Look what Paula Abdul loves!
Who says you can’t be worldly and fruitful while lazing about? Surfing the web for a peek at what’s going on in other cultures and to score some hard-to-find items are what most people already do. While there’s a plethora of e-commerce sites to blow your cash on, there aren’t that many that can boast Filipino-made products while being eco-conscious at the same time.
The progeny of Lindy Castillo Theodoropoulos (yes, it’s a tongue twister), Zemis is a lifestyle accessories boutique accessed online at www.zemis.com. Aiming to promote appreciation for world culture, world travel and green gifting, it has a bevy of interesting items to choose from. Born out of her love for travel, Theodoropoulos would exchange gifts that were purchased on her travels with her like-minded friends. Each gift had a story behind it which intrigued Theodoropoulos, prompting her to set up an online boutique featuring cultural gifts. The term “zemis” signifies deities from the Caribbean and is an apt name for this cultural website as there’s an ethnic narrative behind the Zemis brand.
Zemis has a wide range of gift items, from organic toys and organic linens to foreign language DVDs, world music CDs and unique books on world cultures. They carry a wide assortment of handbags and the latest gadgets along with a slew of other options. Essentially, it’s an online department store of gifts. What particularly stands out is Zemis’ own line of special designer accessories. Some of the accessories have made their way into the hands of Paula Abdul, who loves the Akt Vianca minaudiere, made of woven pandan and palm leaves. At New York Fashion Week, Donna Karan was impressed with the Grapes of Wrath necklace made of Manga Manga wood from the Visayas; while Hilary Alexander, Kiwi fashion director of the Daily Telegraph, swoons over the Bloody Fangs necklace made of limestone hooked onto a leather cord. Not a bad showing!
Gorgeous, intricate handmade neckpieces inspired by the wonders of the world are some of the current offerings. An iridescent, artfully crafted necklace named the Empress Mahal draws reference from the wife of Shah Jahan, Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built. Embellished with fresh water pearls with glass and metal beads, it pairs well with the Divine Tombs necklace celebrating Mahal’s tomb. Painstakingly embroidered and studded neckpieces in chartreuse and turquoise, inspired by the pyramids of Egypt, are colorful additions to any wardrobe. Pearls swathed in tulle and mother of pearl shells evoke sentiments of the Great Barrier Reef. On days when I can’t seem to think of what to wear, I throw on a solid dress or a basic tee making it the backdrop for a Zemis necklace, a standout on its own.
Zemis has even made it to Hollywood, specifically at the highly regarded Haven event, a gifting suite party at the Oscars where celebs make away like bandits with loads of free loot. Haven’s organizers invited Zemis to participate after some of the organic items on the website caught their eye. Zemis contributed items for the Oscar nominee gift bag which was given to female nominees, Oscar presenters and other top women in film. This occurred during the nascent stages of Zemis and there wasn’t enough inventory to supply the high-profile event. Theodoropoulos had to conceptualize, design, produce and ship out hundreds of accessories and handbags in a matter of 10 days. Luckily all was executed in time and exotic accessories from all over the Philippines found their way to the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Scarlett Johansson — and the A-list can go on.
It doesn’t stop there! Striking Zemis neckpieces were handed out to winners and nominees of the Golden Globes such as Sandra Bullock, Drew Barrymore, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Julianna Margulies and other lovely ladies.
They’ve teamed up with Amazon.com for transaction processing so those who have Amazon accounts can purchase directly from Zemis (Philippine credit cards will be accepted on the site without a doubt). Manila locals are lucky: if you e-mail Theodoropoulos directly, Zemis’ special collection items can be paid for in pesos by check and sent to your home free of charge if you are within 35 kilometers of Makati or by courier at minimal cost for those a little further away. So kick back and relax while shopping from the comforts of your own home.
