Filipino Fashion Designer on ANTM: British Invasion Episode

Tonight at 8PM on ETC, America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion features the couture collection of Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran. With just 8 models left in the competition, the episode starts with the girls attending castings for the opportunity to open a fashion show where fashion’s elite will be in the audience. Then at the photo shoot the models strike their best pose while struggling with heavy Hello Kitty couture gowns as designed by Libiran.

I believe this is also the episode where Filipino actress/model Anne Curtis-Smith will be shown wearing the fabulous gowns of Libiran. 

Not the first time for a Filipino designer to be featured on the long-running reality show, Libiran is the first Philippine-based designer to have his creations modeled on the show. Past Filipino designers to be featured include US-based Oliver Tolentino and Dubai-based Michael Cinco, and just last week host Tyra Banks wore a dress by Project Runway Philippines judge Rajo Laurel during the previous episode’s judging.

Airing all-new episodes first in the Philippines, ETC is the number one authority when it comes to America’s Next Top Model. Fans of the show can see the latest episodes of America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion just days after its initial US airing.

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL: BRITISH INVASION AIRS EVERY MONDAY AT 8PM ON ETC, see on free TV on RPN-9.

Filed under SHOWS

Project Runway Philippines S3

Project Runway Philippines returns to the television screen after two successful seasons to continue the search for the next big Filipino fashion designer. Having watched a number of episodes from season 1 and 2, I am excited to see the new talents and challenges Project Runway Philippines Season 3 has in store for the participants.

A new season equals new host, in the person of beautiful model and creative jewelry entrepreneur Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez. Together with the show's mentor Jojie Lloren, judges Apples Aberin and Rajo Laurel, Tweetie will take the competition to a whole new dimension.

PRP S3 new host Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez

PRP S3 judge Apples Aberin

PRP S3 judge Rajo Laurel

15 young hopefuls from diverse backgrounds will compete in every challenge and vie for the top prize in the hopes of launching an illustrious career in fashion: Amor Albano, fashion designer from Laoag City; Cheetah Rivera, fashion designer from Manila; Enzo Libo-on, call center agent from Bacolod; Fatima Guerrero, fashion design student from Nueva Ecija; Glenn Gonzales, design apprentice from Pangasinan; Ionica Abrahan, stylist from Manila; Jenno Gacasan, graphic designer from Cebu City; Joseph Montelibano, PR executive from Parañaque; Karla Galang, fashion design instructor from Quezon City; Lenvil Paneda, costume designer from La Union; Milka Redoble, online fashion entrepreneur from Pasig City; MJ Alimanza, visual merchandiser from Zambales; Nel Claveria, overseas fashion designer from Camarines Sur; Normanie Santos, ex-Seminarian from Bulacan; and Yves Camingue, designer/stylist from Cebu City.

At the launch event held at the Genting Club of Resorts World Manila, Tweetie was introduced together with the challengers, who showed off their initial creations for the pilot episode.

Project Runway Philippines Season 3's grand winner will get 500,000 pesos in cash; 100,000 pesos worth of cash and beauty products from Pond's; a fashion spread in Mega Magazine featuring his final collection; a brand new Intuos4 Wacom unit and a full 4-year fashion design and technology scholarship from partner school iAcademy; sewing machines worth 300,00 pesos from Brother International; and an all-expense-paid trip to Paris to experience the Paris Fashion Week courtesy of L'Oreal Paris.

Catch the fashion fever every Sunday at 8 pm over at ETC.  For more information and updates, log on to http://www.facebook.com/OfficialProjectRunwayPH.

Filed under SHOWS

F is for FEVER...

Shopping fever at FOREVER 21...November 25 to December 4. Enough said. Time to shop. :)

Filed under FINDS

PFW S/S 2012: GUESS Goes Young & Sexy

GUESS, a brand I grew up, joined the Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 for its first show with a young and sexy vibe.

The simple but well-lighted runway was already a sight to behold even before the fashion show started. After a brief message from Guess Philippines' vice president Anthony Courchet, the runway came to life with a spectacular display of lights and a hip-grinding party music provided by model/deejay Sanya Smith.

Guess Philippines' vice president Anthony Courchet

The all-American brand known for its edgy apparel and accessories, GUESS presented its new "Lights, Camera...Fashion" collection that was inspired by a party vibe and complements the brand's fun and sexy energy. Fashionable and wearable, GUESS' Spring/Summer 2012 collection is definitely trend-defining in great colors: blacks, grays, whites and reds.

GUESS: young and sexy

The women's collection highlighted two key denim fits: the flare and the cropped cigarette leg, paired with romantic blouses and platform shoes. For the men's collection, the stars were washed out indigo and colorful plaid shirts which can be paired with denim basics. There were also lots of chunky knit cardigans and sweaters, graphic tees plus a lot of stylish accessories -- handbags, footwear, watches, eye wear, jewelry, belts and small leather goods.

To wrap up the show and lock-in the theme, popular actors, singers and models sashayed the runway, among them were R&B singer Jay-R; newbie singer and showbiz royalty Zia Quizon; actress and endorser Maxene Magalona; model John Hall; up and coming talents Jamilla Obispo and Tippy Dos Santos; and model siblings Paolo and Bubbles Paraiso, among others.

(l-r): Zia Quizon and Maxene Magalona

(l-r): Jay-R and Jamilla Obispo

(l-r): Bubbles and Paolo Paraiso

Because all went well, GUESS's first PFW show ended fabulously with an after-party where yummy cocktails were served as the young and hip crowd gyrated to club music.

