An Aranaz affair

The name Amina Aranaz-Alunan is a byword in the world of design for good reason. Amina has been the driving force behind much of the advancement of fashion, interior and media-related design in the country. Her line of quality bags, accessories and clothes in Greenbelt 5 is a popular go-to place for women who wish to purchase one-of-a-kind handmade luxuries. The first Aranaz store was located on Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig in 2004, the same year Amina finished her studies in Milan.

At present, Amina carries clothes from two local designers — Tetchie Hagedorn, whose designs have an easy-to-wear resort vibe and Vania Romoff, whose collection stresses on classic and elegant lines.

“Aranaz is truly an extension of myself,” Amina says. “It exhibits all the things I love and advocate — beautifully made pieces, Filipino craftsmanship and artisan techniques, with a modern aesthetic. Filipino yet global thinking. We plan to do some store improvements in the near future to make the retail experience more exciting. This June, we will be launching our second edition of our luxe line, Aranaz  Delujo.”

Amina has used her knowledge of design and retail to advocate for livelihood training and opportunities for the disadvantaged. Her stores showcase products of Rags2Riches (an organization she has been supporting since 2008). The store also showcases indigenous bags made by the Mangyan tribe through the Ayala Foundation. Both groups have been very well received by the market.

When asked to describe a typical client, Amina shares, “The Aranaz client is usually a woman in her mid-thirties who is well-traveled and cultured. She is a creative individual and exudes this creativity at home and at work. She is aware of the importance of style and uses fashion to spice up her day!”

Spoken like a truly stylish and creative woman indeed!

(Aranaz stores are located at Greenbelt 5 and The Power Plant Mall, Rockwell.)

Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Art direction by KINNY ANDRADA • Models: MALU MELLO and MARIANNA HENUD • Shot on location at The Bellevue Resorts in Bohol • Special thanks to Ryan Chan of The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts • Clothes by Tetchie Hagedorn for Aranaz

(For more of Uptown/Downtown, visit www.uptowndowntownsite.blogspot.com.)