SHAPING UP

After blogging about the clothing brand CHEMISTRY in my previous post, here comes its big sister @SHAPES with its Holiday 2013 ad campaign.

Different casual to dressy getups highlight the recent collection of SHAPES that allow women to look their effortless best when doing their holiday shopping spree, catching up and bonding with old girlfriends over lunch, hitting the dance floor at night, or feeling romantic while on a date - all wearable options to sport out during this Yuletide season.

This new pictorial also features one of our favorite models, @Fatima Rabago, who happened to celebrate her birthday recently (belated happy birthday gurl!). The ultra-skinny Spanish model is also the wife of one of the country's most-sought male models, Hideo Muraoka.

Check out SHAPES and see their new collection at SM City North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Manila, SM Fairview, SM Clark, SM Pampanga, SM Batangas, SM Bicutan, SM Calamba, SM Dasmarinas, SM Lipa, SM San Lazaro, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Southmall, SM Novaliches, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Muntinlupa, SM Sucat, SM Valenzuela, Alabang Town Center, Pavillion Mall. Or log-on to www.shapes.com.ph; Facebook: Shapes (official); Twitter: shapes_clothing.

PATTERN MISMATCH. A pattern play of chevron stripes versus animal print looks very interesting. Finish off with something gold and you're off to dancing the night away.

The LBD. A well-fitting black dress always work for romantic evening dates. Add some quirky accessories that depict the mood of the season.

CASUAL VIBE. Mix colors and don some stripes on a relaxed, effortless but stylish weekend, or during a Sunday shopping spree.

CHECKING IN. Plaid shirts are so in-trend this season - choose a streamlined checkered shirt on a pair of slim trousers for a tailored look. For more adventurous styling, a fringed belt adds Western cowgirl appeal to the entire ensemble.

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Photography: Mau Aguasin (@ MA Studio)
Art Direction & Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Model: Fatima Rabago (Mercator)

A PERFECT CHEMISTRY

You may have probably come across this clothing shop while window shopping at select SM Supermalls, or have read about it in blogs, or in Facebook or Twitter. For some, @CHEMISTRY doesn't strike recognition as much as its older sister brand SHAPES, but it has a promising potential (merchandise-wise) should the company that owns it would realize the power of strategic marketing and intensive promotion.

My partner @George Palmiano and I have long been friends with its beloved owners (two of the nicest bosses in the industry, we must say), and we are thankful that they always entrust their ad campaigns to us. Speaking of which, we are glad to present its imaging for Holiday 2013 - the second pictorial we've done so far for CHEMISTRY.

Although this is released for the holiday season, this new ad campaign is in fact all-season with all-year basic and casual styles immersed in various delectable prints - both for him and for her. Take your pick from checks, florals and even stripes, and do your own spin on pattern combos that come in, well as you say, perfect chemistry.

CHECK YOUR STYLE
We've seen checkered prints come on and off the style radar, but this season is the right moment to wear them. Add some grunge character to your outfit, and come out edgy and headstrong.

FLOWER POWER
Miniscule floral prints are cute style favorites for dainty girls, and even so, boys shouldn't be afraid to wear them.

IN LINE WITH STRIPES 
Add nautical appeal onto your casual wardrobe and make your choice in black & white - for his or hers.

CHEMISTRY is available at SM City North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM Manila,  SM San Lazaro, SM Calamba, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Batangas and Marquee Mall Pampanga. Check out www.chemistry-shop.com, Twitter: chemistryshop, Facebook: Chemistry Clothing.






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Photography: @Mau Aguasin (MA Studio)
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog & @Joel Ven Malazo
Makeup: @Bobby Carlos
Hair: @Dimple Callada
Models: @Coraleen Wadell & @Tommy Esguerra (Elite Manila)

THINGS I HOPE ANNE CURTIS WOULD BUY ME FOR CHRISTMAS

First and foremost, I love ANNE CURTIS to death. This premise is not applicable though to JM Rodriguez, JR Isaac, John Lloyd Cruz and Phoemela Barranda, I suppose. Now that the country's top celebrity female endorser, TV host and actress is grilled on the hot seat, we've witnessed the "Dyosa" is a mere human afterall - capable of an outburst and committing darned mistakes.

