding up a glass of wine.

JIL SANDER’S NEW MINIMALISM

Designers Lucie and Luke Meier are redefining Jil Sanders’ minimalism with artistic gestures and intricately tailoring that give sweep to the silhouette.

Jackets in the new collection had a bell shape that hovered over mini skits; straight coats had built-in capes, worn over short flouncy skirts; flat bows adorn shift dresses on the straps or across the front. Necklines were defined with big V bibs, or nautical lapels. The textiles are mostly wools and crepes, some textured, but there were also soft silky dresses with neat foulard ties at the neckline.

“Every garment has the dignity and subtlety of couture,” the designers said in notes.

Reflecting the cool contemplative nature of the collection, the models walked around a runway decorated with classical sculpture. The color palette was soft, including off-white, butter yellow, pink and lilac gold.

ARBESSER’S DIVINE PRINTS

Milan designer Arthur Arbesser received his inspiration for this season’s prints through a sort of divine intervention. By sheer chance, the priest who baptized the Vienna-born designer saw him listed as the costume designer for a Berlin production of “Der Rosenklavier. ”

’’He recognized my name (after some four decades) and thought I might be the kind of person interested in photos of Baroque fabric prints in a museum in Salzburg, and he sent me the CD,” Arbesser said.

The images were sometimes just scraps, showing baroque florals in myriad colors, Arbesser turned it into a patchwork print, overlaid with his own brush strokes and elements from . Another print is taken from his own water paint scratch sheet, with streaks of colors and sharp black scratches.

He pulled it together in a forgiving silhouette that ranged from wrap skirts with sporty boxy jackets, pretty dresses with angel sleeves layered with handknit scarves and flourishes. Looks were topped with a Dante-styled cap, tied neatly under the chin with a nod to the 700th anniversary of the great Italian’s death celebrated last September.

-Associated Press

Serena Williams talks fashion, not fouls at Las Vegas event

LAS VEGAS — Serena Williams talked about her fashion business and her family, but not tennis fouls during a Friday appearance before a business trade group in Las Vegas.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion wasn’t asked about gender equality in sports or an argument she had last weekend with the chair umpire at her U.S. Open finals match in New York during about 25 minutes onstage with Sarah Robb O’Hagan, chief executive of Flywheel Sports, at the National Retail Federation trade show.



Williams, who took no questions from the audience, said previously she felt she had been treated more harshly than a male player would have been for smashing her racket and arguing with match official Carlos Ramos during her straight-set finals loss to Naomi Osaka of Japan on Sept. 8 in New York.

Williams received three code violations and was penalized a point and one game. She was later fined $17,000.

The incident drew a volley of commentary in recent days.

Tennis icon Billie Jean King said she believes tennis applies a double standard to women compared with men, and a similar outburst by a male player would have drawn no repercussions.

A cartoon caricature of Williams appeared in an Australian newspaper drew comparisons to U.S. racial stereotypes of the past.

In Croatia, U.S. Davis Cup team captain Jim Courier said he thought the gender issue had been polarized and, in some ways, politicized.

“It’s been quite the week,” O’Hagan said before steering the conversation away from controversy.

“It isn’t the first time you have had to deal with unfair judgment against you, and yet you have this amazing ability to come back with such courage and grace,” she said.

She drew applause praising Williams for calming a riled-up audience that booed the U.S. Open outcome to refocus the moment on Osaka’s victory.

“I feel it’s really important to stand up for what you believe in,” Williams said, “especially if it can affect the future and affect a lot of people in the future. That’s what it’s all about.”

Williams also was asked about what O’Hagan termed “epic comebacks” during her 20-year tennis career, including having a baby a little more than a year ago.

The tennis star, who has her own fashion line, advised business owners to “really figure out, ‘What can I do to revamp and bring it back to the top?’”

“Really, it’s just about having a great team … and rolling up your sleeves and hard work,” Williams said. “I work really, really hard at my game. And then I work super hard at my fashion business. And I’m working incredibly hard at being a mom.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

Karl Lagerfeld, Puma embark on fashion collaboration

Puma is strengthening its ties with the luxury fashion industry via a new collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld.

The German sportswear brand has teamed up with the designer’s eponymous label on a capsule collection of menswear and womenswear pieces, WWD reports.

The focus of the collection will be Puma’s Suede 50 sneaker, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year and has been the subject of multiple creative collaborations over the past few months. Lagerfeld’s take on the shoe comes in the form of two different unisex styles inspired by his own personal uniform of a black tuxedo, white shirt and sunglasses.

The series will also feature a jumpsuit and cropped t-shirt for women, menswear separates such as a hoodie and sweatpants, and accessories including a bag and baseball cap. The line will go on sale worldwide on Oct. 19.

The move is the latest in a string of high-profile collaborations undertaken by Lagerfeld’s brand, which unveiled a capsule collection with supermodel-of-the-moment Kaia Gerber at the end of August.

The creative also released a limited-edition beauty collection with Model Co earlier this year, and joined forces with his personal assistant Sebastien Jondeau on a curated menswear capsule that debuted at the Pitti Uomo trade show back in January.

Puma has also been racking up celebrity collaborations of late, enlisting the help of The Weeknd, Sonra and Hello Kitty, to name just a few. JB

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Miss Universe bets in Davao: adventurous in nature trip, elegant in fashion show

DAVAO CITY – From the mountain to the runway.

That’s what the Miss Universe candidates did in their short visit here Thursday.

Less than an hour after they arrived, the 29 candidates were herded into a waiting bus for a very late lunch at the Eden Nature Park and Resort, a mountain haven in Toril District, more than an hour ride from the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.


