The lowdown on fashion news, the latest releases and whatever else is buzzing in retail this month
If the jam-packed first two months of 2020 mean anything, it’s that there is no such thing as a New Year warm-up. In fashion, 2019 is but a distant memory. Labels and designers are hitting the ground running, orienting themselves with fresh and forward trends, more than happy to jump straight into Spring/Summer offerings. And as far as fashion week is concerned, the talk’s already about fall.
Are you ready to keep up? (More importantly, is your wallet?)
Harlan + Holden Taps Fashion Industry Heavyweight Alessandra Facchinetti
The former creative director of Tod’s and the House of Valentino is now at the helm at Harlan + Holden
It’s the pair-up no one saw coming but has gotten everyone in fashion talking. Shaking up the local industry with a new perspective on global expansion, minimalist lifestyle and fashion label Harlan + Holden has named its first-ever creative director, Alessandra Facchinetti. “I wanted a new challenge, the opportunity to design from a completely different perspective and felt I had something to say again,” said Facchinetti to The New York Times’ Elizabeth Paton. “This project isn’t so much about my artistic dreams, but it is about generating value in design in a different kind of way. Our brand ethos is rooted in saving people time so they can do the things that matter.”
Harlan + Holden’s 9bc collection, Facchinetti’s first with the brand, hits stores in June 2020.
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Netflix’s Sex Education Launches Hilariously Awkward Merchandise at Case Study
The official line includes t-shirts, tote bags, pouches and a Moordale Secondary sweatshirt taken straight from gym class scenes of the Netflix original series
In a refreshing new way to celebrate the month of hearts, Case Study dressed itself up to replicate the theme of the hit series: bright, sexy and sex-positive, and, most importantly, comical. Here’s a fun, on-brand extra, too: the launch of the Sex Education merch also came with an informative talk by licensed Psychologist, Sex and Relationships Therapist and Sex Educator Dr. Rica Cruz.
Visit the pop-up merchandise display of Sex Education at Case Study Atelier from February 5 to 11, 2020. The official Sex Education merch is also available at The Rail in Glorietta 2, Trinoma, Robinsons Manila, UP Town, Festival Mall and Alabang Town Center.
Spring/ Summer Is Looking Tres Chic With Uniqlo x Ines De La Fressange
See: timeless sporty styles, French cowboy and laidback dresses
Uniqlo known for its wardrobe essentials is also quite popular for its much-anticipated collaborations. But as these collaborations come and go, only few remain. Case in point: Ines De La Fressange, the very symbol of everyday French chic, returns to create a Spring/Summer collection with Uniqlo. Her 54-piece, 1924-themed collection pays tribute to the women of the era and celebrates traditional French values through the featured styles. Paris, one of the three themes, is a nod to the 1924 Summer Olympics and features more masculine looks in white and green. Gardians, which is French for cowboys, borrows from a place Ines frequented in southern France. Last but not least is Muses; it’s inspired by a time of great progress for women and is captured through ruffled dresses with relaxed silhouettes you can easily dress up or down.
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The collection is exclusively available at the Uniqlo Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati, and through uniqlo.com.
Sperry’s Valentine’s Treat Proves That Good Things Come in Twos
Buying one pair of shoes from Sperry gets you ?1000 off on your second pair
Iconic American brand Sperry is putting its own spin on couple dressing (and gift-giving on Valentine’s Day). In all Sperry concept stores and online at sperry.com.ph, both classic styles and newest releases are part of a special Valentine’s promo wherein every purchase of a Sperry shoe grants shoppers ?1000 off on their second pair. This promo runs from February 1 to 14, 2020.
Visit sperry.com.ph or Sperry stores located at Trinoma, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, Bonifacio High Street, Festival Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, Glorietta 3, U.P Town Center, SM East Ortigas, Estancia, SM Aura, Ayala Manila Bay, Ayala Evia, SM Baguio, Robinsons Ilocos, SM Dasmarinas, SM Lipa, SM Legazpi, SM Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Bacolod, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Davao, SM Lanang, CentrioMall and Abreeza Mall.
