Adidas Originals - JS License Plate Leather (New York Pair)

I can't say that I'm a fan of Jeremy Scott, a New York fashion designer well known for his outrageous designs favoured by world renowned pop stars and celebrities alike. His over-the-top fashion statement is easily not for everyone as reflected on his collaboration with Adidas where he came up with a collection of glittery-gold selection of sequins, sporty fringed tanks, harem pants, and popular winged high top shoes. I have several sets of ostentatious wearables but hardly on the Jeremy Scott level. Don't get me wrong though as his global reputation in the fashion industry speaks for itself. Just ask Karl Lagerfield, the creative director of Chanel who thinks Scott is the only designer who could take over Chanel after him.



Adidas Instinct is back from the dead

Jeremy Scott's Adidas Originals by Originals apparels were way too bold and expensive (at least for a sports apparel) for my taste but one particular footwear got my attention... Adidas Originals JS License Plate Leather. It comes in two different pairs; the New York Empire State and the Beverly Hills 24K Golden State. Jeremy Scott borrowed the design from Adidas Instinct, a classic high top sneaker from the 80's which was a certified hip-hop and court favourite.

I went on a month long hunt for this highly coveted kicks to no avail and I was certain that I wont be able to get my hands on it... or should I say my feet, to be more specific. That was until I got a call from my baby brother who got me this elusive kicks for my birthday. My birthday wish was certainly granted.

New York - The Empire State

The exaggerated tongue size is large enough to accommodate the beautiful metal license plate detail which obviously where it got its name after. The license plate itself is a stylish piece of detail within the fusion of simple and intricate design attributes this shoe possesses. The border of the license plate and the screws are chromed with silver to give its metallic impression. NEW YORK, in white font colour is emblazoned at the top most section of the plate. The backdrop of mountains and the Empire State building, along with the other skyscrapers are depicted in a mesh of blue and white colours. ADIDAS, in blue font colour is inscribed in the centre of the plate, striking against the white background colour. THE EMPIRE STATE, in white font is extolled on the lower portion of the plate against a strong blue streak. Overall the New York license plate detail is beautifully crafted. I love it!
 

Adidas - The brand with the 3 stripes

The signature three stripes on the sides and the classic trefoil logo at the back of the shoe gives this classic yet modern piece an unmistakable identity that belongs to the Adidas Originals brand. The New York Empire State edition comes in wheat, satellite, metallic silver palette combination. The upper, part of both sides and the shaft is made out of leather. The rubber sole comes in a simple white and blue colour combination and is sewn on the sides. The laser engraved Adidas signature and a Jeremy Scott sockliner are details worth noting as well. The white lace strikes against the strong blue tongue and accentuates the smart and trendy colour coordination implemented on this retro sneaker.

Now that's got to be comfortable with all that padding

The shoe is heavily padded with textile inside that's why my brother got me a 12.5 instead of the usual 10. The Jeremy Scott logo is also adorned inside and if you're not aware that JS License Plate Leather comes in two different pairs, peeking inside will give you a good idea.

Adidas Originals JS License Plate Leather is a retro piece of street style fashion that pays tribute to the 80's sneaker bravado. Jeremy Scott resurrected the classic Adidas Instinct and gave it a new lease on life and a flair that's way beyond street & hoop style level. (photos by caliroots.com)

Miss Resorts World 2010 Coronation Night

Miss Resorts World: A dynasty in the making?

Last night, the first ever Miss Resorts World Manila coronation took place at Newport Performing Arts Theater. Twenty-nine gorgeous women vied for the title and the opportunity to be the spokesperson of Resorts World Manila, the first integrated tourism destination.

The swimsuit competition is one of the most
anticipated segment of the evening's event

We got sweet VIP tickets that got us right in front of the stage for an up-close look at the lovely candidates. Ex-beaus, Borgy Manotoc & Sarah Meier hosted the momentous event. The candidates dazzled the audiences with their elegant evening dresses, sexy two-piece swimwear, and stunning evening gowns designed by prominent fashion designers, Jun Escario, Patrice Ramos-Diaz and Randy Ortiz. Several performances from the casts of KAOS and Magic Polo made the event varied and more entertaining. The Q&A portion commenced with the top twelve candidates who made the initial cut. The candidates faced another elimination round which saw the top five candidates. All of the five lovely candidates were asked the same question, “What is your best asset that makes you an effective spokesperson for Resorts World Manila and Philippine tourism?”

From left to right - Maxine Mamba,
Wendy Tabusalla, and Anthea Murfet

 The end of the pageant saw JRP Alumnus, Wendy Tabusalla crowned as the first ever Miss Resorts World Manila for 2010. She also bagged P500,000 cash prize, free hotel accommodations for one full year. My personal pick, the alluring Maxine Mamba came in 1st Runner-Up, winning P100,00 cash prize and a star cruises package worth P50,000. Anthea Murfet took the 2^nd Runner-Up title, collecting P50,000 in cash prize. The trio also received an employment contract with Resorts World Manila.