There, they were welcomed by schoolchildren who waited for more than three hours. The candidates had a brief dance showdown with the Bagobo children, but the resort was off limits to media.

The 29 candidates did not have the time to try the mountain resort’s adrenaline-pumping rides like the Skyswing, Skycycle and the zipline as they had to rush back to the SMX Convention Center for the Mindanao Tapestry fashion show.

With the event already delayed for more than an hour, the paying audience were made to wait outside the venue because the girls still had to do some runway rehearsals.

A pre-show at the mall’s foyer featured local models dressed by Mindanao designers Ronnie Nacua, Toffy Ledesma, John Bonnie Adaza, Bamba Limon, Nicky de Asis, Richie Uy delos Santos, Steffy Dacalus, Joey Hambala, Windel Mira, Grand Crizzel Ravacio, Pepe Quitco, Che Aranjuez, Mark Sayad, Ivan Raborar, Wilfred Yee, Akmad Kari Jr., and Saidali Abdilla Jr..

The main show opened with Miss USA Deshauna Barber wearing homegrown designer Aztec Barba’s gown.

Barba’s creation was followed by nine other Davao designers, including Mindanao fashion czar Alfonso “Boy” Giuno-o’s which was modeled by Miss Philippines Maxine Madina.

The local designers included Silverio Anglacer and Kenny Lagada, and Davao Fashion and Design Council members Emi Englis, Kenny Ladaga, Benjie Panizales, Dodjie Batu, Edgar Buyan, Wilson Limon and Egay Ayag.

Short video presentations on how the Mindanao fabrics are woven and tribal dances served as “in-betweeners” for the show.

The candidates also wore collections made by Manila-based designer Renee Salud who used Maguindanao’s “inaul” for ball gowns, South Cotabato’s Tinalak for long gowns, Basilan’s hand-woven fabric “tennun” for casual wear and Maranao malong for trapeze dresses.

The show was capped with minor prizes given away by sponsor Pheonix Oil– Miss Philippines won Hiyas ng Pheonix, Miss Indonesia Kezia Warouw was Miss Smile, and Miss Venezuela Mariam Habach was named Miss Phoenix. IDL

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Japanese brand is more than just makeup base

Japanese skincare and makeup brand Kanebo is all set to launch a brand new look and marketing campaign to mark its 80th anniversary this year. At the sneak preview in Tokyo last May, company officials discussed its three-pronged approach to market its skincare line consisting of products that “transcend function alone by appealing to the senses.”

First, Kanebo will encourage women to “enjoy their beauty” by accepting their differences. Next, beauty consultants are trained to provide personalized counseling based on a woman’s daily, weekly, monthly and yearlong needs—a new development the company calls “Chrono Beauty,” where the changing needs of women as they mature are addressed using the corresponding product.

Lastly, it promises to provide women a total sensory experience with products that smell good and are easy to apply. A bonus is the sleek, tactile containers that call to mind flowing water and were designed by Gwenael Nicolas.

The eight-item skincare range includes a day cream with SPF 15, night lipid wear, “The First Serum,” two types of lotion, two types of emulsion, a cleansing cream, cleansing oil and creamy wash.

Brand manager Robby da Silva said that Kanebo is focusing on the line’s day cream, night lipid wear and First Serum.

“The last is a unique item that draws the moisture from subsequent products which is essential in increasing skin moisture,” he said.

Last collection

Lunasol, the skincare brand from Kanebo, will eventually be phased out—the last collection is the current autumn range. In its place, a Kanebo-branded range consisting of 16 items and 34 SKU (stock keeping units) will be introduced.

Makeup fans can look forward to everything from Full Radiance foundation, Glow Primer and eyeshadows to Moisture Rouge, dual eyeliners and eyebrow pencils.

Long-time customers who had the chance to check out the products in a private selling event, however, zeroed in on the base products: foundation, primer and loose powder. For them, Kanebo has always been synonymous to foundation that provides perfectly sheer or full coverage.

Fronting the company’s new look and marketing campaign is American model Arizona Muse, whose easygoing beauty is hoped to attract a younger market.

The new skincare and makeup from Kanebo will be available this month at Rustans Makati, Shangri-La Plaza and Cebu.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Beyoncé’s Athleisure Brand, Ivy Park Is Now Available to the World, Including the Philippines

It came as a surprise to all of us when Beyoncé suddenly revealed her athleisure line Ivy Park earlier this month. Today, the brand is officially available for purchase in several countries, including the Philippines.

Yup, you read that right: Queen Bey has blessed our shores with her athleisure line via shopping website Zalora PH. In a statement, Zalora Group CEO Michele Ferrario expressed his excitement for the venture, saying that they want to “continue our commitment to bring the best global fashion brands to style-minded women across the Southeast Asian region.”

The line consists of tank tops with built-in sports bras, body suits, sweatshirts, and jersey vests fitting for all our workout needs. The price of the clothes also ranges from P1,199 to P5,349, which seems like a hefty price for some. But can you really put a price on something designed by Beyoncé?

 Photo courtesy of Ivy Park’s Instagram

source: preen.inquirer.net

Jimmy Choo introduces customized bridal shoes

For the first time since Jimmy Choo introduced its bespoke service in Europe last year, it’s now offering the bridal customization service to Filipino brides.

The made-to-order bridal shoes service allows the bride to choose the style, the material and color, as well as personalize her pair with her monogram or a date plaque to commemorate her wedding day.

The London-born Jimmy Choo brand has a vast selection of wedding styles, from flat sandals for beach weddings and taller brides, as well as the sexier high-heeled stilettos and classic pumps, and in an array of wedding-appropriate shades—white, off-white, ivory, champagne, silver, gold, glitter—and fabrications—suede, lace, satin, calf and kid leather, as well as exotic skins like crocodile and snake.