Joy Division’s ‘Unknown Pleasures' Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary at Case Study Atelier
“One of the most seminal pieces of work ever recorded, Joy Division’s ‘Unknown Pleasures’ has influenced countless creative minds over the years and continues to be an instructive legacy that sees no end”
Collaborating with the estate of Joy Division and Warner Music UK, Los Angeles-based brand PLEASURES launches a unique capsule collection celebrating 40 years of Unknown Pleasures. The range, now available at Case Study Atelier, features t-shirts and hoodies along with collection items such as puffer jackets, hockey jerseys, button-down shirts, tote bags, and headwear. The collection's highlight includes two versions of Modernica side shell Eiffel chairs featuring the album's artwork while the 40th-anniversary typeface and layout (along with the original album artwork created by Factory Records designer Peter Seville) are displayed throughout the capsule, honoring the lasting impression of the album.
Shop the collection at Case Study Atelier located at the ground floor of C2 Building in Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig.
Parisian Label Carne Bollente Finds Its First Stockist in the Philippines: Hoodwink
The indie brand big on sex positivity and sexual liberation got its start by taking inspiration from vintage pornography
Striking and suggestive visuals, an uninhibited vision of sexuality and a sense of humor: Carne Bollente’s charming brand of tongue-in-cheek fashion can now be enjoyed here in Manila. Exclusively available at the multi-brand lifestyle store Hoodwink, a peek at Carne Bollente’s lineup here includes embroidered classic tees featuring some of the most iconic couples throughout history: Romeo and Juliet, Caesar and Cleopatra, Bonnie and Clyde––all in some rather compromising positions.
Find select pieces from the latest Carne Bollente release at Hoodwink located in Unit 1, Republic Glass Building 196 Salcedo Street corner Aguirre, Legazpi Village, Makati. Hoodwink is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 12NN to 9PM.
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Premiere Handcrafted Watch Brand Grand Seiko Turns 60
In time for the milestone anniversary, the brand held its first-ever craftsman event in Manila with no less than its current Craftsman Takuya Nishinaka as a special guest
With a global theme that brings a thoughtfulness to “The Nature of Time,” the launch highlighted the latest timepiece sought after by global enthusiasts: the GS Snowflake. The luxury watch (known to collectors as the SBGA211) features a distinct dial inspired by the setting of the Grand Seiko Shinshu Watch Studio in Japan.
At the grand 60th anniversary gathering, Seiko’s long-time business partner and president of Timeplus Corporation Karl Dy touched on how happy they were to make the brand more accessible to Filipino horologists, who have previously had to search for their grail watches overseas. “We know how big the watch collector community has grown in the Philippines [and] we are proud to bring in the Grand Seiko concept store to the country, especially with the expertise that has been shared with us by Craftsman Nishinaka,” he said. “Aside from the Snowflake, we are planning to bring in more styles in the future for our collections from the proud 60-year history of the brand.”
Find Seiko in official boutiques located at the Ground Floor of Glorietta 1, Second Floor of SM Aura Premier and Third Floor of SM Seaside Cebu.
adidas Teams Up With Jonah Hill for Change Is a Team Sport
The short directed by the actor features a cast of adidas’ family creators and change-makers
Having changed the game on the court for over 50 years, the adidas’ iconic Superstar shoe today is dedicated to its game-changers. Celebrating five decades of culture makers, boundary pushers and limit breakers, adidas Originals launches “Change Is a Team Sport,” bringing together game-changers from across the worlds of music, fashion, sport and art. Adidas Originals shows that change doesn’t happen alone and kicks off the campaign with a film directed by and starring Jonah Hill. Speaking on the process behind directing the film, Hill explains his desire to shine a light on the full landscape of creative expression: “There's no knowledge without the older generation who did it first. And there's no change or progression without the new generation. So if those two generations come together, I feel like that creates the atomic charge for great art and great creativity.”
