Man-dals, oxfords go with Charles & Keith’s new flagship store design
MANILA, Philippines - It seems like only yesterday that polarizing “man-dals” divided the fashion world when they debuted on the runway. Open-toe, flat and unflattering, they were, at first, a painful and unnecessary contrast to the clothes; but soon enough, our eyes grew accustomed to them and their beguiling atrociousness. Now we think we can wear them with anything (you can’t, but you can try). Wearing slip-ons has become the new buttoned-all-the-way-up shirt — a detail insignificant on its own that upgrades an otherwise mall-rat look significantly. (Pedicures are required.)
At the recent launch of Charles & Keith’s new flagship store at Bonifacio High Street, there were a lot of so-called man-dals that were just plain delicious, as well as a collection of other drool-worthy footwear. Emmanuel Mace-Driskill, executive director for products and strategic planning of Charles & Keith, says man-dals are a big trend for spring-summer, as well as one of their bestsellers. “Flat is back and we have a lot of options, like open ballerina flats, slingbacks, and a lot of sandals. There is also a refreshed style of moccasins. Chunky heels are also a trend.”
All these are presented in a seamless flow of style categories in the store: the androgynous shoes — derbys and oxfords in various heights, platform sandals; evening stilettos and pumps; summer footwear — flats of all shapes, perforated leather, fringe details, and sorbet hues like lemon, cherry and mint. “For bags, it’s bucket bags and boxy bags,” says Driskill. They come in various neutral tones, as well as pops of cobalt and print. There is a perfect summer tote in the store — a quilted cotton canvas bag with espadrille details and a chain strap. There is a digital camouflage-print bucket bag, with matching slip-ons and wallet. There are several large clutches, a particular reptile-print one with in-your-face gold hardware stands out. The designs stand out against Charles & Keith’s new store aesthetic: a streamlined industrial look injected with shiny finishes, such as marble, metal and lots of mirrors. The new store is also drenched in light, which guests will find more inviting.
The fresh store concept of Charles & Keith covers a total of 100 sq.m. The overall design is meant to highlight products and welcome guests with the newest weekly releases, as well as a wall filled with a diverse assembly of handbags and purses.
“We are very young, but we have gained more confidence and definitely the angle now is to be one of the leaders in fast fashion. We’re looking at the latest trends, latest designs — basics with a twist. We are also developing new lines such as costume jewelry. We’re looking to provide sophisticated, up-to-trend products,” she shares. “We are one of the first fast-fashion brands to come to things market and we’re doing very well. There’s going to be a lot of renovations — the latest store concept is brighter. We use elements of marble and metal… the store is very clean, very chic.”
Originally from Singapore, created by Charles and Keith Wong in 1996, Charles & Keith is franchised in the Philippines by Suyen Corporation. (“I just met the Suyen team yesterday, they are a lovely team. They’ve really been supportive of this new concept opened in Bonifacio High Street,” Driskill says). The brand will soon be celebrating its 20th year, with over 500 stores in over 35 countries, including China, Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, North Africa and Eastern Europe. Driskill adds, “The big news for us is that we also have a pop-up at Galleries Lafayette in Paris, so that’s opening the doorway to Europe. We’ve grown very fast and there’s more to come.”
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Charles & Keith flagship store is located at B8, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
