Fashion and symphony at The Shang

There’s always something magical about Shangri-La Mall during the holiday season. While most people avoid the craziness and crowds in the malls during Christmas, The Shang continues to draw people in with their cheerful and comfortable atmosphere — and, of course, their excellent shopping selection. This year, under its gorgeous and fantastical decorations of oversized toys, stockings, and snowflakes the mall celebrated the start of the season with its annual holiday fashion show. Dubbed Fashion & Symphony, the show featured holiday collections from 31 popular international and local brands, accompanied by live music from the Angono Chamber Orchestra.

Kids looked adorable in ensembles from Gap Kids, Periwinkle, Ramp Kids, Gingersnaps, Rustan’s Department Store and Zara Kids. Little girls glowed in stylish blazers, frilly skirts and colorful tees while their boy buddies looked super cute and warm in statement tees, fun jackets and smart slacks. So many of these great pieces can multiply into even more outfit combinations for all possible photo ops — from their classroom Christmas parties to Christmas reunions. Each outfit reminds you that, indeed, the holidays are for kids.

However, that doesn’t mean that we grownups can’t have a little fun this Christmas. Red and purple remain the most festive colors for holiday gatherings, and were showcased in different ensembles: casual chic from Liz Claiborne, street by Kira Plastina, and party ready by The Ramp. For the younger fashionistas, printed leggings, shearling jackets, and cable-knit sweaters were abound, as well as several other pieces inspired by runway looks from fall 2010. Trend-loving girls especially loved the use of texture for the boho chic looks from Mango, Warehouse and Polo by Ralph Lauren. For ladies looking for classic pieces to add to their wishlists, shift dresses, coverups and other office-worthy clothes came in luxe fabrics and lighter ones as well for any season.

Since colder days are definitely coming, other brands also showed different options for layering: puffy vests from Gap, smart coats from Marks and Spencer, even fur vests and leopard coats! Guys also changed up their shirt-and-pants combinations with jackets — aviator jackets for street looks (sometimes accessorized with a scarf and a hat), trench jackets for a jetsetter look, and cardigan sweaters for a preppy vibe. Several “man bags” went down the runway as well, tempting guys to give their pockets a break and carry their belongings in one stylish yet masculine place.

From casual to posh, from trendy to timeless, Fashion & Symphony had all the looks for anyone looking to add a little holiday spirit to their wardrobes and wishlists.