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)

Arrivalist: Penshoppe Holiday Collection

It's fashion week once again and as a student of the fashion industry, I'm obliged to get involved eventhough I'm not booked this season. After the long hours at the office, I try to attend the fashion shows I cherry-picked or those that I got invited to.

I was kind of tired to attend yesterday's shows but I told myself I'm not missing Penshoppe's fashion show this season like I did the last time.

I got a yellow tag access which got me on the fourth row seats, next to the VIPs and the after party. Each of the guests were given Penshoppe goodies (cloth bag and two bottles of scents). The show started late but it's not half as bad as what happened during the F&H & Jellybean  fashion show. The function hall was filled with guests. It was nice seeing the charming Annette Louise Osmeña among the VIPs in attendance. I was kind of hoping to see Solenn Heussaff on the runway but I didn't recognize any of the Clubpen profiles among the runway models.

Legs like a race horse's.

The towering female models kick-started the event, strutting down on the runway in black and shimmering silvers which brought out the elegant chic in each individuals. The rest of the collection was unveiled by the models in playful combination of gray, white, purple, and green hues. Fashion prints of models wearing Penshoppe clothing were projected on the backdrop, making an instant billboard all through out the show.

High Fashion that's easy on the pocket.

The mens collection featured a slick casual selection of collared and printed tees, shorts, jeans, jackets, bags & accessories that is sure to keep men in high fashion style for the holidays.

A fashion statement that's easy on the eyes.

The women's collection boasts with casual chic sweaters, blazers, jackets, casual dress, skirts, shorts, bags & accessories that states subtle elegance and playful inhibitions.




It is apparent that Penshoppe's holiday collection is heavily inspired by the high fashion street style of Paris, France. Alex Mendoza, Penshoppe's Fashion Designer did a great job in coming up with such a stylish collection. Penshoppe's holiday collection is simply a great selection of casual coutures that makes a very sensible holiday present to any individuals with good fashion sense.

The event organizers threw an exclusive after party for the VIPs, bloggers, media and fashion enthusiasts to unveil Penshoppe's Holiday Campaign entitled "Arrivalist". The party served overflowing champagne, cocktails, iced tea, and sorts of finger foods to celebrate the new campaign. The full length TVC campaign was presented to the guests, shortly. The short film is all about the ups and downs we experience in the course of traveling back home or waiting  for our loved ones to come home, to celebrate the holiday season. For every experiences, good or bad, there is something in Penshoppe's holiday collection that fit such emotions to help us express our innermost feelings through fashion clothing when words alone don't do justice anymore.

For more of Penshoppe's holiday collection, checkout your local branch.