Filed under SHOWS and FASHION

PFW S/S 2012: L'Oreal Paris presents Michael Cinco

Michael Cinco is a Filipino fashion designer who is based in Dubai and known for his fabulous couture gowns and his attention to details. Fresh from the success of his first solo show in the Philippines at the annual Red Cross Charity Ball, he joined Philippine Fashion Week's Spring-Summer 2012 through another solo show last October 24 at the SMX Convention Center, this time presented by L'Oreal Paris.

The invite

The collection was inspired by beautiful goddesses, bringing to life fabulous couture gowns of white, orange, brown, gold and red left the audience gasping in awe -- classic silhouettes done with a modern twist with delicate fringes, lace, and intricate beadings.

Also noteworthy are the "Greek gods" who paraded in nothing but underwear with metallic crotch accents.

Just when I thought that the usual runway walks were done, a group of muscled male models and one female model clad in skimpy but classy beaded body suit posed in the middle of the catwalk and bam! a simulated rain-shower drizzled and drenched their perfect bodies. My first time to actual see such a theatrical fashion show.

It's raining men!

As if this stunt was not enough as a show finale, out came Anne Curtis in a fire red body hugging gown said to cost P500,000.

Anne Curtis

Over-all, Michael Cinco's Spring/Summer masterpiece collection strongly underscores his fierce fashion prowess and extensive working knowledge of the female wearer.

Filed under SHOWS and FASHION

ETCETERA: Fresh and Fab

There are lots of television shows today to watch but less than a handful are geared towards women and what we really want to know. ETC's new show ETCETERA is an fresh and fabulous addition to my Sunday evening viewing habit. The 15-minute capsule show for all things hip and happening, ETCETERA premiers this October 23, Sunday at 7:45PM right before an episode of Glee Season 3 on ETC.

New faces to watch (l-r): Patti Grandidge and Kim Jones

ETCETERA aims to fill us in on the latest trends for the stylish youth so we'll never be behind the trend or out of the loop on what’s in and what’s out in style, beauty, TV, web and youth. Tune in to get the hottest entertainment news filled with spoilers, reviews and polls on your favorite ETC shows, and lookbooks on your much loved ETC stars. Stay in style as it offers practical tips on beauty, like “How to’s” on skin, hair and make-up, and the lo-down on cool fashion trends, chic do’s and don’ts and stores you want to raid. Online and on the streets, ETCETERA will help you discover where the hippest local hangouts are, and the most click-worthy websites can be found.

Hosted by Patti Grandidge and on-the-scene reporter Kim Jones, ETCETERA is your newest authority for all things young and stylin!

Patti Grandidge

Host Patti Grandidge is the newest face to brighten up primetime. With a degree in International Business from University in Malibu, California, this positive and easy-going beauty lists her hobbies as baking, traveling, blogging and taking photos. As host of ETCETERA, Patti looks forward to getting connected with viewers as she is very interactive on Facebook and Twitter, and keeping up to date on all things fashion, beauty, TV and web. Patti splits her time between her business Sweet Patti Cakes, a home-based business that sells delicious homemade cupcakes, and her blog, pattispalette.blogspot.com which she updates regularly with her latest foodie finds.

Kim Jones

Kim Jones has a love affair with the outdoors and all things spontaneous and that makes Kim the perfect on-the-scene reporter for ETCETERA. Having lived in the Philippines for the past 9 months, she has been blessed to have spent the majority of that time traveling and exploring the country. Kim enjoys spending her free time reading and playing the guitar. Because of her Australian upbringing she describes her style as very relaxed and laid-back. Watch out for Kim as she takes over Metro Manila, she can’t wait to meet new people, enjoy more laughs and share all her experiences with you the viewer.

ETCETERA premieres every Sunday at 7:45PM starting October 23, with replays every Monday at 8:45AM & 2:45PM; Tuesday at 7:45PM; Wednesday at 7:45AM & 11:45AM; Thursday at 11:30PM; Saturday at 2:45PM; Sunday at 11:00AM & 3:45PM.

ETC mark at the presscon venue, Chateau 1771, Greenbelt 5

ETC is seen on free TV RPN-9, Sky Cable Ch. 14, Destiny Cable Ch. 14, Cable Link Ch. 12 and Cignal Ch. 14.

Filed under SHOWS

Forever 21 Weekend Sale

Girl friends unite and head over to Forever 21 SM Makati to get first dibs on their 3-day sale from August 19 to 21.

Aside from huge discounts, F21 has special deals for early birds, BDO credit card holders and Forever 21 Mastercard holders.

On Friday, August 19, from 10 am to 12 noon, take advantage of 10% discount on regular priced items when you present your SM Advantage, BDO Rewards or SM Prestige cards at the cashier. Get 20% discount on regular items if you use your SM Advantage, BDO Rewards or SM Prestige cards together with your Forever 21 Mastercard with a minimum transaction of P5,000, net of discounts.

For those who won't make it early on Friday, you can still avail of 10% discount on regular priced items until Sunday, August 21, when you use your Forever 21 Mastercard with a minimum transaction of P5,000, net of discounts. Those who will use their BDO credit card will get 5% rebate for their purchases.

Want to get your hands on the merchandises real early? Forever 21 Mastercard holders can get inside the store as early as 8:30 am. Just present the credit card together with a valid ID. Sorry but only one person per card will be allowed.

Ain't this weekend fabulous?

Check out F21's sneak preview album of the items for the 3-day sale on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/forever21ph)