Some are even bejeweled.


But for the bespoke bridal service, there are only five styles to choose from: the Anouk, a pointy pump with 4.7” spike heels; the Abel, also a pointy pump with a slightly shorter heel at 3.9”; the Lance, a tall, sexy stiletto with delicate crisscrossing straps; the Luna, a classic peep-toe pump with low platform; and the Cosmic, a round-toe pump with a .98” platform and 4.5” heels.

The base style, usually of satin, costs from P49,500 to a high of P400,000 for the exotic skins.

The service, according to Stores Specialists Inc., the exclusive local distributor of Jimmy Choo in the Philippines, is being offered not just to brides, but also to their mothers and the bridal entourage.

If you’re set to wed in December, however, it may be a bit late as orders take four to six months to deliver. All shoes are made in Italy.

Brides can place their orders at Jimmy Choo in Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing and Rustan’s Makati.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

MAC’s new lipsticks will turn you into a Valli girl

When it comes to MAC collections, you snooze, you lose.

Fans of the brand are so quick to snatch up new releases that collections sell out in a flash.

The latest one, and the reason many lipstick lovers hit the malls bright and early on September 1, is MAC’s collaboration with Giambattista Valli.

The Paris-based Italian designer has won over fashionable women with creations that combine elegance and whimsy, timelessness and femininity. Stars like Amy Adams, Charlize Theron, Lena Dunham, Reese Witherspoon and Rihanna have been spotted wearing his designs on the red carpet. Jessica Biel wore a petal pink Giambattista Valli gown when she married Justin Timberlake.

Now, MAC fans around the world will get to enjoy Valli’s aesthetic with his collection of six lip products which, he says, was inspired partly by an interview David Letterman did with Anna Wintour. “Letterman asked, “How can you change the wardrobe of a woman with just $20?” Anna replied, “You go out and pick a brand new lipstick.” I thought that was so brilliant. So my idea was to put together the Valli colors — reds, pinks and fuchsia — hues that fit any kind of personality.”

There are five matte lipsticks in the collection, all named after friends he grew up with, his Valli girls—independent, stylish women who enjoy freedom and do their own thing. Valli said, “Their personality makes them a leader.”

Bianca B is a pale white-pink. Tats is a bright hot pink. Margherita is a yellow bright peach, Charlotte is a rich yellow-red and Eugenie is a dark cherry with blue undertones.

There’s also a Crystal Glaze Gloss called Lena, a clear gloss with multicolored pearl that can be layered over lipstick to make it shine.

We love that the bullets show the color of the lipstick inside, making it easy to know which one to grab and swipe on for a little Valli girl vibe.

MAC X Giambattista Valli is available at MAC Glorietta, Rustan’s Shangri-La, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma, Rockwell, Ayala Center Cebu, Eastwood, Alabang, SM Aura, Megamall, Robinsons Place Magnolia, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Makati and SM North Edsa.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Do You Want to Smell Like Ariana Grande?

When she’s not too busy licking frosted donuts, Ariana Grande also dabbles in making perfume. This September, she will drop fragrant, florally bomb of a perfume

According to her scent’s website, ARI by Ariana Grande is a “luscious and sexy fragrance [that] opens with sparkling fruits and an ultra-feminine florally (sic) passionately spun with musks and woods and an addictive hint of marshmallow.” Well, it’s very Ariana.

But wait, marshmallows? She sure takes her sweets seriously.

The perfume comes in a pink, spiky grenade-shaped bottle, of course. The puffy white bunny tail attached to it reminds you of the star and her naughty but nice image. Hey, if she can wear cat ears, why can’t Ariana’s scent wear bunny tails, right?

We would have to see how this one fares considering a tanking of celebrity perfumes due to lack of prestige.

For now, we have to clue as to how it will smell like or how it will smell on her. But you can try sniffing at her concert here in Manila next month for any nuance of the scent.

[Fashionista]

source: preen.inquirer.net

When she’s not too busy licking frosted donuts, Ariana Grande also dabbles in making perfume. This September, she will drop fragrant, florally bomb of a perfume
According to her scent’s website, ARI by Ariana Grande is a “luscious and sexy fragrance [that] opens with sparkling fruits and an ultra-feminine florally (sic) passionately spun with musks and woods and an addictive hint of marshmallow.” Well, it’s very Ariana.
But wait, marshmallows? She sure takes her sweets seriously.
The perfume comes in a pink, spiky grenade-shaped bottle, of course. The puffy white bunny tail attached to it reminds you of the star and her naughty but nice image. Hey, if she can wear cat ears, why can’t Ariana’s scent wear bunny tails, right?
We would have to see how this one fares considering a tanking of celebrity perfumes due to lack of prestige.
For now, we have to clue as to how it will smell like or how it will smell on her. But you can try sniffing at her concert here in Manila next month for any nuance of the scent.
[Fashionista]
- See more at: http://preen.inquirer.net/11001/do-you-want-to-smell-like-ariana-grande#sthash.KF1jSKRf.dpuf

Skinny jeans pose danger to health—doctors

PARIS, France – Squatting in super-tight “skinny” jeans may pose a health risk, Australian doctors warned Tuesday, reporting the case of a woman who temporarily lost feeling in her legs from an hours-long squeeze.

The 35-year-old collapsed and had to be hospitalised the day after helping a relative move home, spending hours on her haunches to unpack cupboards.

The unusual case was reported in a British specialist publication, the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

“She had been wearing tight ‘skinny’ jeans and recalled that these had felt increasingly tight and uncomfortable as the day wore on,” the journal said.

