Bikinis, bags and beauty queens

MANILA, Philippines - Sounds like a formula for success: two model/beauty queens with a flair for style, plus a great network of fashion-loving friends and fans who hie off to the islands even during monsoon season. Maggie Wilson-Consunji (Bb. Pilipinas World 2007) and Sandra Seirfert (Ms. Earth-Air 2009), BFFs turned entrepreneurs, recently launched Solara, a brand that offers luxurious-looking swimwear that you could actually both swim and lounge in.

Swank club Republiq witnessed the official unveiling of ‘50s-style two-piece suits, lounge pants, roomy caftans and flirty skirts, all giving a nod to jewel tones and luxe satiny fabric.

Giving more fash to the whole St. Tropez-in-Manila feel, the launch also introduced another novice label, KLutched from Kuala Lumpur, created by Zaireen Ibrahim (daughter of the Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines) and Yiu Lin Ung. Made of exquisite material and lovingly crafted with beads and embellishment, KLutched’s clutches and bags are every beach bunny’s answer to tropical toting.

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For orders and inquiries, visit www.solaraswimwear.com and www.klutched.com