There’s an ever so slight nip in the air and the racks are packed with fall/winter offerings that could only be plausibly worn in the glacial confines of an empty theater. This just means it’s holiday shopping time. At SM City North EDSA, new retail concepts are popping up like hyper-farmed mushrooms, while tried-and-tested favorites grow with new additions to current lines. Check out the must-have, the must-buy and the must-grab-now.
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For more info on SM North EDSA, call 929-3641, visit their website at www.sm-northedsa.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/smnedsa.
Forever 21
Brit styles and modernized ’20s are ruling the racks at the fast fashion retailer. Geometric prints, neon hues and houndstooth patterns comprise the Brit trend, while grunge-inflected florals make up Forever 21’s take on the new ’20s. For holiday, the label is all about the contemporary lady: tweed, leopard print and gold trim.
Forever 21 is located at 2/F The Block. For more info, call 376-5106/376-5057.
Mango
“The strongest theme in our F/W 2012 collection is the army or military influence. We have the decorated officer’s jacket, updated pencil skirts, gold buttons and piped trims on oversized coats,” says assistant brand manager Karla Magno. Mango is also maximizing the masculine/feminine silhouette, sending out tailored suit jackets and pleated oversized trousers. “There are also classic, ladylike tweed jackets and office-appropriate blouses with on-trend accents like chains, studs, and collar metal tips.”
For more info, call 442-0152/442-0153. Mango is located at 2/F The Block.
Levi’s
In homage to their “Go Forth” campaign, the denim label makes way for Americana, with chambray shirts over no-nonsense denim and tunics in red checks. Part ’50s, part Bruce Springsteen, the collection invokes a nostalgia for things past, with designs that hark to the label’s original American worker.
For more info, call 442-0116. Levi’s is located at 3/F The Block.
Aldo
For the holidays, the men’s slipper is all the rage — for ladies. In studded black suede and high-stepping leopard, the fancy footwear can be worn with dashing menswear separates or a simple silk sheath. High heels are also the rage (when is it not?) but this time in two-tone styles with a cap toe.
Aldo is located at 2/F The Block. For more info, call 442-0121/442-0093.
Brooks
A retail concept for running aficionados, Brooks offers different technologies depending on the needs of the runner. “Many elite athletes use Brooks, like triple Ironman world champion Chrissie Wellington, long-distance runner and two-time Olympian Vertek Buenavista and Filipino elite champion of the 2012 Ironman August Benedicto, but our biggest customers are those who are just starting to run as a hobby. Brooks helps the runner to get to his personal goal,” says store manager Karlo Beltran.
For more info, call 651-7777. Brooks is located at 3/F Annex.
Elle Girl
Despite its misleading moniker, Elle Girl is a label for women in their 20s and 30s.
Elle Girl EVP Joan Yao characterizes the label as “ageless yet fun.”
“At our French headquarters, girl is an attitude, not a number,” Yao reiterates.
A subsidiary of the Elle group, Elle Girl is a French affiliate and the first of its kind to open in Manila. Its aesthetic is girly with a definite youthfulness: denim jackets, frilly skirts, sweet stripes are hallmarks of the Elle Girl wardrobe.
For more info, call 376-0892. Elle Girl is located at 3/F The Block.
Skechers
Known for its lifestyle and performance styles, Skechers has garnered attention for its trendy footwear, including its homage to the Isabel Marant wedge sneaker. “The hidden wedge trend is big with celebs around the globe and Skechers is launching its own collection this month with SKCH+3: glamorous, traffic-stopping shoes and boots with a three-inch hidden wedge that gives you even more height, without anybody knowing,” says marketing services division manager Katrina Ong.
“Women like Skechers Bobs because of the range in colors and intricate details,” she adds. “It’s a collection of fashionable and comfortable espadrilles and slip-ons with intricate stitching accents.” For every pair of Bobs sold, Skechers donates a pair of foam footwear to a child in need. They recently partnered with the One Heart for Hope Foundation in Zambales, giving pairs to 200 kids in the community. “This is only the beginning,” says Ong. “By Christmas we’re hoping to reach out to more kids.”
For more info, call 376-7913.
Skechers is located at 2/F Annex.
