Global Philippinos

Time and time again, it's always nice to go back to your own roots. As my abuelo would always say: "For you to be able to go far, you must first know and remember where you came from."

Those words of wisdom remained in my heart and those same words i follow everyday... hence, it just makes sense for me to make a post in relation to the things i live by

I grew up in the Philippines, I spent parts of my life in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong but I am a Philippino in every sense of the word. I know for a fact that the Philippines is known for its seems-heaven-on-earth beaches and hospitable people, but as the country's local fashion industry evolves into something with a Global flavor, more and more Philippinos make name for themselves in the International scene.

Bea Valdes. I got my first Bea Valdes piece about a year ago as a gift for my 18th birthday. And it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in my life.

PICTURED ABOVE: Flower of Evil Necklace. $777.

Bea's pieces are all hand made and no two pieces are the same. Each and everyone of them would have a story to tell and a masterpiece in its own right. Her designer philosophy is "One Bead at a Time".... and what marvelous beads indeed!

PICTURED ABOVE: Hawaiiki Evening Bag. $2,353

Having her accessories and clutches used in the hit movie Sex and the City 2 was Bea's ultimate claim to fame. Carrie Bradshaw's iconic movie screen cap showed her sporting Bea Valdes' Bella Evening Clutch.

Josie Natori. Josie Natori was one of the very few designers who was able to successfully transition from Lingerie to a Lifestyle. RTW, Accessories, fragrance and home items... Natori has got it all.


Her designs have an avante garde almost whimsical touch to it but structured and classy at the same time. Natori is synonymous to luxury as they say.


Her designs are all Art you can wear.She mixes fabrics and patterns playfully. What could have turned out tacky becomes magic through her hands.Just recently, she launched a whole new collection for the younger market, Josie by Natori.

Monique Lhuillier. Yes, she is from Cebu, Philippines. If you still don't know who she is, she just happens to be the designer behind the wedding gowns of Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Heidi Montag and Eva Longoria.

A lot of Monique's evening dresses became staples on the red carpet worn by Reese Witherspoon, Sarah-Jessica Parker, Teri Hatcher, Mischa Barton and Pink to name a few.

Tagged as the IT designer to the stars, Monique has been featured several times in Vogue and Vanity Fair.



...Well... If her list of your clientele includes Barbie herself, she must be big.


Behold.




Fab.

Louis Vuitton or Hermès?

Are you a bag lover?
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I am an addict! I am obsessed with these things!

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Bags to me are like shoes to Imelda Marcos, Tyra Banks to America's Next Top Model, Edward Cullen to Bella Swan.

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Aside from Facebook, i think that bags are one of God's greatest gifts to mankind... well... at least not before concealer and lipgloss. :)
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When it comes to brands though, there are very few powerful brands that actually stand out from the rest and separate the owner from the so called masses. Among the favorites are Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Goyard and of course, Louis Vuitton and Hermès.

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These two brands are probably one (or two for that matter) of the most hyped power-bag-brands in this lifetime. Thanks to the likes of Paris Hilton and Victoria Beckham.

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But do you know that unknown to many (excluding all the fashionistas around...), this is a case of bag warfare turned bag alliance?

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In 1993, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) has acquired a 17% stake worth in company shares in Hermès International. Apparently, the decision to list the company in the Paris Stock Exchange is a move by Hermès to support its long term goal of expansion.

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For bag lovers everywhere like myself, this means that Hermès may be on the way to coexisting peacefully with LV on the luxury retail shelf! haha!

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While I am at it, Stardoll... yes we have the Patchwork, the Speedy (or something that looks like it), the LV Weekender and the Ashley Bag but can we please, pretty please have MORE?

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... I am practically on my knees and begging you (believe me I don't do this very often...). You already gave us Chanel I know, but remember... girls can't have enough luxury bag brands around. *wink*

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And Stardoll, while you're at it (i'll be pushing the envelope further now...) can we have this Carrie Bradshaw Crystal "Bella" Clutch from Sex and the City 2 designed by fellow Philippino designer Bea Valdes on the Starplaza shelves as well...please??? :)

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L-O-V-E it !!!

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