Seeking out souks in Market! Market!

MANILA, Philippines - Market! Market! hosted the fourth edition of Ayala Mall’s popular Style Souk, which, true to this year's Style Origin theme of Inspiring Imagination, offered a wide array of fashionable picks from participating merchants in one convenient setting — right at the heart of the bustling mall.

Literally a mall within a mall, the Souk was well received by merchants and most especially shoppers, who eagerly milled around the activity area, which featured mannequin vignettes wearing looks from the Market! Market! Style Origin show. The myriad shops presented choice style picks from brands like Team Manila, Jockey, Swish Clothing Store, Metro Department Store, Skechers, Barbie, Rusty Lopez, Get Laud, Kikay, Tomato Red, Tomato Green, J. King, Silverworks, Banana Peel, Wade, Heatwave, Gingersnaps, BaseKamp, Bayo, Plains and Prints, Ballow Shop, Suesh, B Club, Freeway, Leaveland, Olympic Village, Stamp Shop Plus, Surfer's Island and Just G among others.

This edition of the Style Souk was notable in its variety and value. Both mall regulars and passersby were enticed by the convenience of the set-up and the amazing deals on display. “I really appreciated that the stores are in one location like this. I was just passing by but now I’ve picked which shoes my daughter would wear when the new school year starts,” says Christy, who we caught shopping for kids wear at the Barbie booth. Tomato saleslady Karen agrees: “We are happy that our store has an extension like this even for a few days. We were able to reach more customers this way.” Michelle of Kikay, an accessories shop, adds: “The customers were attracted to the sale items the most. Almost no effort, we’re just right here.”

Not only were potential savings and location the top draws, musical guests Luigi D’Avola and Champ Lui Pio who performed on the Souk’s second and third day respectively, provided cool tunes that encouraged even more buyers to congregate to the booths and shop to their heart’s content.

A veritable feast for the senses, Style Souk Market! Market! was a rousing success, bringing fashion to the community –– and the community closer in style.