Cory Aquino Bag by Rajo Laurel Launched

At the Eastwood City Mall, the spirit of former President Cory Aquino lived on at the launch of the latest Rajo Laurel Eco Bag. Inspired by the late president, the eco bag not only supports the environment but also the livelihood of families in Payatas.

Rajo Laurel interview with Style and Relax:



The nanays of Payatas are not new to us, they have been weaving and sewing stylish bags with the help of designers through Rags2Riches. Yet this time, the Cory Aquino Eco Bags are already sold out even before the launch. According to Rajo, it seems that the Cory Aquino eco bag has reached the level of an Hermes Birkin. The eco bag is now on a waiting list system, one has to call to reserve through Eastwood City Mall to own one.



The bag could not get any more simple, like President Cory Aquino - the bag is humble, simple, and not attention-seeking. It is made of canvas and a handle whose material is the same used as doormats. More than fashion, the bag is special for what it stands for - that if we work together, no matter how small we are, we can turn things into something useful and beautiful.



The canvas fabric, macrome handle, and the wooden insignia, were all made out of scrap materials, re-used and reinvented to reduce waste in Metro Manila, to create a fashionable pro-earth statement, and to support President Cory Aquino's cause.

To own Rajo Laurel's Cory Aquino Eco Bag, visit the concierge at the second floor of Eastwood City Mall.

Bright and Shiny Neons

Socialista Hard Candy by Glitterati

The 80's has been making a come back since 2008 and what better way to celebrate it than neon? Louis Vuitton's Stephen Sprouse collection has made neon exuberant on shop windows and fashionable streets. On the runway, the likes of Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg have added a splash of bright colors to their spring/summer collections. According to a special I saw on Euromaxx, the 80's neon trend is definitely coming back but the difference is it that is more of "loud" colors rather than "neon" which reminds me of billboard signs and glow in the dark 80's disco outfits.

Topnotch Show Stopper by Glitterati

Now looking at local fashion, Glitterati's JL Ladrido and Nina Estacio brings us their heart-stopping Bright Young Things collection. I don't know about you but as I browsed and looked at each piece, my heart was pounding with pure excitement and anticipation.

Miss Behave Eclectic Avenue in Yellow

The pieces are perfect for maintaining glam during humid nights when your little black dress seems too warm to wear. Zipper and trim details present a modest bondage element (think Rihanna) present on the runway.

Glitterati is available at http://shopgliterrati.multiply.com where you can view more pieces of the Bright and Shiny collection. Big fan over here :)

Alan del Rosario for Oscar's Designer Challenge

Alan del Rosario, a Filipino designer made it as one of thethe finalists for Oscar's Designer Challenge. You can vote for him at http://oscars.go.com/play/index?pn=vote



You just have to fill out a one step registration form and then click on his name. I got the video above from Oscar's Website for the Designer Challenge.

Alan del Rosario earned a degree in Civil Engineering in the Philippines but pursued his love for fashion in Los Angeles. He has staged fashion shows in the likes of Mercedes Benz Fashion week and has clothed prominent personalities including Michelle Obama.

Glitterati's 2nd Collection and Interview

At the Code-Limited.com launch backstage, I was lucky enough to interview style icons Joanna Ladrido and Nina Estacio. They are the gorgeous faces behind the successful fashion shop Glitterati and that evening, everyone was excited to take a peek at their second collection.

Style and Relax interview with Joanna Ladrido and Nina Estacio:




Glitterati's latest collection on the runway:




Thank you so much to JL and Nina! Visit shopglitterati.multiply.com

Designer Style: Eli Gonzales

At the code-limited.com launch, Eli Gonzales presented his own line called Doll Face and shared with Style and Relax his vision for this collection. Eli Gonzales is one of the finalists of Project Runway Philippines, a fashion design professor at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and was born in San Pedro, Laguna.

Eli Gonzales interview with Style and Relax:



Vintage, ultra-feminine, and dresses that freely follow a lady's movement. This is Doll Face by Eli Gonzales. Watch the fashion show below:



Doll Face will be available at code-limited.com, watch out for their opening on February 14, 2009.

Designer Style: Joey Samson

One of the most sought-after and internationally-renowned fashion designers, Joey Samson shares a moment with Style and Relax during the 50 Must-Buys in Manila book launch where he is also featured.

Joey Samson interview with Style and Relax:




Joey Samson is known for his androgynous yet chic and feminine style when it comes to women's clothing. This was evident in his 34 piece collection called "Beyond" that recently appeared during the Fashion Watch Quartet Series.

Joey Samson also graced the Malaysia International Fashion Week (MIFW). See his collection on Malaysia's runway below:

Designer Style: Puey Quinones

Style and Relax is deeply honored to have interviewed young designer Puey Quinones, one of manila's most sought-after and a-list designer. Puey Quinones is also known as the "Rei Kawakubo of the Philippines".

Puey Quinones believes that fashion is universal and that fashion is for everyone. During this interview I was so starstruck, and please forgive all the pauses and stuttering I made in this interview.

Puey Quinones interview with Style and Relax



Also, Puey Quinones has been featured internationally for turning prisoners into fashion designers. Puey teaches fashion design and dress making weekly inside the prison and helps inmates express their creativity while earning.