Expert weaver to lecture in online workshop
JOSEFA Garlitos, a handloom weaving technology expert and a Resident Weaver at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute, will talk about textiles and weaves in an online workshop to be conducted on Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. She will introduce the fundamentals of handloom weaving, the parts and functions of the loom, as well as its various motions and the flow processes of the art. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation of the craft with an in-depth analysis and understanding of different kinds of indigenous weaves. The focus will be on hablon, a hand-woven fabric made of locally made fibers such as piña, abaca, and cotton, plus binakol, a Filipino pattern hand-woven on a small scale. Hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the lecture is in line with the Cone of Concern, the first solo exhibition of celebrated South Korean artist Haegue Yang currently available on view. For more information about the workshop guidelines and to discover more about the exhibit and other related public programs, visit www.mcadmanila.org or follow @MCADManila on social media platforms.
M&S denims now made with less water
MANUFACTURING denim often has a negative impact on the environment, with cotton being resource intensive due to its high consumption of water and chemicals. It is estimated that up to 2,000 liters of water is used to produce just one cotton shirt. This is the same amount an average person drinks in three years. Now Marks and Spencer (M&S) has partnered with Jeanologia, a leader in finishing technologies, to use 86% less water for its denim production (compared to the garment finishing process industry average as stated by Jeanologia). Not only are M&S jeans made with less water, but 100% of the polyester used to make their supersoft denim is made from recycled plastic bottles. Each pair uses the equivalent of 10 plastic bottles. Before the new denim initiative, M&S was already using materials that are 100% responsibly sourced with the majority coming from the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), the first British retailer to do so. BCI is the largest cotton sustainability program in the world, and has helped two million cotton farmers in 21 countries increase profits by training them to reduce the use of fertilizer, pesticides, and water. Aside from sustainable production, M&S ensures sources are organic and fairtrade. With most of cotton production associated with human rights violations, the retail giant has zero tolerance on issues such as slavery, child labor, discrimination and harassment, and has been recognized as a leader for tackling modern slavery in the Global Governance FTSE 100 league table and making sure that suppliers pay a fair wage to workers.
Birch trees inspire Seiko watches
A NEW Grand Seiko watch powered by a high-beat movement offers a new perspective on the nature of time. The dial is inspired by the slender and beautiful white birch trees that thrive in northern parts of Japan and that grow in profusion near the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi where this watch is made. With its intricate texture, fine detail, and delicate subtlety, this new timepiece is a window that opens onto the distinctive natural environment of Japan and the exquisite craftsmanship of Grand Seiko. This high-beat watch is powered by the revolutionary Caliber 9SA5, which offers a power reserve of 80 hours thanks to its enhanced energy efficiency. First presented in 2020, Caliber 9SA5 incorporates three significant developments: the entirely new Dual Impulse Escapement, the Grand Seiko free-sprung balance, and the horizontal gear train which together set a new standard in high-beat horology. While offering advanced functionality, the caliber is slimmer than ever, giving the watch a slender profile. This Hi-Beat 36000 watch will be available in March at Grand Seiko Boutiques and selected retail stores worldwide.
Athleisure staples available at Shangri-La Plaza
IN NEED of a wardrobe refresh? Leave some room for elevated basics that blend into today’s lifestyle such as sports luxe staples. At Shangri-La Plaza mall, visitors can shop for high quality pieces like sneakers, active apparel, and casual whites for running errands, working out, or simply lounging around. There are very good reasons why sports luxe is still very much in vogue. It’s comfortable and versatile, especially now that people tend to hop from one task to another. Basic pieces serve as a good foundation if one’s going for a look that marries comfort and luxury fashion, and there are tons to find at Armani Exchange. It offers high quality plain and graphic white shirts that can serve as a base for any look, and jogger pants that can go from home gym to the home office. Polo shirts strike a balance between comfort and style, perfect for dressing up or down, in true sports luxe style. Polo from well-loved brands Original Penguin, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Daniel Hechter are available at the mall. To find accessories that match an athleisure look, head over to Fila, which offers caps and bags like backpacks and fanny packs. Investing in a good pair of sneakers is a must now that everyone’s movements have been limited, but it’s also the quickest way to achieve that sports luxe look. Fila can be a good place to start looking for that one true pair. For classic white sneakers, check out options at Cole Haan. For something trendier yet still versatile, head over to Steve Madden to see their bold and stylish shoe collection. For sneakers that are also great for the outdoors, check out Columbia. Other brands mall guests should check out for sports luxe outfits include Porsche Design that offers sleek sportswear and Moressi that carries streetwear favorites like Supreme and Off-White. For inquiries, visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.
Ayala Malls aims to inspire with #AwakenGratitude
FOR THE WHOLE month of February, Ayala Malls lined up online and in-mall activities designed to encourage everyone to contemplate and shift perspectives on everyday difficulties. The Gratitude Wall in Ayala Malls welcomes guests to express their love, care, and appreciation for those that have made things worthwhile. The Gratitude Wall gives mall-goers freedom to say what they have to say that would enliven their own spirits and uplift others who see it. Sending gifts is another way to show gratitude. A.N.A. (Ayala Malls Neighborhood Assistant) makes store purchases and delivery easy. For those who prefer to send gifts by themselves, customers can also take advantage of the DriveBuy pick-up service at Ayala Malls. Just purchase the item via A.N.A. first then pass by the DriveBuy stop for pick up. To help build habits of gratitude, Ayala Malls also hosts weekly initiatives to encourage the young and old to be mindful, to be thankful, and to be thoughtful. Mindful Mondays is about reflection, remembering those who made an impact and helped others, appreciating everyday heroes. Every week, a new question will appear on Ayala Malls social media pages as a guide on what to be thankful about for the day. Thank You Tuesdays is a weekly online challenge to tag a friend (or friends) whose presence has been a blessing in more ways than one. On Thoughtful Thursdays, Ayala Malls surprises mall-goers with a treat for two from participating food and retail stores including TGIFriday’s, Fatfook, Brooklyn New York, YiFang, Mad Mark’s, Auntie Anne’s, Macao Imperial, Caramia, Musashi Maru, Adidas, World Balance, Cris Sports, ResToeRun, Bratpack, Penshoppe, Gourdo’s, Lock & Lock, Nature Republic, and Happy Skin. For more information about mall activity schedules and promotions, visit and follow @iloveayalamalls on Instagram and Ayala Malls on Facebook.
