Vintage and iconic

Contemporary fashion meets an iconic vintage statement as Original Penguin by Munsingwear placed itself at the center of style with a grand launch held at Rockwell Tent. (I still remember wearing Munsingwear when I was a kid!)

The Spring/Summer 2010 collection of this 55-year-old American brand has been reinvented as it showcased its retro clothing. With Philippines as its 18th worldwide destination, it continues to offer its signature basics mixed with modern detail.

The Rockwell Tent became a 1950s diner with a makeshift jukebox on stage, attendants on roller skates with a Vespa and Combi Van display to match. Also, in keeping with the theme, classic diner favorites were also served by Bizu such as corn dogs, fish and chips, onion rings, French fries and mini burgers.

The Bloomfields’ fresh take on classic rock ‘n roll together with great music mixes from The Diegos kicked off the party followed by a fashion show. Penguin’s SVP for merchandising/design and creative director Anne Payne, together with Penguin Philippines’ managing partners and exclusive distributors Eric and Cheryl Lee, were present to greet guests.

Penguin has grown into a complete lifestyle label creating classic sportswear apparel and accessory collections for men, women and boys who love great style and smart clothing. It also offers a selection of footwear, hats and watches and, for the first time this Fall 2010, is the kids’ collection.

Original Penguin is available at Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, MarQuee Mall Pampanga, Bonifacio High Street and Anthem Greenbelt 5. Penguin will soon open at TriNoma, New Port City, Ayala Center Cebu and Davao. Here in the Philippines, Original Penguin is exclusively distributed by Anthem Shoppes, Inc. (ASI).

Bella Italia!

Have a taste of everything Italian as Rustan’s celebrates the Italian Festival. Rustan Commercial Corp., Stores Specialists, Inc., in cooperation with Metrobank Card and supported by the Embassy of Italy, launched a series of events including fashion shows, lifestyle workshops and cooking demonstrations to celebrate everything we love about Italy.

Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari and wife Silvana, Rustan Commercial Corp. president Zenaida Tantoco, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Rep. Freddie Tinga, Metrobank Card president Riko Abdurrahman and Venetian glass artist Luigi Moro all led and celebrated the official launch of  Bella Italia!

The opening event was followed by an encounter with famed jewelry designer Roberto Coin with an exclusive preview of his latest collection. A display of Italian food and wine and cooking demonstrations were also held at Rustan’s Supermarket Makati and Rockwell branches.

There was also a preview of the latest apparel creations from A/X Armani Exchange, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marlboro Classics, Diesel and Spaziale Splendy; accessories from Bvlgari, Prada, Furla, Hogan, Tod’s, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Fratelli Rossetti, Bric’s and Brosca. Other Italian labels like Salvatore Ferragamo, Franco Sarto, Superga, Giuseppe Zanotti Designs, Magnanni, Fratelli Rossetti and Bruno Magli were also highlighted during the Italian Festival.

Exciting prizes will also be given away to lucky shoppers with the Gran Lotteria Raffle Promotion from June 15 to July 17. For every purchase of P3,000 of any Italian product from Rustan’s Department Store and Stores Specialists, Inc. boutiques, a customer is entitled to one Gran Lotteria raffle ticket. Prizes include Roberto Coin Roses white earrings, Bric’s Life Series medium and small trolley, Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme Spring 2010 gift set, Gucci Flora Spring 2010 gift set, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Spring 2010 gift set, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme Spring 2010 gift set, Versace Bright Crystal Spring 2010 gift set, Versace Eau Fraiche Spring 2010 gift set and Chicco gift set. For the grand prize, Cathay Pacific will give out business class tickets for two to Milan, Italy.

Check out the Italian Festival, which will last until July 17.

A drive for an HIV-free world

In support of the major global campaign to help eliminate AIDS in Africa, Rustan’s, the exclusive distributor of Diptyque, in cooperation with The French Embassy and Ayala Museum, with the support of The Peninsula Manila Hotel and Wine Story, launched the Diptyque Red Special Edition candle at the Ayala Museum.

Diptyque and RED have come together to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. The campaign is originated and supported by Global Fund Ambassador Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. With the purchase of this special edition candle, Diptyque will help provide medicine for those living with HIV in Africa.

The members of the Eolipile French Contemporary Dance Cie showcased their interpretative contemporary dance during the event.

Seen as a global initiative to prevent the continuous spread of AIDS, the Diptyque Red Special Edition candle’s light symbolizes hope and the unceasing call to share this mission. For each candle sold, Diptyque will contribute 10 percent of its cost to help The Global Fund provide life-saving medication for HIV victims in Africa. The candle’s soothing, spicy scent is made up of Rooibos Vanilla that connotes a distinct character with its bewitching, roasted and amber notes.

(Diptyque) RED is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati Grandmall, Alabang Town Center and Shangri-La Plaza.