"I can buy you, your friends and this club!" is destined to become an immortal dramatic line, almost for a movie. She already expressed her apologies to those involved. But if Anne offers to buy me something, I wouldn't hesitate to list down some cool, stylish things I want for Christmas. Here's 6 on my wishlist, and hope she doesn't mind the price tags afterall:

1) Lacoste 80th Anniversary Bling
The iconic Lacoste teams up with French luxury brands Baccarat, Bernardaud, Boucheron, Christofle, S.T. Dupont, Fauchon, Goyard, Hermes and Veuve Clicquot for its 80th Anniversary with limited edition bags, pens, bowls, etc. My partner Geo specifically likes the Lacoste x Goyard bag, while I'll go with the very chic Hermes croc bag.

L-R: Lacoste x Goyard travel bag; Lacoste x Hermes croc bag; Lacoste x ST Dupont pens; Lacoste x Boucheron crocodile brooch; Lacoste x Baccarat crystal bowl

2) Best footwear of the season
A chunky tractor sole from Prada, cool sneakers from Kris Van Assche, a pair of neon-laced hiking shoes from Hermes, and color-popped kicks from Lanvin - all I desire straight from the runways of F/W 2013. 

L-R: Shoes from Prada, Kris Van Assche, Hermes & Lanvin FW2013 (Photos from gq.com)

3) A Smart LED TV
Since the TV in my room needs replacement because of non-functioning remote control and damaged buttons on the TV itself, I might need this high-tech, most-advanced LED TV from Samsung. It says it will listen to your voice. Smart choice, indeed!

Samsung's latest Smart LED TV looks awesome!

4) Kenzo's S/S 2014 collection
I just love the black and white graphic approach of Kenzo's S/S 2014 collection. I wouldn't mind wearing all of its items, too. Very bagets, very concurrent!

Photos from style.com

5) A trip to South Korea
It has always been a dream to go to South Korea, and experience the autumn and winter seasons there. Let's pray that our plan to go next year will push through. It would be awesome to see the palace of the old monarchy, the orange autumn leaves, trees lined with snow, plus the Rooftop Prince, lol!

6) Donate more to Yolanda victims
This will be a no-brainer. For such wealth, Anne must give more to the victims, although I am pretty sure she has already done her part.

Images from rappler.com & cbcp.ecy.ph

To Anne, what happened is not to be joked at all, but hope you wouldn't mind this blog entry. Just like any controversy, this too, shall pass. Best wishes from this fan, and share instead to those who are in need if you have too much, especially this Yuletide Season.

CHILL FACTOR

We don't have snow here in the Philippines, but @MILANOS Shoes sets up the spirit of the cold holiday season with its aspirational ad campaign that takes us all to a great winter outdoor experience - and we can all just gasp in wishful thinking.

Actor/TV personality/endorser @SAM MILBY is a having cool dude moment - quite literally - sans celebrity-style elegant accents and those refined gentleman pieces in this pictorial that we are proud to say, looks intentionally international. He dabbles up for a more masculine-hunter look with layered knits, jackets or a gilet, rough pants along with his choice of rugged shoes (by MILANOS, of course) that take him to an adventurous weekend. 

Get cue from these latest footwear styles and rev up for the ultimate, adventure-packed holiday getaway:

BOOT CAMP
A staple this F/W 2013, tough-looking mid-cut boots (in black, brown, gray or camel) are all the rave whether out on the streets or during travel.

THE HUNTER GAMES
Your adventure awaits, and your choice of footwear is up to you: do you prefer lace-ups with wedge or tractor soles, or wingtips with contrasting midsoles?

SNEAK STREAK
This season's new breed of sneakers are more casual and streamlined than showy.

COZY COOL
Modern boat shoes and loafers are great for a laid-back but stylish weekend.

Also check out this classy-cool video that we styled for this ad campaign:




Check out MILANOS Shoes available at The SM Stores nationwide. Styles may vary per store. Thanks again to LTBG - especially to Ms. Rina Lacia-Bugayong & Ricci  del Rosario - MGP loves you!




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Photography: @Mark Nicdao
Art Direction/Ad Agency: @Adfolio
Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog, Joel Ven Malazo & Sim Horato
Grooming: @Peps Silvestre
Videography: @Paolo Pineda & @Ejay Leung

A SHOE FOR EVERY GIRL

We've known and heard many times the immortal tagline of The SM Store, "We've got it all for you!" -- can its iconic footwear brand @PARISIAN lag far behind?

It seems that PARISIAN has every type of shoe for every type of girl this holiday season. Whatever your role you portray - a self-driven career woman, an outgoing sporty girl, a party diva, a jetset traveller, or a hopeless romantic - the choice is yours on how to work each and every stride.

Take your pick from PARISIAN's latest style catalogue shoot for F/W 2013:


THE POWER PLAYER
Put your best foot forward with classy pumps, statement stilettos and structured bags - all worthy of a promotion.

