YStyle picks

Opening up

MANILA, Philippines - Nearly six months after stepping down as Balenciaga’s creative director, fashion website Business of Fashion released a global exclusive excerpt from Nicolas Ghesquiére’s revealing interview with System magazine’s Jonathan Wingfield, expressing why he really left the storied French house after over 15 years. “I heard people saying, ‘Your style is so Balenciaga now, it’s no longer Nicolas Ghesquière, it’s Balenciaga’s style.’ It all became so dehumanized,” he said. Difficulty dealing with upper management also became an issue: “(The people at the top kept) saying they love fashion, yet they’ve never actually grasped that (fashion) isn’t yoghurt or a piece of furniture — products in the purest sense of the term.” However, all seems to be doing well now that he’s finally decided to strike out on his own. “I’m regenerating again, and that’s very exciting because it’s a feeling I haven’t had since I was in my twenties.” Take heed, Alexander Wang: No matter what happens along the way, there is life after Balenciaga.

Bally-hooed

After posting on Twitter last April that she had never acknowledged her relationship with Rob Kardashian as “boyfriend-girlfriend,” Rita Ora proved that she's so over the whole thing by teaming up with Hunger magazine to produce the music video for her single, Facemelt.

She's also been seen partying with model Cara Delevinge at Kate Moss' birthday bash. On a girl's night out, take a cue from the British singer-songwriter's luxe-street  look by pairing a ladylike tote, like the Bally “Piaffel” in perforated nude leather with a graphic sweater, while out in London. Talk about taking luxury to the streets.

In the current

Drop by the Manila Ballrooms A and B at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati tomorrow for Au Courant, a one-day summer sale and art exhibit held by Cura V, together with Shang Salcedo Place. The sale will feature travel-inspired pieces crafted especially for the event by Manila’s most talented designers for home and jewelry, like Emi Jorge, Nicole Whisenhunt, Natalya Lagdameo, Carissa Cruz, Joanique, Cada Dia, Kotur, Two Chic, Maco Custodio, Riqueza by Erica Concepcion, Anna Saguil and Bailey & Betmar. There will also be a preview of luxurious art pieces for your home by artists like Iñigo Elizalde for Catalina, Liliana Manahan, Bungalow 300 and Raab Terrarium. Other unique contemporary art pieces will also be on display, curated by Art Informal gallery owner, Tina Fernandez. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cocktails start at 4 p.m.

Crossing over

Apart from being a stylist, lifestyle blogger, magazine editor, TV host and author, Jenni Epperson is also the designer of her eponymous home and fashion brand, in collaboration with The Ramp Crossings. Peppered with her favorite print, zebra,  her first collection is called “Rise and Shine.”  “The collection is not only fun and flattering. It’s very cohesive,”   according to Jenni. “The jersey caftans are so versatile — just put on strappy flats and you can run around all day in them and just replace them with the gladiators and metallic clutch for a night out.” As for the home collection, Jenni’s main offering is a luxe bar cart and supplemented by coral and zebra-themed home accessories, such as reversible throw pillows, glazed hand-painted trays and coasters, gold hammered metal candelabra and napkin rings. The “Rise and Shine” pop-up shop will be open to the public on May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at The Ramp Crossings in Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati.

Sensational strands

Luxury brand Jewelmer Joaillerie brings back the Strand Sensation this month. The jeweler offers a distinguished selection of styles and natural colors of classic strands for every woman. From now until May 31, each strand purchase entitles the client to a 20-percent rebate on their next purchase. (Certain restrictions apply.) Jewelmer Joaillerie’s heritage is in the French tradition of fine jewelry and genuine Filipino sensibilities, both harnessed by the expertise of their jewelers to create classic pieces of jewelry with the warmth of the rare South Sea pearl.

For more details on mechanics, visit any Jewelmer Joaillerie boutique. For more information on the brand, please visit www.jewelmer.com.