Vans Collaborates with Contemporary Artist Zhao Zhao on a Year of the Rat Capsule Collection
Get reacquainted with some of Vans’ iconic silhouettes in time for the Lunar New Year
To celebrate the new decade and the year of the Rat, Vans partners with Chinese artist Zhao Zhao to launch the New Year collection representing the “explorative and experimental nature of street rat” while encapsulating the adventurous “Off the Wall” spirit. The footwear capsule begins with Vans’ classic Old Skool wrapped in light grey suede uppers and finished with the dark grey signature Sidestripe, together with a stacked cutout heel counter to mimic the entrance of rat tunnels. The model comes with the Vans’ classic Waffle sole in pink, too.
Shop the Vans & Zhao Zhao Year of the Rat Collection in select Vans concept stores.
Gap Gets in the Business of Activewear With GapFit
The new collection is available exclusively on gap.com.ph
From breathable, silky-soft leggings to sports bras that provide a full range of movement, Gap’s foray into activewear styles for women zeroes in on moving with purpose. With the fundamentals of an activewear wardrobe in mind, GapFit introduces a medium-impact multi-strap sports bra, a high-performance jersey tank top, a straight silhouette tee made of moisture-wicking fabric, mid-rise running shorts made with breathable high-performance fabric with quick-dry technology and compression leggings.
GapFit is now available only on gap.com.ph.
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Plains & Prints Launches Its First Signature Print
“The Spring Harvest,” the brand’s first collection featuring the new original prints, is a testimony to the Plains & Prints heritage
“Prints have always been embedded in our aesthetic and DNA,” shared Plains and Prints co-founder Roxanne Farillas. At the collection launch in SM Mega Fashion Hall, the brand also kicked off the release of The Print Collective by partnering with digital influencer Rei Germar, who took the liberty of giving the collection her own youthful spin in the brand’s campaign video.
The collection makes its way to all Plains & Prints boutiques nationwide on February 8.
Comme Çi and Cura V are back with a Travel Edition of “The Concierge”
On the design collective’s last weekend, shop a mix of local and international fashion and lifestyle brands.
Steals for your next getaway? Coming right up. Powerplant’s premier multi-brand boutiques Comme Çi and Cura V are teaming up once again; this time, to get a head start on getting summer-ready. With handpicked designers participating in The Concierge, you can take your pick from Amarie, Bagasáo, Joey Samson, Marie De La Roche, Yoya and many more to help you get started on revamping your summer wardrobe.
Along with the trunk show, the seven-day event invites mallgoers to several sit-down sessions with esteemed travel and lifestyle figures. Hindy Weber is set to guide guests through “Building a Family-Approved Itinerary” on February 20, at 5PM. Catch Neat Obsession’s Issa Reyes as she talks “Packing Made Easy” on February 21, Friday, at 3 PM. Lastly, join Sheila Romero for the rules of “Becoming an Innovative Traveler” on February 22, Friday, at 3PM. Just send Comme Çi a DM on Instagram to get VIP first-dibs access!
The Concierge Travel Edition is located at R1 of Powerplant Mall’s new wing (across Rimowa).
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New Jeans, Good Jeans: Uniqlo Gives Its Denim Lineup a Spring/Summer Update
The idea for the new season: on-trend styles and comfort…always.
Going beyond just cut, style and color, Uniqlo is out to show that it more than recognizes jeans as an essential. Its Lifewear spin on the wardrobe staple equals a new lineup that provides a wide variety of styling options for both men and women and one that’s fit for any lifestyle or occasion. This season, shop the Women’s Slouch Tapered Ankle Jean, the Women’s Belted Pleated Jean, Women’s High-Rise Skinny Flare Ankle Jean, Men’s Miracle Air 3D Jean and the Men’s EZY Ultra Stretch Color Jean. The new styles are available in all Uniqlo stores nationwide.
For more updates, visit Uniqlo Philippines’ website (tap here!) or follow Uniqlo Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
What about what’s on Wonder’s beauty counter this month? February is your introduction to three-step skincare and a new one-stop online beauty hub worth checking out. Click on to read the full post.
Art Matthew Fetalver