SPORTY SPICE
Score additional style points with sportswear-inspired shoes and bags for the modern girl on-the-go.

ALL FOR GLAM
For feverish nights: give in to the seductive allure of these party-perfect evening pieces with megawatt metallic shine.

TRAVEL TIME
Go places in jetset style with boots and oversized bags embellished with tassels, studs and hardware accents.

IN PURSUIT OF ROMANCE
Set the mood for love as style fantasies come true with this ultra-feminine holiday collection that features actress/celebrity/Parisian endorser KC Concepcion.

Check out PARISIAN at The SM Stores nationwide.





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For catalogue shoot (models):
Photography: Nico Villegas (Edge of Light)
Art Direction/Ad Agency: Adfolio
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog, Joel Ven Malazo & Sim Horato
Makeup: Bobby Carlos (Max Factor)
Assisted by: Kierlo Velasco
Hair: Francine Quirino
Models: Oksana, Mashia & Rita (Elite Manila)

GRUNGE N' ROLL

With hipsters currently seen around the world trifling the 90's punk rock vibe onto their wardrobe, there's no mistaking that grunge is back with a vengeance.

Joining the bandwagon is @SM MEN'S FASHION - the retail giant ditches the sartorial style (for the meantime) this F/W 2013 season by bringing those retro iconic looks back into the 21st century. Think street art, impossibly long nightclub stints and endless booze, the latest collection for Boys Teens allows young individuals to get in touch with their inner punk rock star.

Combining both acid and street styles with influences that trace back from a decade of rock bands and indie music, get the look from SM Men's rendition of the modern-day grunge cool:
a) Start with slim-fit or skinny or straight-cut pants, the decision is yours depending on your body type. You may opt for something blue, maybe washed, distressed, or even ripped. Check out in-house brand TANK for a wide selection of denim pants.
b) Don rugged shirts with rock star-inspired prints. In SM Men's version, skull tops, anatomical shirts and even Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man lend an artsy but bad boy feel. Check out the collection by TEE CULTURE.
c) The checkered/plaid shirt is what makes grunge appear so cool. Wear it on or sling a flannel shirt around the waist for a devil-may-care attitude. Check out MARKUS for different plaid variations.
d) Layer on with a jean jacket, a chambray top or a denim vest for added rough edge. Check out TANK for enviable collection of jean tops and jackets.
e) Finish with tough-looking boots and cool spiked or leatherette accessories.

Take cue from the latest SM Style Manual Vol. 15 and get ready to grunge n' roll:

Check out @Tank, @Tee Culture and @Markus available at the Boys Teens Wear section of SM Men's Fashion nationwide.



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Photography: @Cenon Norial
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog, @Joel Ven Malazo & @Sim Horato
Hair & Makeup: @Archibald Tolentino, assisted by @Dave Grona
Models: @Kirk Bondad (Reco), @Jahd Cresval & @Renan Corbani (Elite Manila)

THE MAN CLUTCH COMING

Hold that thought! Clutches aren't just for the girls nowadays.

When my partner @George Palmiano and I went to Hongkong in January of this year (2013), we noticed and were awed that HK/Chinese males weren't afraid to lug around with bags - and clutches - while they moved thru the hustle and bustle of the city. Sure, they are more modern and more equipped, but this is evidence of an open-minded, fashion-forward civilization not afraid to try different style trends. Here in the Philippines, most guys wouldn't even bring a bag (unless you're going to the school with lots of books, or you're off to work with important paper works, or bound for the gym with extra shirt and shoes, or during travel)... what more clutches! Sad to think that only gays would carry them around.

Whether you think they are feminine or not, I wouldn't mind holding a clutch to safekeep my car keys, my mobile phone, my cigarette & lighter, iPad and some bits of cash when I don't feel like carrying a huge bag. Call it a purse, an envelope, a portfolio, a briefcase, a pouch or just a mini strapless bag, the clutch is not just a fashionable hand accessory, but it serves good function as well.

Here are some ideas (this F/W 2013 season) that truly, the man clutch has arrived (rectangle or square; black, brown or with color; leather or fabric; zippered, buttoned or envelope, with or without print) and you shouldn't be afraid to carry it, too.

