Nothing taboo about Tabu

Every fashion plate knows that the summer heat comes from something more than just the sun. With this in mind, Tabu unleashes the sultry mystique of Morocco with its summer collection called Moroccan Dusk.

A sexy line of swimwear and leisure wear (with accessories to add gas), Tabu is for the sun goddess who has no qualms of being worshipped. With shades of the sunset warming up the golden bodies of the femme fatales this summer, the sensuality of this season’s collection will fizz anyone’s bubbly dry.

Model and VJ Amanda Griffin and Isabel Engwa established Tabu in 2000 and opened their first retail store a year later at the Greenbelt Shopping Center. Amanda and Isabel, just fresh from Australia, bring in the goodies for Summer ‘03 in forms of maillots, boy-cut shorts (modified in shape), Bond Girl-style bikinis and customary island favorites in the season’s hottest colors such as pink and candy pastels. Swimwear used to be intimidating for a lot of people but now with old favorites being modified, there’s no excuse to hide from the sun.

"One piece suits are very big now but they have all these sexy cutouts that make them very exciting and sexy," asserts Isabel. And for the really body-conscious, the store has also brought in a variety of tank-is that vehemently express their distaste from their matronly cousins of yore, since they come in a myriad of sexy tops and bottoms that prove you have nothing to conceal!

For beginners, the sarong may be a splendid thing when it comes to beach dressing. However, there are more ways to cover-up in the sands. "We have a collection of swimwear with matching cover-ups that are great for day and night," Amanda happily reports.

Sarongs are also great to turn into halters, tube dresses and turbans which are really hot this retro-beach season. Although now you can count on sheer baby dresses and even your thin cotton button-downs for alternatives, which give a sexy and Bardot-ish look. A well-equipped beach bag is also a must. Load up not only with bottled water, sunscreen and a water spray but with some bug repellants as well. How many gorgeous legs of summer have I seen mauled by sand flies!

Tonight it’s time to set temperatures rising in a searing-hot fashion show directed by Luis Espiritu at Dish, Power Plant, Rockwell Center. Strutting on the catwalk will be Tabu’s finest such as Tanya Paulsen, Phoemela Baranda, Nicolette Bell, Kyla Fernandez, Rica Peralejo and Nancy Castiglione who are just a few of the beauties included in Tabu’s show.

"We wanted to create a show that will transport people with great energy and for the moment make them forget all their troubles," Amanda shares. The show will have an exotic Moorish concept.

Lastly, the ticket to everyone’s escape is to enjoy an open bar with some Cruzan cocktails to greet this wicked season. Is there anything better than free drinks? Yes – bartenders who look as good as the cocktails they shake. Marc Nelson and Marco Lobregat will put their biceps to work as they man the bar after the show.

Summer has just turned towards a naughty direction. It’s no wonder why Tabu is so on fire.

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Women are on the right side of the velvet rope for the evening while the men have to belt P350. Call Dish at 8981771 for tickets.