MANILA, Philippines — From close-knit family ties to love of sweets (gelato or ice cream) and “carbs” (pasta or rice), Filipinos and Italians are said to share many things in common.
Nowadays, both nations’ love of fashion also comes to fore as Italy might not be present in World Cup this year, but in a single day, three of Italy’s biggest names – Furla, Max Mara and Fendi – held their launches in Philippine shores.
The Italian luxury goods market has been forecast to grow by 5% globally from this year to 2027, according to Mondor Intelligence data. Here are some of the Italian labels leading the pack:
More fur-free Furla
Since announcing its commitment to no longer use animal fur in its collections in 2018 and signing the Fur Free Retailer program in 2019, Italian luxury leather goods label Furla continues its fur-free streak with a fall-winter 2022 collection that highlights the brand’s playful side.
Exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. in the Philippines, Furla is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, City of Dreams, Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Cebu, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, and online at Trunc.ph, Rustans.com and Zalora.
Though the label’s fall-winter 2022 collection is still mostly rendered in suede and soft leather, it boasts of bags made of recycled materials, such as the Furla Re-Candy or upcycled version of the brand’s signature Candy bags.
Made of nylon, a vegan material, the brand’s Nylon Pop assortment comes with the sporty touch of nylon in pop shades – from bright ocean blue to neon pink or grenadine red – their puffed look and softness make them the arm candy versions of a winter jacket.
The label’s new arch logo, launched three years ago and inspired by the arch of Fondazione Furla in Italy, figures prominently in My Joy collection’s twist lock, which forms into a heart when closed.
Ideal for work, the MiaStella collection comes in color-blocked shades with a ‘70s gypsy vibe. The playfulness theme parlays to the brand’s 1927 handbags, rendered to resemble scarves with their Fauves-inspired flora and fauna patterns from the label’s archives.
Next month, the label will start rolling out its new season capsule collection featuring a new collaboration line with its long-time partner, Hello Kitty.
“Joy and whimsy are part of the Furla spirit since the beginning and become tools to face changing times: an occasionally carefree present, to draw an unexpected future,” the brand stated.
Related: Fendi Casa opens first Asia store in the Philippines
More ‘Viva, Italia’ in Manila
If there is another thing that Filipinos appreciate with Italian labels besides timelessness, it is the brands’ high-quality craftsmanship, one of the aces of what has been forecast as among the biggest Italian brand players in the world today, Max Mara.
Known for marrying Italian heritage with contemporary spirit, Max Mara recently opened its first store in Manila – in Greenbelt 3 Makati – attended by French Baker’s John Lu Koa and wife, who are believed to be responsible for bringing the brand to the Philippines. They were joined by AyalaLand and Ayala Malls executives, and the Italian embassy and Max Mara representatives in the ribbon-cutting and toasting for the opening of the around 100-square-meter show space overlooking Makati Avenue.
Existing architectural elements of the building, such as vaulted ceilings and a skylight, naturally embellish the rooms and interact with the brand’s Italian heritage and contemporary spirit.
A well-balanced mix of strain gré, brass, metal, oak wood and colorful marbles creates a welcoming atmosphere across the main living area, which is beautifully centered by a column in raw stone.
Finally, sophisticated furnishings from leading Italian design brands make the new store evoke the company’s fundamental brand values of Italian craftsmanship and timeless construction.
The store contains the latest collections, including the mainline, ‘S. During the opening, event host David Celdran announced that only two pieces of the brand’s most iconic silhouette, the 101801 Icon Coat, simply called the “Madame” coat, were available in store – in camel and in gold.
The coat, pegged at over US$4,000 or P200,000 apiece, was designed in 1981 by French stylist Anne-Marie Beretta. The brand said in its website that the coat epitomizes the company’s know-how with its defined lines and precise proportions, making it a timeless masculine-cut suit that complements anything from T-shirts and jeans to formal wear.
Founded in 1951 by the late visionary Achille Maramotti, Max Mara is best known for its modern collection of ready-to-wear and accessories for the confident woman.
It is the premier offering within the Max Mara Fashion group composed of sophisticated silhouettes and couture details achieved through masterful design.
Recognized for its timeless sensibility and constructed from the most luxurious fabrics, the brand is revered for the classification of the coat, sharp suiting and elegant accessories. It is available in 2,500 locations in more than 100 countries worldwide. The Max Mara Fashion group counts nine different brands under its ownership. The company remains privately held.
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