To guide you through it, the lowdown on fashion news, the latest releases and whatever else is buzzing in retail in December
With all that’s holiday-related happening this month, we admit to getting blindsided by the fact that—deep breath—we are but days away from ringing in the last year of the decade. No big deal for anyone who thinks “new year, new me” is utter nonsense. But what’s truly exciting is we will soon get to backtrack and reexamine the many overarching themes that have tied the last 10 years together: political shifts, pop culture phenomena, life-enhancing discoveries, down to micro-moments that ultimately dictate where we’re headed next.
2019, if anything, has been a pivotal year even if we’re talking fashion alone. We saw the gradual aversion to fast fashion brands; with this, the rise of the conscious consumer. Nothing pleased us more this year than the fervor for local, independent businesses. And nothing entertained us more than witnessing the abrupt wardrobe detoxing of those bitten by the Konmari bug. (Side note: Marie Kondo’s shop of overpriced non-essential essentials? There’s a 2019 plot twist for you.)
Here and now, where does that leave us? We close the year out with a bang, of course, but maybe with a more thought-out, future-forward way to spend that hard-earned money. Consider the items in this edition of Wonder Wardrobe and make that year-ender shopping spree count. Now, let the holiday shopping commence!
Shopping Party of the Month: Fits Ya Good
The get-together assembles a curated lineup of homegrown vintage brands
Gift-giving can be tough when the selection’s slim, uninspired or worse, compels you to cop out and shop something mass-produced. So here’s a possible antidote to that conundrum: shop vintage instead. On December 21, catch vintage labels like Denuo, Ukay God, Remake the Store, Shop Ancienne, Sol Studios and more when you head to XX XX in Makati between 4PM and 12AM. Fits Ya Good is a treasure trove of unique finds and memorable one-offs that ought to make your holiday shopping a little more interesting. Music performances in collaboration with Circus 2020 are set to happen there, too.
The XX XX Courtyard is located at 20b, La Fuerza Plaza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati. Entrance to ‘Fits Ya Good’ on December 21 is free.
Adidas Partners up with the International Space Station for the Ultraboost 20
It’s one giant leap for performance footwear
adidas is at it again, revolutionizing the iconic Ultraboost running shoe by teaming up with the ISS U.S. National Laboratory. Meet the adidas Ultraboost 20: the newest model that takes inspiration from the construction of a space shuttle, where each part has a unique purpose. Every element of the new shoe has been maximized for a specific performance-driven function, allowing athletes to elevate their running game to new heights. Beyond integrating aerospace-grade technology with the adidas Ultraboost 20 (as part of this ground-breaking long-term partnership, too), adidas has sent its Boost technology on a mission up to the ISS where scientists have studied the Boost molding process without the distraction of Earth's gravity.
The adidas Ultraboost 20 is available in a number of limited-edition colorways and retails for ?9,500. For more information, visit adidas.com.ph/ultraboost or follow the conversation on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using #Ultraboost 20, #adidasISSNationalLab and @adidasrunning.
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Kathryn Bernardo Handpicks Her Holiday Favorites from Keds
The ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ star releases “Kathryn’s Holiday Picks”
Featuring the classics like the Champion and something from the limited-edition collab with Kate Spade New York, actress Kathryn Bernardo makes a Christmas list featuring her Keds favorites. This includes the Crew Kick 75, the Keds Rise Metro in nubuck, the K-89 Leather and the Studio Jumper All-Over Knit.
Aside from naming her holiday picks, Kathryn and Keds get together to announce the brand’s first-ever planner. This exclusive item comes free with every purchase of ?6,000 worth of Keds merchandise in boutique stores nationwide until December 31, 2019.
Keds stores are located at Glorietta 3, U.P. Town Center, SM North Edsa – The Block, SM Megamall, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila, Festival Alabang, SM City Baguio, Robinsons Ilocos, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo, Gaisano Mall Davao, and Centrio Cagayan De Oro. Also available in Complex Lifestyle Stores at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoma Mall, Eastwood Mall, Fairview Terraces, Uptown BGC, Glorietta 5, Alabang Town Center, Festival Supermall, Solenad-3 Nuvali, Marquee Mall and Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
Life Imitates Art With Human by Issa Barte
…Or is it the other way ‘round?
About a year ago, we met young artist Issa Barte. Known for turning anonymous stories into digital works of art, Issa’s illustrations allow people to dig deep and really feel. She’s done so effectively that she caught the attention of local retail brand HUMAN.
HUMAN by Issa Barte is a 10-piece collection of tees, a hoodie, a long-sleeved shirt and a canvas tote, all with the artist’s illustrations on them. Available in black and white, each piece features aphorisms that inspire: “the small things matter,” “no rain no flowers” and “stay human” to name a few.
No shame in wearing your heart on your sleeve. Shop Issa’s wearable art on Lazada and select HUMAN stores nationwide.
Runners, Say Hello to the Adidas Run City Pack for Fall 2019
And there’s more to come: throughout the tail-end of the year, four unique running capsule collections created with four diverse global partners will drop at select retailers around the world
The second release from the pack features a collaboration with British contemporary menswear brand Universal Works. For this release, the brand’s co-founder David Keyte takes inspiration from nights spent running through London’s cold, wet winters. But according to Keyte, it is equally inspired by a desire to run in apparel and footwear that meet the same aesthetic standards a runner would apply to everyday clothing.
The comprehensive selection of pieces spans everything from leggings to headwear, plus two new versions of the adidas UltraBOOST 19 running shoe, which is now available online and in-store for P12,000.
Uniqlo Launches Its New, Limited-Edition Collection with Marimekko
This is the Japanese global apparel retailer’s second capsule collection with the Finnish design house
After the success met by their first collaborative collection in 2018, Uniqlo and Marimekko are teaming up once again. The Fall 2019 collection, this time, celebrates Finnish winter traditions, supplementing its offering of womenswear with items for little girls and babies. The latest collaboration also features pieces primarily designed to showcase some of Marimekko’s most recognizable prints such as Kivet (designed by Maija Isola in 1956), Tasaraita (designed by Annika Rimala in 1968) and Siirtolapuutarha (designed by Maija Louekari in 2009). Think: bold and colorful iterations of Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down Cocoon Coat, Wool Cashmere Hoodie, shirt dresses and jumpsuits.
Uniqlo x Marimekko is now available in all Uniqlo stores nationwide. Click on to find a branch near you.
World Balance Drops Its Sneaker Collaboration with Secret Fresh
Dedicated to skaters, bike riders, art and streetwear enthusiasts
Designed by Christian “Bigboy” Cheng, the owner of vinyl toy shop-turned-specialty store Secret Fresh, the World Balance x Secret Fresh sneaker takes inspiration from Cheng’s favorite skate shoe and showcases the original Secret Fresh logo from 2006. Available in three fundamental colors (red, white and blue), the limited-edition release also features the World Balance signature bounce pad insole to keep the foot close to the board while providing the highest level of impact cushioning, the World Balance original herringbone pattern and rubber that offers grip and support.
The World Balance x Secret Fresh sneaker is available at World Balance stores nationwide. For more information, go to worldbalance.com.ph or follow @worldbalanceph on Instagram and Facebook.
And in case you missed it: last month, we rolled out a special holiday edition of Wonder Wardrobe. Check it out here!
Art Alexandra Lara