“Later that evening, she experienced numbness in her feet and found it difficult to walk, which caused her to trip and fall.

“Unable to get up, she spent several hours lying on the ground before she was found.”

The woman’s legs were so swollen that the jeans could only be removed by cutting them off, said the statement.

She couldn’t move her ankles or toes properly, and had lost feeling in her lower legs and feet.

She was put on a drip, and was able to walk normally again four days later.

Doctors at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, said the jeans, combined with the squatting, had reduced blood supply to the leg muscles.

At the same time, nerve fibres connecting to the lower legs had been damaged by prolonged compression, which explained the numbness and loss of control.

“The present case represents a new neurological complication of wearing tight jeans,” they wrote.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Oscars fashion: White and silver, and lots of beads

HOLLYWOOD — Hollywood’s A-list actresses oozed old-school elegance in white and glittering silver on the Oscars red carpet Sunday, even as rain tumbled down on Tinseltown’s top fashion parade.

Beyond the icy color palette, another trend for the ladies was lots of pearls and beads. Many of the gowns seen on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre were embellished to the max.

Luckily, organizers set up a canopy to protect the stars from the drizzle.

Julianne Moore, who won the best actress Oscar for playing a woman with early onset Alzheimer’s disease in “Still Alice,” wore a custom beaded white strapless Chanel gown with black accents, her red hair swept back in a bun.

“Karl Lagerfeld made this for me!” she exclaimed.

France’s Marion Cotillard, a previous Oscar winner and nominated again Sunday in the best actress category, also chose white — a sleeveless Dior polka dot gown with a geisha-style bustle.

“I dreamed of cinema glory, for sure… but I would have never thought I would be part of this American family of cinema,” Cotillard told E! television’s Ryan Seacrest.

Best supporting actress winner Patricia Arquette, who took home the trophy for her moving portrayal of a single mother raising two kids in “Boyhood,” arrived early with several members of her acting family in tow.

The 46-year-old blonde dazzled in a one-shoulder Rosetta Getty gown with a ruched white bodice and a form-fitting black skirt. A simple up-do gave her a bit of a Greek goddess look.

“It’s a beautiful story about human beings and kids growing up,” Arquette told CNN of “Boyhood,” which earned a total of six nominations, but only the one award.

Lupita Nyong’o — the best supporting actress Oscar winner last year for “12 Years a Slave” and a red carpet darling — wore a custom pearl-encrusted sleeveless Calvin Klein gown.

“The pressure’s off,” she said. “I can just dress up and enjoy the show.”

“Wild” nominee Laura Dern — who brought her actor father Bruce to the ceremony — glittered in a fierce silver-studded strapless Alberta Ferretti gown worthy of a warrior princess.

In a pale shade of silvery gray was best actress nominee Felicity Jones, who was resplendent in a hand-sewn, pearl-covered gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, her shoulders bare.

And Lady Gaga, who sang a powerful “Sound of Music” tribute medley during the show to mark its 50th anniversary, wore a space-age sparkling white and silver Azzedine Alaia gown with a full skirt — and bright red gloves that seemed better suited for washing dishes.

For fashion and jewelry designers, having an A-list star show up on the Oscars red carpet in one of their creations is essentially free advertising — thanks to the global coverage of the ceremony.

Bucking the pale color trend was British actress Rosamund Pike — a nominee for her startling turn in thriller “Gone Girl” — who looked sultry in a fire engine-red Givenchy gown with a high slit up the front.

And Scarlett Johansson rocked a curve-hugging Versace halter gown in emerald green.



For men, pops of color

For the men, there were lots of classic black tuxedos — best actor nominees Steve Carell and rival Michael Keaton, along with “Boyhood” star Ethan Hawke, a best supporting actor nominee, all kept it simple.

But a few used the red carpet to get noticed. Some mixed it up with color, while best supporting actor winner J.K. Simmons added a dapper black hat.

“Selma” star David Oyelowo, who many observers felt deserved a nomination for playing Martin Luther King, rocked a three-piece burgundy tux from Dolce & Gabbana.

Briton Eddie Redmayne, who as predicted took home the best actor prize for his moving, physical portrayal of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, sported a midnight blue Alexander McQueen tux with black accents.

“It’s raining, which feels beautifully British,” Redmayne told E! television.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Tomboy chic meets surfer girl

“I’ve always been a fan of comfort dressing,” says model Anna Frumenti, who likes wearing mannish clothes while working as a designer for emerging local fashion brand Beetroot, traveling to various cities and taking photos using film.

Projecting a tomboy-chic-meets-surfer-girl image, Anna points out that Beetroot is “like a response to what we wanted to wear but couldn’t find anywhere. I’m an advocate of nonrestricting bras.”

The pieces indeed feel like second skin; the bras have ample support, but are still light and easy.

The brand is found in pop-up shops and bazaars; that’s incidentally where we chanced upon Anna.

Apart from her regular minimalist outfits, Anna’s wardrobe reveals a good number of stuff borrowed from the boys.

“[But] I got these leather shoes in Giordano Ladies on sale,” she quips.



As part of her grooming rituals, Anna prefers Lush Sea Salt Shampoo: “It smells good and works well with my hair after the treatments.”

Showing off the contents of her little beauty bag, Anna revels in the crazy colors of Nars lipstick and the Bare Minerals tint.

She says that, during her travels, it always helps to carry sunscreen, specifically Laura Mercier that doubles up as a moisturizer.

As laid-back as she appears, Anna has a beauty aesthetic that is far from plain. Her fashion sense oozes with nonchalance but is nonetheless carefully put together.

