Notwithstanding, they're all coming in

Who says the world is grieving over the financial mess going around the globe? Granted consumerism is taking a back seat in many countries, especially in Europe and the United States. You can add to that short list the countries of Japan and China, by the way. Here at home, the luxury brands are coming in, and landing on our shores in great style to the delight of our fashionistas.

Late last year, that iconic style master Tod’s opened its elegant doors to its discriminating clientele. Tod’s here is under the umbrella of Stores Specialists, Rustan’s line of specialty stores.

I visited their store at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati after the Christmas holidays. Late December or early January is a great time for bargain hunters but alas, Tod’s had just opened and they were not about to go on sale! Still, the merchandise on display was a veritable feast for the eyes. For this inveterate shopper, at least, the half- hour spent browsing over the shoes was a visual treat.

Tod’s announced with great pride their new line of bags: the Yacht Bag made of soft calf leather and canvass. It is the classic shopping bag meant for daily wear, but with classic twists: it has a detachable water-proof PVC case that in itself is profiled in soft leather, and it features a small light to illuminate the inside of your bag! Then, also for the ladies, there is the Pashmy collection which Hollywood luminaries like Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow and Halle Berry are proudly sporting. What’s ingenious about this line is it’s created for mommies and comes with a foldout changing pad and even a silver rattle. And lastly, their Tod’s G-bag, a tote bag that also comes in fine leather and precious skins-crocodile, calf skin and python.

For men-it’s the shoes, and this is where I get my highs. The Gommini line has sneakers and lace-up brogues. They are sporty and casual, very lightweight. Their J.P. Loafer is also a must-check.

Charles & Keith also launched their label here as they opened several outlets in the country. Just recently, they also opened in Singapore’s busiest shopping malls, the Bugis Junction, but they already have about 150 concept stores spread across several countries, from Bahrain to Brunei, Japan to Jordan, Thailand to Turkey.

Charles & Keith is better known for their footwear, although they carry an excellent line of accessories as well. Charles & Keith is young and trendy and can be found in premier shopping districts like Greenbelt 5, Ayala Cebu. Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Robinsons Galleria, SM stores in Mall of Asia, Megamall and Pampanga, and Eastwood Mall.

Also recently launched, just this month in fact, was Republ1c, another store that is dedicated to the young and sporty.

Originally, Republ1c was known for its specialty merchandise for water sports enthusiasts. They have now branched out to other styles, all still trendy and sporty. Think tees and hoodies, skinny jeans, flat-billed “new era” baseball caps and skate shoes. My kids would definitely love this store where they also have skateboard footwear and sports eyewear. Kids who love to skate, surf, ski or wake should visit this store for the latest in sport quality helmets, headphones, earphones, backpacks, speakers and other techno funk. Definitely for the young!

Since this week’s column is dedicated to the latest launches in the metropolis, check out Speedo’s latest Spring/Summer collection. Very timely indeed as summer is hitting us ahead of schedule this year.

Speedo has been in the business for over 80 years, so they know their business. They have been outfitting Olympic champions and other sports icons for decades, and this dynamic company harnesses new technology in their swimwear to improve performance. Their latest, the Speedo LZR Racer, has a streamline finish that makes it smoother. The prints are vibrant, the styles funky. Here’s to great swimming fun with this master of swimwear this summer.

Still on summer wear: take a cue from Ipanema as they bring out their latest savvy flip-flops for 2009. Top model Gisele Bundchen topbills their latest collection.

Ipanema’s flipflops are made from safe recycled materials, and lately, they have teamed up with our local Haribon Foundation in their efforts towards preserving our raiforests. This advocacy is mirrored in their styles-forest-inspired prints on the soles of their footwear. These flip-flops are definitely vibrant and again, for the young or the young-at-heart.

For travel, Samsonite, a household name for travelers launched its new line.

This iconic brand has teamed up with Viktor and Rolf for their new collection which they say guarantees fascinating and fashionable travel. This line is characterized by ambivalence, glamour and beauty. The haute couture of travel fashion, their Samsonite Black Label is earning rave reviews for their travel pieces. For the women, there is the Scarlet Red, and for the guys, there is the Harry line in skyblue. This summer, travel in style with their latest designs.

And finally, while we are in the leisure mode, check out the latest addition to the elite dining places, the Terrace at the 5th.

By now you know that this is the brainchild of six dynamic women, all bosom friends who may have more in common than their fashion sense. Ching Cruz, Maricris Zobel, Menchu Soriano, Carol Garcia, sisters Ivy and Cynthia Almario, celebrated designers, and Cecille Ysmael came up with this resto located in Greenbelt 5, overlooking a lush garden.

Late-blooming Cecille is Terrace’s in-house chef. Cecille came into her own after proving her mettle at Thai at Silk in Serendra, honing her skills after several months of internship in the culinary circles of Thailand. The designer sisters, of course, were tasked with the restaurant’s interiors, and they came up with a delectable, charming design, replete with French windows, floral murals and bird cage ceiling lamps.

I surmise they also chipped in with their personal choices in the menu, as we see Cynthia’s Amazing Artichoke Dip and Cecille’s Chicken and Pork Adobo Flakes. Their Homestyle Confit of Pork Belly is slow-roasted for 12 hours, and they are particularly proud of their angus steaks. Top off the meal with their Gateau Crepe, Truffle Torte or Paanna Cotta with melted coffee.

The metro is definitely pulsating with these new launches.

Mabuhay!!! Be proud to be a Filipino.

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