Stylish ensembles

Ensembles opened its first branch in Glorietta in 1991. Eighteen years later, it continues that pioneering spirit with the launch of its new line — Ensembles by Debbie Co. The brand introduced the collection at its newest location at The Row, Glorietta 5 with fashion designer Debbie Co and Ensembles model, actress Carmina Villaroel.

The event was very casual, with a few intimate guests hobnobbing with the models up close rather than watching them sashay on stage. Debbie and Carmina were mingling with guests who received discount coupons from Ensembles and enjoyed finger food from Mangan restaurant.

The highlight of the evening was the 25-minute Ensembles by Debbie Co Trunk Show, which was hosted by ETC’s Richard Herrera. The models looked fresh yet modern, elegant and timeless, which Ensembles is known for. Guests had the opportunity to purchase some of their favorite pieces from the collection right there and then with VIP discount coupons that Ensembles gave out for the event. They were also able to participate in a raffle for Ensembles gift certificates.

The event closed with an interactive Question and Answer portion.

(Ensembles can be found at Alabang Town Center, Eastwood, Festival Super Mall, Robinson’s Place Ermita, Robinson’s Galleria, SM Bicutan, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Glorietta 5 and Chimes Mall, Davao. Visit www.ensembles.com.ph)

The art of creating gowns for babies

Designer Katrina Goulbourn-Feist celebrated the launch of her Katrina Goulbourn Babes line of christening gowns with an intimate tea party at Rustan’s Makati. The mood was like a baptismal celebration — relaxed with the whimsical, beautiful setting and vignettes by Rustan’s featuring different settings themed after Goulbourn’s designs. Guests enjoyed the Peninsula’s delicious high-tea from petite tea sandwiches to delectable mini pastries.

Six adorable babies, who were carried around by their proud and lovely mothers (or sometimes fathers), wore the christening gowns for the occasion bringing her designs to life. Her first collection entitled “A Small, Small World” takes inspiration from historical costume and Philippine culture, with themes that are Filipino, Spanish and Chinese in influence. The gowns are atypical, with design influences coming from anything for the little princes and princesses — historical costumes to current trends in fashion and culture. No design is exactly alike with fabrics dyed per piece to match hand-picked trimmings, lace and custom created embroidery.

Katrina says, “I wanted to offer mothers christening gowns that are modern in feel but with a dreamy, timeless look. With busy lives and careers, mothers nowadays have little time to devote to the art of creating a gown for the baby’s special occasion. They have a modern point of view and may not necessarily have an heirloom gown to pass on to their child. Many mothers want to find a new one, if their own heirloom gown is in bad shape.”

Katrina has been doing gowns for the baptisms of her brides’ babies for years now. This is the first time, however, that she presents a full collection of these special off-the-rack gowns, which range from traditional shades of ivory and cream to delightful colors.

(Katrina Goulbourn Babes Christening Gowns is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza and Alabang branches, Children’s section and at Silk Cocoon, Renaissance Makati City Hotel.)

(For more details you may contact Silk Cocoon at 811-6856 or Rustan’s Makati Baby Registry at 813-3739 local 249. For Peninsula Manila Hotel christening packages please contact 887-2888.)