PHOTOS BY ARTU NEPOMUCENO MAKEUP BY YUKI PANGANIBAN OF SHU UEMURA

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

These bangles were made for stacking (and giving)

Kristel Cue first met Alex and Ani founder Carolyn Rafaelian as a student in New York in 2006. “She welcomed our college organization in her office for an inspiring career talk,” Kristel recalled.

After the talk, Carolyn gave each of the students a bangle. “It was to remind us to pursue our passion,” said Kristel, who got a Fleur de Lis bangle in Rafaelian Gold—something she still wears today.

Six years later, Kristel and her business partner Celine Tang decided to bring the brand, which has a solid following around the world, to Manila. “We saw a market in the Philippines for a lifestyle brand with real meaning to the wearer. Very few brands, especially in fashion, focus on creating a positive impact as its core mission,” said Kristel.

Their store in SM Aura has been a huge hit, both with long-time customers of the brand who discovered it while abroad and with new Alex and Ani fans.

Women stop by regularly to create their stacks. Yes, Alex and Ani bracelets are meant to be worn in a pretty pile on your wrists. Some women choose to build slowly, choosing bangles with charms that have a special meaning for them, while others amass an impressive collection in just one visit.

Kristel said, “They say building a stack can be quite addictive—which is true! It’s also a perfect gift item.”

In the Philippines, the bestsellers have been the Mother Mary and Four Leaf Clover designs, but Kristel’s favorite is The Path of Life: “I like what it symbolizes—strength, motivation, knowledge. Our Gypsy 66 wrap is also a great layering piece.”

On Dec. 14, Alex and Ani will hold a Christmas shopping event at SM Aura to celebrate the release of their newest collections—Night’s Mosaic, Buffed Epoxy and the highly anticipated Monopoly collection that was inspired by the classic boardgame.

Kristel loves talking to customers: “Hearing why they are purchasing Alex and Ani—whether for themselves or someone dear to them—can be heartwarming. The stories have been amazing, and we feel very lucky to be able to share this positive energy with people in the Philippines.”

Positive energy is important to founder Carolyn Rafaelian. She said, in this e-mail interview with Super: “From the beginning, the company’s purpose has been to create pieces that have meaning and a positive impact. To me, positive energy is love, kindness and making the best of each situation. It’s the driving force behind all things Alex and Ani, as well as in my own life.”

We asked Carolyn about the brand that she named after her daughters, her passions and her favorite bangles.

What inspired you to start Alex and Ani?

My father opened a jewelry factory, Cinerama, in Rhode Island in 1966. Working in the jewelry industry is a family tradition and something I’ve always been a part of. I grew up in an extremely creative environment with a supportive family. During the time spent in the factory, I experimented and created my own pieces. Ultimately, my passion became my enterprise.

What’s the most unforgettable thing your father taught you about jewelry?

That each piece you create is an expression of yourself, your individuality. I design each piece with the intention of empowering and inspiring others.

How does it feel to know that your brand has a lot of fans in the Philippines?

The whole experience is a blessing. The growth and progression of this company was very organic. As it grows around the world, I feel gratitude in my heart. It’s wonderful to know that our products hit home for so many around the world. It’s exciting! I plan to visit Asia soon and look forward to experiencing such a beautiful culture.

Which pieces are your personal favorites?

The “One People” bangle that both the Dalai Lama and I have. I created two: one for him and one for me. He blessed them, which was one of the most incredible moments of my life.

What’s your favorite stack to wear? Do you mix your metals?

I prefer to wear gold, but I do adore how the mixed metals look together; silver and gold definitely complement each other. My fathers’ gold chain bracelet and the One People bangle are always on my wrist. I wear what I am drawn to each day. New designs and other treasures that inspire me enhance my stack. These pieces are dear to my heart and soul…

We love that Alex and Ani has a lot of charity bangles. How do you choose which organizations to work with?

Ultimately it’s an organic process guided by the extraordinary team at Charity By Design (CBD). Each inquiry we receive is considered and valued. CBD   empowers nonprofit organizations to reach their goals by sharing what we do best, harnessing the power of positive energy through innovative, creative design. It’s also at a price point that could potentially attract new philanthropists. We’re currently working on making Charitable Bangles available worldwide.

You use recycled material for your jewelry. Is the environment something you feel passionate about?

Yes, definitely. Using sustainable materials is another way of saying, “Product made with integrity.” Knowing where something is made, who’s making it, and what their intentions are make all the difference. We make a conscious effort to remain environmentally sustainable, support local economies, and through thought, prayer and intentions, create the finest American products.

What else are you passionate about?

Living a life that’s a real example of the power of positive energy. Outside of Alex and Ani, my passions include spending time at Sakonnet Vineyard, creating wines from the oldest vines in New England, and restoring a Rhode Island historic landmark, Belcourt of Newport. I love absolutely everything about my job. I’m truly living my dream.

What’s the best thing people have said about your jewelry?

My favorite story is when someone gives a bangle to a friend (or stranger) right off their wrist. This is so cool! It’s like this great, pay-it-forward effect where someone is like, “Hey, you’re dealing with something, I dealt with something similar… put this bangle on and let it remind you that you have what it takes to get through it.” This is powerful…

Do you have any tips for people who are starting to build their stack or buying bangles for their loved ones?

Alex and Ani products are created for wearers to feel empowered, enlightened and beautiful. Words are powerful, symbols are powerful and the wearer can experience this heightened sense of inspiration through our pieces. The best advice I would give is to select symbols that resonate with you or the loved ones in your lives.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Ebola virus spreads to Halloween outfits

WASHINGTON — An online retailer in California is making no apologies for marketing Ebola-themed outfits for grown-ups looking to add some shock value to their Halloween party get-ups.