Philip Stein
Known for its Natural Frequency Technology, Philip Stein recently introduced the Signature Round Collection, a new member of the single-movement family. With an eight-shape dial design and construction, the watch features stylized Roman or Arabic marker configurations, while new cases boast interchangeable stainless steel bracelets and exotic skin strap offerings.
For more info, call 926-3935. Philip Stein is located at UGF City Center.
Cotton On
The latest fast fashion retailer opens in SM North Edsa later this year. The trendy Australian label carries a large range of affordable, fashionable separates, including accessories and footwear. Best sellers for men are the Kent shirt, the Mexico tees, the colorful Spitfire jeans and relaxed Lachlan shorts. For women, the Sahara sleeveless shirt, Carla shirt and Chloe slant pocket shorts are popular.
Cotton On is located at 2/F The Block, and will be opening on Nov. 17.
Technomarine
Designed for divers (and landlubbers), Technomarine’s Black Reef watch was inspired by the Australian black reefs. Reaching incredible depth levels (it boasts 1,650 feet), the collection offers Swiss movement function and a sapphire glass top, making it tough to scratch, as well as hypoallergenic silicone rubber straps and interchangeable straps in leather and canvas.
For more info, call 376-7847. Technomarine is located at 2/F City Center.
Merrell
The footwear of fitness enthusiasts, Merrell is known for its Barefoot line, a thin-soled shoe in the minimalist category that encourages the midfoot stride, stimulates muscles and improves posture. “When infants learn to walk, they use their forefoot,” merchandising and concession coordinator Charissa Aquino explains. “But when parents buy thick-soled shoes, we became heel strikers. Now, we’re returning to the basics.”
The label is also famous for its Q-form tech: a gender-specific last that addresses weight distribution of the female body, relieving stress from feet and legs. Available in RTW styles like sandals and ballet flats, the technology offers support for everyday use.
For more info, call 687-6558. Merrell is located at 3/F Annex.
Uniqlo
With the debut of the F/W collection, Uniqlo’s roster of much-loved bestsellers includes the popular ultra-light down jackets and vest, HeatTech wear, along with 150 different designs of flannel shirts and printed fleece. According to store manager Giselle Afable, must-haves include the GVGV collab like its line of long tunic dresses, as well as the Orla Kiely collab of print-friendly separates. Popular colors are in vivid hues, while shortsleeved knits in lambswood and merino are worth a second look.
Uniqlo opens on Nov. 16 at 2/F The Block, SM City North Edsa.
Sperry
Sperry Top-Sider is responsible for the world’s first boat shoe: the A/O or Authentic Original. Since the first incarnation of the preppy must-have, Sperry has evolved, debuting the popular Bahama 2-Eye, a canvas boat shoe on a vulcanized bottom considered another all-time favorite by Sperry enthusiasts.
The label is welcoming the holidays with two special collaborations, set to launch in November, and YStyle has a sneak peek. “First is a women’s line collaboration with sophisticated-young luxury brand, Milly, bringing a feminine flair to our well-loved boat shoes, including canvas sneakers and wedges as well,” says retail division manager Karen Ong. “Second is something for the guys: our collaboration with the preppy chic Band of Outsiders, a trendier spin on the brand with styles and materials that go beyond the classic boat shoe.”
Sperry is located at 3/F The Block and will be opening on Nov. 16.
Nike
Running may be waning in popularity (I’ve noticed the droves on sidewalks during rush hour decrease exponentially) but at Nike, it’s the sport that drives people to the racks, to seek out their line of support and stability footwear to keep feet in top shape during long runs. “Nike Free makes the wearer feel like he is barefoot,” says assistant store manager Aira Sayao. “It allows the greatest flex of toes for a natural grip that creates stability and pinpoint turns.”
For more info, call 332-2981. Nike is located at 3/F Annex.
Tretorn
Kids who sported “Trets” in PE tend to have fond memories of the sporty label. For those jonesing for their pumped-up kicks, the label is popular for its Nylites (now in wax canvas, suede, leather), Otto (a deceptively simple canvas boat shoe sneaker, featuring Swedish Massage Teknology), Smogensson (Tretorn’s take on a traditional boat shoe) and Skerry boots (rubber boots designed for sailing, but suited for city adventures).
For more info, call 303-1234. Tretorn is located at UGF Annex.