Fashion meets function in Herve Chapelier
As my daughter Natalia and I were window shopping at SM Aura, she spotted a store that I wasn’t too familiar with. Excitedly she explained that it was one of her favorite bag stores when she lived in Paris and was happy that it is now available locally. The Herve Chapelier brand is named after its French founder who, in 1976, started with tote, duffel and travel bags made with sturdy materials that are usually found in car seat belts and canvas in red, purple, fuchsia, orange, yellow and neutral hues. Popular with the younger set and those who want practical bags, the brand is also favored for its simplicity and durability.
A week later, I was invited to the opening of Herve Chapelier and one of the guests even jokingly remarked that her bag has outlasted her decade-old marriage.
Guests Stephanie Kienle-Gonzales, Maggie Wilson, Pia Magalona, G Tongi, Anna Rufino, Patty Laurel, Mika Martinez, Keri Zamora and Karen Jimeno agreed that these bags are the best not only for travel but also for daily use. They showed us their choices that looked so chic in various color combinations, including animal prints which are always in style.
The evening’s Parisian-themed soiree had romantic French music in the background as French goodies were served. Guests were able to view the bag artwork created by selected young and upcoming local artists Aiya Balingit, Mayi Peñaflorida, Soleil Ignacio, Niccolo Jose, Kris Abrigo, and Tokwa Peñaflorida who each created their signature art on a Hervé Chapelier bag. It was interesting to see how each artist was able to showcase a Parisian theme that ranged from classic French paintings to florals and citiscapes.
Hervé Chapelier is located at SM Aura, upper ground floor, Taguig.
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For comments and ideas, email the author at jacinto.fa@gmail.com.