Brands On Sale has so far sold “hundreds” of men’s white Ebola containment suit costumes — complete with face shield, breathing mask, safety goggles and latex gloves — for $79.99 a pop, CEO Johnathon Weeks said Monday.

“We can barely keep them in stock,” Weeks told AFP by telephone.

Last Thursday, responding to customer demand, Brands On Sale added a “sexy” version for women at $59.99 that substitutes the coveralls with a white short-sleeve nurse’s mini dress.

“The short dress and chic gas mask will be the talk of Milan, London, Paris and New York as the world’s fashionistas seek global solutions to hazmat couture,” says the blurb on the company’s website.

With fear of Ebola sweeping the United States, the latter costume has stirred up an online furor, with the left-wing Mother Jones magazine calling it “the stupidest Halloween thing ever.”

Weeks begged to differ, saying shoppers can easily find edgier alternatives, like children’s marijuana leaf costumes, pregnant nun costumes, even “priest-holding-boys-around-the-genitals costumes.”

In any event, Brands On Sale has sold “less than a dozen” so far, he said, although it is accepting orders — and shipping to 50 countries — right up to Halloween night.

After a decade in the Halloween costume business, Weeks said his company, with its own costume factory, has noticed how media attention and current events drive consumer tastes — and sales — when October 31 draws near.

“When Michael Jackson died, everybody wanted to be ‘Thriller’, and when Heath Ledger died, everyone wanted to be the Joker” from the Batman superhero franchise, he said.

He added: “America and the rest of the world need to lighten up. Halloween is the one day of the year when you can dress up and be anybody you want.”

The National Retail Federation, an industry group, forecasts that Americans this year will spend $2.8 billion on Halloween costumes — including $1.4 billion for adult costumes to be worn by an estimated 75 million grown-ups.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

No wax, just water

Women who’ve gone through a lot of lipsticks and glosses can tell how waxy their lip product is after drinking water. When water comes in contact with an extremely waxy lipstick, you’re left with an uncomfortable feeling as the lipstick components—particularly wax—are broken down by the water.

At a glance, Dior’s latest hybrid lip color, the Fluid Stick, looks like the regular Dior Addict lipsticks, except for a transparent cap showing off the lipstick’s shape and shade. However, the knob at the end of the tube unscrews to reveal a wand and color applicator.

The optical illusion created by the tube is intentional, an echo of the characteristics of the brand’s new formula.

The Fluid Stick eschews wax—a staple base for most lip color—completely, using water instead as base for the intense pigments encapsulated in gloss beads. The advantage of using water instead of wax is that you won’t get the weighed-down feel typical in waxy formulas.

Because the Fluid Stick is water-based, applying it for the first time results in a shiny and wet glossy texture on the lips. But once the water evaporates, the pigment sits on the lips comfortably. You’d feel like you’re not wearing anything at all.

Even though it’s water-based, the pigments are not sheer. One coat is enough for vibrant and intense coverage.



To make application easier, the tip of the applicator is shaped like a brand-new lipstick’s tip, allowing you to contour lips easily and to enable you to apply the product mirror-free (every woman should learn how to apply lip color without a mirror).

The lightweight formula is perfect for our hot weather, and for those going to the beach (applying an opaque lip color helps protect lips from sunburn).

Fluid Stick comes in 16 shades, with names inspired by memorable couture pieces from Dior’s rich fashion history. Because coral is always a staple during summer, try Aventure, a pure coral that goes well with all skin tones. For those who prefer a bold hue, try Pandore, categorized as a pure and flamboyant red (it’s also what Dior Addict model Sasha Luss is wearing in the ads shot by Steven Meisel). If you want to stay on trend, Wonderland is a fuchsia that echoes one of the year’s trend colors.

Dior is available at G/F Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Shangri-La Plaza.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Will ‘Kimye’ be the death of Vogue?

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West couldn’t be happier that they finally got their Vogue cover. As for the rest of the world—not so much.

Did the magazine sell out?

When news broke that Anna Wintour just granted Kim Kardashian’s wish by putting her and fiancé Kanye West on the cover, some thought that this was simply some April Fools’ joke. And when the Internet finally came around to the fact that “Kimye” had indeed landed the cover of the world’s most prestigious fashion magazine, readers did not take Wintour’s decision lying down.

The reaction was instant and vicious. Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar’s tweet, “Well… I guess I’m canceling my Vogue subscription. Who is with me???” was “favorited” and retweeted thousands of times.

And thanks to the magic of Photoshop, retribution against fashion’s elite magazine has been laughable. Celebrities like Seth Rogen and James Franco, and even Kermit and Miss Piggy have swapped out Kimye—fans even deemed such spoof covers a vast improvement over the original.

And despite the bride- and groom-to-be being given the “Vogue treatment”—photographed by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, and wearing Lanvin and Saint Laurent, respectively, in a mock-wedding photo pose—the outrage has not been limited to Twitter. Vogue’s Facebook page has been flooded with hundreds of seething messages and comments. Said one: “I’m sick and tired of your posts about Kim Kardashian, that’s why I will unlike your page. You were a magazine with a serious status. Now you remind me of Hello! Magazine (which is better ’cause it’s cheaper for what it offers). Go back to designers, artists, actors and models and maybe I’ll re-like you. Tired of D class reality hookers.”

Added another: “Seriously Vogue??? You consider this stylish??? What is happening to Vogue!!!”

