Great finds await at Paul Smith Manila

MANILA, Philippines - London-based Paul Smith is giving its Manila clients a treat as the store goes on sale for the entire month of December.

Known for the classic colored stripes and swirls, the British fashion line is offering discounts on its collection of shirts, accessories, messenger bags, wallets and other trinkets that complement its autumn-winter collection.

"The sale is for the whole month of December. Most of the items are in 50 (percent discount) and we have some items that are 70 percent off," said Charles De Jesus, Paul Smith brand manager for the Manila store based in Greenbelt 5.

Marking its 17th year in the Philippines last Dec. 12, the store is offering tons of items on sale as a way of thanking its loyal customers, and to cater to consumers who want to know more about the brand.

"Everything from shirts to jeans to trousers to jackets, the dresses, they're all discounted at 50 percent off," De Jesus said. The shoes, meanwhile, are sold at a 70-percent discount.

He added that Manila clients don't have to worry about the collection being incompatible with the country's hot weather, as the store makes sure that its items are well suited for the Philippine scene.

"The touch from London that they can get from the collection is mostly the colors. The key prints that Paul Smith wants to highlight are available. So in a way, they can still get the authentic Paul Smith look they want to achieve. But obviously, it's suited for our weather," De Jesus said.

While the British designer is known for his extensive collection of men's wear, the store also caters to women, with clothes that give women and edgy and androgynous look. Women seeking to reinvent their usual girly style have to check out the store's collection of tailored jackets and the unique dresses that lend an air of simplicity and elegance to the one wearing it.

"Paul Smith wants to focus on the tailoring and the print.. and that's what he wants to push, the androgynous look for women. He sees women in a way that is very elegant, very classy," De Jesus said.

For the upcoming year, the store is gearing up for its 2013 spring-summer collection, bursting with bright colors for men and quirky details for women.

"For men, yellow, royal blue, coral and cranberry. The collection is very, very colorful for spring-summer 2013. For women, the women's collection is more of playing different fabrics... contrasting details... lace attached on long-sleeved shirts," he said.

Aside from men's and women's wear, De Jesus also recommends that clients check out the shoes on sale.

"I personally recommend that they check out the shoes for both men and women because the collection is nice... they played with different materials," he said.

The store also offers nifty items such as books, cookie jars, figurines and other collectibles that complement Paul Smith's thrust of drawing inspiration from little things.

"If they want to buy clothes and buy gifts, I guess this is the time to buy them at a good discount," De Jesus said.