THE WORKING CLASS. Man clutches had a decent showing as seen on the runway show of @Salvatore Mann during the recent Philippine Fashion Week. I particularly like the black one on the right with textured interlaced pattern - stylishly formal yet very masculine still. Available at The SM Stores nationwide. (Photos by statusmagonline.com)

TRU-LY YOURS. Top local fashion designers @Joey Samson (left) and @Ivarluski Aseron (right) carry brown stingray clutches designed by renowned fashion stylist/columnist @Luis Espiritu for TRU. Available at 2/L Rockwell Powerplant Mall. (Photos by Luis Espiritu)

STREAMLINED & GENDERLESS. Speaking of Ivar Aseron, he designed this minimalist-looking black leather clutch with openings at each end, for both men and women. Available at vitostudio.com

PRINT MATTERS. If you're fun and quirky, these printed clutch versions from @ZARA Man are enough fashion statements - either in checkered or with animal prints. (Photos from zara.com)

TIMELESS. Black briefcase with embossed detailing by @PEDRO is for keeps. (Photo from pedroshoes.com)

TO DIE FOR. @GUCCI banners its latest ad campaign (F/W 2013) with an envy-of-all, black reptilian-skinned clutch for men.

A SPORTING LIFE

Definitely, the sporty trend is the biggest fashion thing now, and many stylish souls are updating their wardrobes with chic sporty hybrids that look casual, cool, and very modern...

By drawing inspirations from gymnastics, football and baseball, @SM Men's Fashion stretches its way onto the season's obsession with the sporting life by fusing the aforementioned style elements with slim-fitting formal getups. With simple graphic lines, monochromatic colors (of black, white and gray) and streamlined proportions, the Sweater Boy Collection fits minimalist style and athleticism in one neat package.

As the name suggests, this collection revolves around sweater tops or hooded sweats with numeric patches (for that athletic finish). Get reference from our pictorial's styling (see photos from SM Style Manual Vol. 15 below) and score high in everybody's style card by layering with long-sleeved polo tops (with collar peeping out of the sweater), or even blazers, combined with flat-front trousers to create a streamlined sporty-dash-formal look. Finish off with a visor or cap (optional) for additional sporty feel, a pair of black or white lace-ups, but loose the sweat bands & gold foil instead (they were intentionally used to make the shoot look editorial).

All clothes by @MARKUS, available at the Boys Teens Wear Section of SM Men's Fashion, at The SM Store nationwide.




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Photography: @Cenon Norial
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (@MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog, @Joel Ven Malazo & @Sim Horato
Hair & Makeup: @Archibald Tolentino
Assisted by: @Dave Grona
Models: Kirk Bondad (Reco), Jahd Cresval & Renan Corbani (Elite Manila)

THE RETURN

People often say that you can run away from everything, but you will always come back to the one you truly love. Writing anything about fashion - more than blogging - is an expression that reveal the other creative side of me. After several months of hibernation and contemplation, I have decided to bid PINAS FASYON (my former blog) goodbye, and come up with a better-sounding blog title that aim not to be bigger... but just more truthful, more available to others, and more stylish.

Definitely, no self-centered selfies and exaggerated blind items here! THE CONCURRENT opens up a new fashion universe for me that I willingly share to everyone. Expect doses of trend alerts, fashion news, events - anything cool, relevant, updated and NOW.

And speaking of staging a come back, my first blog entry is just as fitting as the title. My styling team, MGP, is so happy to work again with shoes & bag brand @WADE for its Holiday 2013 pictorial. WADE is our original "baby", and it was through this local brand where my partner @George Palmiano & I officially started styling for ad campaigns. It has been years since our last shoot (with hot actor Coco Martin, as I remember), and it felt like coming back to our roots. Thank you very much to its beloved owners, Ms. Bogs Lee and Ms.Toby Tuazon, for trusting us again and for being loyal all these years - both of you were badly missed.

On a fashionable note, this new ad campaign looks classy, and is aimed to put the brand high on the style ladder with footwear that are both chic and modern. Get solestruck with metallic heels, studded flats and bags, peep-toe pumps and bejeweled shoes that are perfect party statements for ladies.

For men, tough-looking boots take part of the main course, as well as trendy camouflage-printed shoes, classic leather lace-ups and streamlined canvass sneakers.

Check out WADE stores at SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM City Clark, SM Manila, Robinsons Manila, Eastwood Mall, Unimart Greenhills, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Alabang Town Center, Market Market Mall, Marquee Mall and Cash & Carry Mall.



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Photography: @Jo Ann Bitagcol
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (@MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog & @Sim Horato
Makeup: @Bobby Carlos 
Assisted by: @Kierlo Velasco 
Hair: @Francine Quirino
Models: Renan & Lucy (Elite Manila)