The idea of Vogue, and what it represented, is a concept that the magazine invented. Being a reader myself of the magazine for many years, Vogue has a reputation of featuring only, shall we say, in a more polite fashion, A-list stars on its covers. You know, the supermodels, the Oscar-winning actresses, the Grammy-winning singers and pop stars who have graced the covers of Vogue have trained loyal readers to instinctively note what is and isn’t Vogue.

Kimye, most especially Kim, doesn’t exactly fit into these groups. From her sex tape scandal past to her self-promoting present, she’s a vulgar reality show star who basically represents everything that isn’t Vogue. Putting her on the cover, with Kanye peeking from behind, is an obvious branding faux pas.

Question is, did Wintour make the right decision, or will it lead to a mass exodus of dismayed loyal readers?

The criticisms from readers shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, including Wintour. If you read Wintour’s editor’s note, she already anticipated the flak, and any rumors of ill will between fashion’s gatekeeper and the talked-about couple have been crushed, according to Wintour’s letter from the editor.

She said: “Part of the pleasure of editing Vogue, one that lies in a long tradition of this magazine, is being able to feature those who define the culture at any given moment, who stir



things up, whose presence in the world shapes the way it looks and influences the way we see it. I think we can all agree on the fact that that role is currently being played by Kim and Kanye to a T. (Or perhaps that should be to a K?)… As for the cover, my opinion is that it is both charming and touching, and it was, I should add, entirely our idea to do it; you may have read that Kanye begged me to put his fiancée on Vogue’s cover. He did nothing of the sort. The gossip might make better reading, but the simple fact of the matter is that it isn’t true.”

While it’s unlikely that putting Kim Kardashian on the cover will put Vogue out of business, it is a prestigious brand that has been around for more than a century. It’s a move that might have not been consistent with the magazine’s branding, but it was a clever, shrewd tactic, especially for a business-minded editor like Wintour.

Kimye have about 30 million combined Twitter followers, as opposed to Vogue’s less than 4 million. In an age when the Internet is killing the print business, Wintour’s move was a strategic one to help the magazine sell more copies, which has reportedly declined by more than 10 percent since 2012.

With all the publicity the cover is getting, Wintour will surely achieve just that.

And after the collective discontent over this issue’s cover, notice that something seems to be changing with the magazine’s cover models—starting with the curvier Lena Dunham, then Rihanna, and now Kim. It’s almost as if these are signs of Vogue’s own way, and Wintour’s, I might add, of adapting to and recognizing that the business model it created in the past is no longer sustainable.

Under Wintour’s direction, Vogue, after all, has featured the likes of The Spice Girls and Britney Spears, and has been angling toward more celebrity-driven coverage for decades.

For those of you who really can’t stand Kim, not to worry. I’m betting that Wintour’s next cover subject will be someone all girls are loving right now—

someone more Vogue like Lupita Nyong’o, perhaps?

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Monique Lhuillier goes Goth romantic

NEW YORK—The “dark side” of Monique Lhuillier couldn’t be more evident in her Fall 2014 collection. Imagine romance in hues of blacks and grays, skull prints and vinyl coats and you have a collection that evokes futuristic drama.

“It’s all about architectural details,” the Hollywood designer told The FilAm. “It was about being dramatic and stepping on to the darker side.”

Monique said she had never done “anything like this before” and wanted to try something new.

In one midi-dress, she used gray skull prints for a pair of bell-sleeves. It’s hardly noticeable from a distance. In others are embroidered cobweb prints.

Particularly captivating was the pairing of the lace net blouse and the leather A-line skirt. Edgy yet feminine. Lhuillier is so good at giving her ensembles nice visual balance.

So many gorgeous cocktail dresses. One that stood out was the silk fringe number with a geometric lace neckline. Other mentionables were the pale gold long-sleeved embroidered organza, which looked richly heavy though, and the embroidered cocktail dress in fuschia. The skull prints were so tiny, nearly hidden from the naked eye, that is, until one got close enough to the dress.

“Always wear what looks best on your body. It doesn’t matter what the trend is, everyone needs to wear what looks best on them, not what everyone else says they should wear,” has always been Monique’s fashion philosophy.

Stylist-Tina Laakkonen; Hair-Bob Recine for Moroccanoil; Makeup-Val Garland and The Mac Pro Team; Nails-Essie; Shoes-Monique Lhuillier Footwear; Undergarments-Commando

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Natori reinterprets Russian opulence in Fall 2014 collection

NEW YORK–It was a soaking wet Wednesday when fashion mogul Josie Natori unveiled her Fall 2014 collection to usher in New York Fashion Week.

“This season’s collection is inspired by the richness of the Russianculture,” Natori told The FilAm.

My friend, Erno Hormillosa, and I arrived at DiMenna Center in Midtown Manhattan, pants dripping at the cuff. He offered me a fresh pair of socks, but there was no time to change. The show would begin the minute after we found our seats. After slogging along through Midtown, we joined fashion luminaries, editors, stylists and buyers who braved the slushy roads to preview Natori’s breathtaking — and should I say timely — collection.

Rich, velvety fabric dominated, with faux fur accents. She showed us how the costumes contained the modernism of the ’30s and the embellishments that Natori designs are known for.

“We have laser cuts, the beading is very clean, very sculptural and very dramatic,” she explained.

February 5 being her first runway show for Fashion Week, Natori chose

a special location: the DiMenna Center for Classical Music, home of

the Orchestra for St. Luke’s, where she sits on the board.

Natori, who was a Vice President of Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch before she opened her lingerie line more than 30 years ago and expanded into fragrance and eyewear, plays the piano.

“The House of Natori collection for this season introduces a new perspective on the romantic idea of Russia…with the transcendence of timeless folkloric themes into a modern identity,” says the press handout.