Miss Resorts World Manila 2010 was definitely a salute to the beauty, elegance, and talent of the Filipina. For more of Resorts World Manila, log on to http://www.rwmanila.com 

Creative Corporate Fashion Styles

The women of the 80's popularized the concept of Power Dressing by wearing dark, boxy, and padded suits conveying masculinity rather than femininity.  It was a very different time then when men were just starting to share the corporate boardrooms with the women. Women had to convey a sense of considerable confidence and professionalism in order to gain acceptance and recognition in a landscape dominated long before by men.

Three long decades has passed since its introduction, Power Dressing doesn't necessarily mean women dressing up like men anymore. Women of today can celebrate femininity in the corporate setting by wearing dresses or cropped tops with slim skirts, layered with slick and colorful blazers or jackets that come in a variety of intricate shapes and cuts, made more interesting with scarves, bags, pumps and accessories. Men on the other hand can now wear long sleeved polo shirts, plain or printed, with intricate cuts and patterns, topped with soft relaxed vest, power suit jacket or casual pinstripped jacket, leather belts with emblem buckles, slim fit jeans in subtle colors, a choice between rule-breaking sneakers or casual leather shoes in slick designs. Such fashion statement is categorized as an informal business attire, a less conservative and relaxed version of the conventional business attire.

Power Dressing at Sheka Lifestyle TV Show



Haute Couture


The updated power dressing trend really works for me as I hate wearing formal business attire with the exception of haute couture suits which I wear for runway modeling. I have several sets of smart casual long sleeved polo shirts and french cuff dress shirts, mostly in white color with eye-catching patterns. I wear it with subtle but stylish coated jeans and dashing white leather shoes. In certain occasions that requires me to leave a powerful impression, I layer it with powersuit or casual pinstripped jacket. My fashion statement is a fusion of simple and intricate elements that speak for itself. But just like any business professional, I am obliged to comply with our corporate dress code standards and ours is the formal kind. I must say that I don't enjoy it. Not until recently.

French Cuff Dress layered w/ Powersuit

A simple vest adds just the right pizazz

My training with John Robert Powers equipped me with the right knowledge to implement the core principles of Power Dressing in my daily corporate life. I have quite a number of formal long sleeved polo shirts in a smart selection of colors that complement my skin tone and a good set of ties that goes well with it. My slim fitting pants makes a sexy and tall profile and a formal squared-toe black leather shoes keep things in formal perspective. A black leather belt with square buckle don't just hold my pants in place, it makes for a good accessory as well. For added flair, I make sure that I don't leave home without my two-tone relaxed vest.

The phrase "The suit makes the man" has been ringing since dressing to impress became one of the major concerns of our modern society. In contrast, I believe "The man makes the suit". What you wear doesn't necessarily defines who you are. The things you do and achieve does and with great success and power comes great responsibility to dress the part.

SM Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

Last October 26, 2010, I got invited along w/ John Robert Powers - Alabang Directress, Monet Ibañez to witness the unveiling of SM Department Store's Exclusive Philippine Fashion Week Collection. I was running late since hailing a cab in Ayala, Makati during rush hour period is next to impossible. Good thing my mom was around to save the day. The Wonder Woman that she is, my mom got me a cab and we basically sped off to SMX Convention Center to catch the fashion show.

Me, Ms. Monet Ibañez, & Mr. Jem Ariño

We were sitted on the third row seats along with Mr. Jem Ariño, AVP Marketing of SM Department Store. The runway was a serial of elevated platforms, designed to showcase the collection in all angles possible.



Jennifer Barrientos in a loose sleeveless silk dress.

The show started with the ladies collection. It was basically comprised of Casual, Party, & Cocktail dresses in achromatic and spectral colors from Alexane, Soiree, Studio, Cococabaña, NY Square and others. The simple mixtures of layers and one-piece dresses worked really well with the choice of accessories - earrings, necklaces, bangles from WWW. The models looked more sexy and confident on the catwalk, carrying stylish hand bags, wearing cut-out platforms, wedges, ang high-heeled boots from Parisian.


Gwyneth Albarracin-Wilwayco, towering in wedges.

John Robert Powers alumnae, Jennifer Barrientos, Gwyneth Albarracin-Wilwayco, and Chelsea Robato were among the familiar faces that graced this season's prestigious fashion event. I'm not actually surprised to see them as JRP students are mainstay of such fashion events.


Chelsea Robato in a trendy swimwear statement.

Fresh beach wears for women were also showcased during the show. Don a two piece swimsuit printed with floral designs, layer it with tank tops, skirt or halter dress, make it more interesting by accessorizing with floral hats and you've got a sure hit.





The fashion statement of SM Department Store Collection is simple yet glamourous enough with the right combination of layers and accessories. These upcoming styles are sure to make fabulous ensembles that screams high fashion without the hefty price tag.

(Runway photos by Paul Cortes)