We like trends — a whole lot. And we are constantly fixated on what the most recent shows have presented on the runways. This season, for example, fashionphiles cannot ignore the fact that shoes are widely influencing the looks of just about every collection from Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Balmain to Louis Vuitton. As a result, shelves in just about every retail store are filled to the brim with statement footwear that many are more than wiling to indulge in. It is also the process of having to stay in the know — surfing the Net, reading fashion blogs or even staying up till the wee hours of the morning to catch the coverage of the latest fashion shows — that encourage us to continuously search for a new piece to add on to our ever-expanding wardrobes. We can easily ignore the clutter in our closets if it means owning an of-the-moment accessory but we certainly cannot ignore an exquisite pair of shoes, of-the-moment jewelry even from a thousand miles away.
We sift through the many pieces that have struck a chord in the world of style and streamline for you what we deem to be instant remedies for a seasonal fashion update. More particularly, we pick out the pieces that we feel are contemporary and modern, allowing to play up your look even after several seasons.
Bleu de Genes
A classic that has evolved for centuries now, denim pants are now considered a fashion staple. Once standard workwear for miners in the 1850s, the word denim actually took its roots from the French phrase blue de Genes, which literally translates to the bleu of Genoe. History tells us that denim fabrics are believed to have originated from a French town called Nimes, hence the word denim. On a more contemporary note, however, we have witnessed how denims have managed to take on new cuts, colors and washes to adapt to the changing moods and temperaments of fashion.
Foot notes
It’s been said time and again this season: shoes are the requisite accessories for the season. Embellished, sculptural and intricate, these pieces are your tickets to high voltage fashion. With easily a hundred styles to choose from, however, it is important to also keep function in mind. Integrate modern aesthetics into practicality with a pair of Oxfords that come in metallic hues and doses of embellishments. Not only do they bring forth Brit flair as best seen in the work of Vivienne Westwood, they also exude a distinct sense of Euro-centric nonchalance.
Clockwork
In recent years, we have seen a new approach in design that has brought in the frisk in timekeeping. As opposed to the more traditional timepieces that have long dominated over our wrists, this new generation of watches come in materials, colors and sizes that immediately bring about a more edgy take on an otherwise ordinary piece. Fashion icons and celebrities such as Madonna, US First Lady Michelle Obama and supermodel Naomi Campbell for example have been spotted donning oversized timepieces in striking colors by young label Toywatch.
Techno park
This is what we see in cafes, restaurants and even bars: women wearing the chicest ensembles with Blackberry, a digital camera or a laptop in tow. Truly, we belong to the digital age and the fashion world is only too eager to join the bandwagon. A night out on town will only show how fashion and technology have merged — seamlessly at that. The fashion scene has become defined not only by couture but also the latest gadgets out in the market.
Revelry jewelry
Season after season we see how jewelry takes on various moods. Our very own local designers such as Arnel Papa, Bea Valdez and more recently Chris Diaz have created world class pieces that only further reinforced our place in the international style scene. What makes statement jewelry such a commodity is that it immediately spruces up an outfit. Take for example the regular jeans and t-shirt ensemble. With the right neckpiece, this outfit can immediately take you from day to night.