Erno, a director of fashion shows, shared his thoughts. “The first thing I noticed before the first model appeared on the runway was the choice of music,” he said. “It’s from Tchaikovsky, and it complemented Natori’s collection.”

He continued: “The designs are architectured with a touch of Asian influence, which make them so pleasing to watch.”

Erno likewise noted that a piece of jewelry worn by one of the models appeared to represent jewelry typically used by Russian royalty.

“All the clothes are wearable. The two-toned velvet and faux fur coats are a winner especially to those who are on budget,” he said. “Another interesting accessory is the arm-length gloves made of leather with a lacy pattern. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“The traditional forms and ornate embellishments found in Russia’s rich culture were particularly influential to me this season,” said Natori. I love to reinterpret ancient motifs for the modern woman and share my love of everyday opulence.”

Art direction was by Andrew Egan for CoolGraySeven; styling: Patrick Mackie; music: Coleman; hair and makeup: Shiseido; casting and production: Nisha Inalsingh; accessories: House of Natori

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Dad’s guide to dressing up

December is the season of celebrations and thanksgiving. There will be office parties, school parties, reunions, weddings, baptisms, anniversaries.

Many men will face the dilemma of how to dress up appropriately for these different occasions. If you wear the wrong attire, you may either be lucky and called a “standout,” or stick out like a sore thumb.

Most men need a guide to dressing up. There are a few style guides out there, like Gentleman’s Quarterly (popularly known as GQ) and a handful of other men’s magazines. But these mags are geared toward promoting known (often pricey) menswear labels and passing trends. Models, fashion designers and male dress horses make full use of the material in these publications.

But there is scarce material for regular guys to use as a standard of what to wear for different occasions.

First, understand that “dressing up” means just that—you dress up to a higher level. The dress code is written in an invitation as the attire that the party’s host wants you to wear. Plenty of work, planning and design are put into setting up the event which follows a specific motif. The dress code ensures that you will fit into the theme of the occasion. It shows that you belong there.

Historically, the purpose of having a dress code was to be able to set classes of people apart. The lower-class citizens could not afford to dress the same way the upper-class folks did. The way people dressed up was a visual clue as to what level they belonged to in society. It was also an effective way of spotting gatecrashers at a party.

The invited male guest shows good social manners by adhering to dressing up according to the dress code. It should be respected and followed by any man who is considerate of his host’s wishes.

The codes are flexible to a certain degree, but the male guest should stay within the range of what is acceptable.

Formal wear

1. Black tie—A tuxedo or a suit generally made of black wool with black satin lapels. It has matching trousers with a black satin stripe running down the exterior of the pants’ leg. Wear it with a black satin bow tie and black cummerbund. Sometimes a vest is worn with it. It is also still referred to as “dinner clothes” or “dinner jacket.”

2. Cummerbund —This is a wide, pleated sash that you wear around your waistband as part of formal wear. It is correctly worn with the pleats facing upward.

3. White tie—This is not the same suit as in a black tie, but composed of a black wool tailcoat and matching trousers, with a satin stripe running down the exterior of the pants’ leg. It is worn with a white bow tie made of satin, linen or cotton. A white vest which matches the tie is worn as well.

Luckily for Filipino men, our barong Tagalog may be acceptable for both black or white tie events.

Festive

1. Semiformal—Traditionally this event asks that you be in a dark suit or barong variants. Many folks mistake this to refer to business casual.

2. Festive informal—Normally this pertained to wearing a suit with a brightly colored (festive!) tie. Nowadays it means not too formal, but not casual.

3. Cocktail—A dark suit or dressy sports coat, or barong variants. It is a dress-up event.

4. Business attire—A suit with tie or barong Tagalog at the higher levels. In the Philippines, the long-sleeved polo shirt and tie with dark trousers or the short-sleeved polo Barong are accepted.

5. Business casual—Sports coat with the option of wearing a tie. Polo barong is safe. Men in business polo shirts usually take off their neckties.

6. Casual chic—A sports coat, jacket or sweater paired with slacks or jeans. Layering seems to be the key.

7. Casual—The most relaxed dress code. You can wear slacks, jeans or shorts with any top you want, depending on your host’s directions.

Clothing options a man can invest in

1. Barong Tagalog— Sometimes referred to as barong Pilipino. This traditional Filipino outfit is an embroidered formal shirt. It is lightweight and worn untucked over an undershirt. It has long sleeves and is made of either pineapple, banana or abaca fibers. Every Filipino should have a good quality barong in his wardrobe. It is very versatile for any dressy event, from the very formal down to business attire. Choose a classic design, and it can be used for decades.

2. Dark suit— If you go to many events, you need to have your own dark suit. It should be cut in a timeless style, in a color like black, navy blue or gray to ensure long use. A dress shirt, along with a coordinated tie, are worn with it. Like the barong, it is safe attire for many events including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, business meetings, cocktails, funerals.

3. Barong variants:

Gusot-mayaman and linen barong —These are not made of delicate fabrics. They are less formal than the standard barong Tagalog.

Polo barong—A short-sleeved version of the barong, often made of linen, ramie or cotton. This is the least formal version of the Barong and is often used as men’s office wear.

Shirt-jack barong—These are cut in shirt-jack style, usually made of polyester-cotton, linen-cotton and gusot-mayaman fabrics.

All three barong variants are safe to use for different occasions. You get a look that is above casual and at the same time not too dressy. You could pull off wearing them to almost any event. (Just beware that you may be dressed like security personnel.)

The dress code does not refer to style. It defines the rules of what to wear for different events. When a man understands these rules, he will feel confident wearing the right clothes for the right occasion.

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net