Zonta Club’s FilipinaZ Fair pays tribute to Ramon Valera
NATIONAL ARTIST for Fashion Design Ramon Valera’s legacy lives on in his notable works that celebrate the Filipina. His creations and significant contributions to the modernization of the Filipino national dress will take stage at this year’s FilipinaZ Fair called “Valera Unearthed.” Presented by Zonta Club of Makati and Environs together with Security Bank, this fashion vignette will feature some of Valera’s finest creations, as well as pieces belonging to some of the members of the club and their friends that have never been publicly showcased. Designed to be an immersive experience, the presentation will recreate Valera’s workspace — revealing stories, beautiful creations and the creative processes of the late designer. At a time when everything was done painstakingly by hand, Valera’s elegant and timeless creations were fueled by passion. “Valera Unearthed” will also serve as a platform to unveil new designs as the late designer’s family unveils a few pieces to pay homage to his legacy of craftsmanship and artistry. “Valera Unearthed” will be on display at this year’s FilipinaZ from Nov. 9 to 11 at 8, Rockwell Center, Makati. The three-day FilipinaZ Fair features art, fashion, and jewelry pieces that celebrate Filipino culture and heritage. The exhibit will feature the works of over 60 visual artists.
Designer Wynn Wynn Ong’s new collection
DESIGNER Wynn Wynn Ong’s new collection, “Sa Dagat At Bundok,” will presented at The KaLIKHAsan Ball on Nov. 10 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. This is a project of Metro Society magazine and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. in celebration of the foundation’s 20th anniversary. The collection was inspired by creatures of the sea and mountains and brought to life by the designer’s distinct sense of aesthetics. Each item is designed with specific gems in mind and crafted entirely by hand. Among the pieces which will be on view at the ball is Newly-Discovered Fruit-Eating Bayawaks of the Cordilleras, Staghorns, Philippine Hornbill, and Malakas at Maganda & Manananggal. There will also be a special performance by the Steps Dance Studio — Steps Dance Project and RAMA.
SSI presents #PassionForward campaign
LUXURY retailer Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) Group has been marking its 30th anniversary with the “The Curated Life” campaign which was launched earlier this year. As part of this it has come up with the #PassionForward campaign featuring personalities who “just like SSI are forging new paths to the curated life,” according to a press release. The #PassionForward campaign launch will include a photo exhibit by photographers Mark Nicdao, Kai Huang, and Cyrus Panganiban, together with photographer hobbyists Kyla Olives, and film director Paul Soriano. Featured are Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Armie Jarin-Bennett, Ernest Cu, Kevin Tan, Steven Tan, and Annette Gozon Valdes from the business sphere; Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat; blogger Nicole Andersson, Heart Evangelista-Escudero, Tricia Gosingtian-Gabunada, Tessa Prieto Valdes representing the fashion arena, while Aryanna Epperson and Rissa Mananquil Trillo represent the area of beauty. The arts are represented by Sofia Zobel Elizalde, Paulina Luz Sotto, Trickie Lopa, Dindin Araneta, and Lisa Periquet, while design is represented by Kenneth Cobonpue, Lesley Mobo, Royal Pineda and Budji Layug. Home and entertainment feature Mia Borromeo, Stephanie Zubiri Crespi, and Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, while the lifestyle press is represented by Irene Martel Francisco, Millet Mananquil, Thelma Sioson San Juan. The areas of social enterprise and advocacy are represented by Krie Lopez, Paloma Urquijo Zobel, Angelo and Mariglo Laririt, Joel Palma, and Senator Sonny and Tootsy Angara. Food is represented by JP Anglo and Bruce Ricketts.
Commonwealth opens its biggest PHL store
COMMONWEALTH, a specialty boutique composed of lifestyle apparel and footwear, which first opened in Washington DC, in 2014, opened its third — and biggest store — in the Philippines at the Powerplant Mall in Makati, on Oct. 22. Commonwealth is the only Tier 0 NikeLab and Adidas Consortium account in the country. Since it was first introduced by Welcome Worldwide into the Philippine market in 2015, the retail brand and footwear specialist has become a haven for the city’s growing market of sneakerheads who willingly get in line to “cop” the store’s latest “drop.” On the shelves, a wide selection of sought after Converse, ASICS, Vans, Nike, Adidas, and New Balance shoes. At the flagship Powerplant outlet, different brands will be in full display: Stone Island, Human Made, APC, Nanamica, Stussy, Carhartt WIP, Polythene Optics, Cav Empt, Neighborhood, Maharishi, Aries, Wacko Maria, Saturdays NYC, DIME, and Brain Dead. “Our third and biggest flagship store is only the beginning of bigger things. With our third Commonwealth flagship opening, along with focusing on Commonwealth’s apparel line, we are excited to start unveiling some of our collaboration projects we have planned for the near future,” said Commonwealth founder Omar Quiambao in a press release.
