Posts Tagged ‘designers’

A Designer’s Christmas Bash!

Monday, December 21st, 2009

One of my favorite people in the fashion industry is Randy Ortiz. I have known Randy my entire career and he has been one of the nicest people. Each year, he hosts a Christmas party uniting all of his friends in fashion. I was not able to take my camera so I am borrowing the great photos of JC Buendia.

Randy Ortiz is in the center holding the cake of our December birthday celebrtants! Jing Monis, Toots Tolentino, Marco Protacio and Roan Espino.

Randy Ortiz is in the center holding the cake of our December birthday celebrtants! Jing Monis, Toots Tolentino, Marco Protacio and Roan Espino.

The rowdy Bingo game, spearheaded by Fashion show director Jackie Aquino.

The rowdy Bingo game, spearheaded by Fashion show director Jackie Aquino.

(more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fashion Insider | 2 Comments »

VALENTINO!

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

When I received my invitation from ZEE magazine for the VALENTINO movie, I literally shook with delight! I mean, VALENTINO is a fashion god! I LOVE VALENTINO! I have all his books. I even have a very special limited edition book that he signed!

Valentino is a legend!
Valentino is a legend!

I heard about this movie several months ago and I even saw a preview of it on the Internet. I even ordered the movie from Amazon, but it will be arriving in late September. So you can imagine my happiness when I got the invite! I arrived at around 6:30 pm and the energy of the crowd was so strong! The crowd was really a power house of the Philippine fashion landscape. We were all there!

The crowd was a power cast of the fashion elite of the country like National Artist for fashion Pitoy Moreno ( I love the fact that Tito Pitoy is everywhere from the Lady Gaga concert to the Valentino premiere, I would not be surprised if I end up seeing him at establishment with a cocktail in hand! LOL!) and the President GMA's fave fashion designer Ito Curata.
The crowd was a power cast of the fashion elite of the country like National Artist for Fashion Pitoy Moreno (I love the fact that Tito Pitoy is everywhere from the Lady Gaga concert to the Valentino premiere! I would not be surprised if I end up seeing him at Establishment with a cocktail in hand! LOL!) and the President GMA’s fave fashion designer, Ito Curata.

Glam squad. Mrs Vasquez-Prada and son Andy with the Prince of Philippine fashion Inno Sotto!
Glam squad. Mrs. Vasquez-Prada and son Andy with the Prince of Philippine fashion Inno Sotto!

My darling friend fresh from Paris Eduard Garcia strike a pose for me!
My darling friend, fresh from Paris Eduard Garcia strikes a pose for me!

One of the most talented hair and make up artist in the land Mother Henry Calayag was very present!
One of the most talented hair and makeup artists in the land, Mother Henri Calayag was very present!

Bespectacled buddies. Robby Carmona and Rhett Eala.
Bespectacled buddies. Robby Carmona and Rhett Eala.

Sibling style! Love the Chang's they are FASHION!
Sibling style! Love the Changs, they are so FASHION!

Glamour goddess! Cheri was present too! She is incredible chic!
Glamour goddess! Cheri was present too! She is incredible chic!

The Shangri-La hotel staff was busy giving out PINK champagne and at 7pm on the dot, the movie started. From start to finish, I was mesmerized! The movie really gave all of us an intimate perspective of the life of Valentino.  The movie follows the life of Valentino for almost 2 years, leading up to his FABULOUS 45th anniversary party! Trust me when I say that there will never ever be a party like the Anniversary party of Valentino!

I had to steal some shots from the movie! Sorry if this is illegal I just want to share! LOL!
I had to steal some shots from the movie! Sorry if this is illegal, but I just want to share! LOL!

One of the iconic Valentino red gowns,...this is one of my faves. worn by the sensational Verushka!
One of the iconic Valentino red gowns,…this is one of my faves. Worn by the sensational Verushka!

Valentino is so precise. He is also very funny, the relationship he has with his partner is also so cute!
Valentino is so precise. He is also very funny. The relationship he has with his partner is also so cute!

My favorite shot of the movie! I adore his pugs!
My favorite shot of the movie! I adore his pugs!

The finale show!
The finale show!

For me, it was also a story about love! The complex relationship Valentino and his partner Giometti.  Even if I felt like going to the bathroom to pee, I held it! LOL! As I really did not want to miss a thing! I did not want the movie to end! I left the movie so inspired with a high! This is the reason why I love fashion. I do hope that all of you fashion lovers get to see it because there will never be a fashion movie quite like Valentino …The Last Emperor.

HUGS!

RAJO!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fashion Insider | 2 Comments »

Baby Photos!

Monday, July 27th, 2009

I came across some baby and well, not so baby photos on the Internet of very famous fashion designers. Let’s play a game, shall we? Can you identify the photos? Some are very easy and some are not that easy, but give it a go and I will let you know if you’re correct.

Here are some clues. One of them grew up and still holds office in Pasadena. Ca.  One of them was dubbed as the “Mr. Clean of Fashion.”  One of them asked for a valet as a child.  The other is known for bold colors and tutus.  Michelle Obama favors one of them.  Have fun and let me know?

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

5

HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Fashion Insider | 7 Comments »

THE BARBIE MECCA!

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

I have a confession to make!  I LOVE BARBIE!  I am not kidding!  My entire fashion career was triggered because I wanted to play with Barbie.  I mean, my sisters would wake up in tears because I would kidnap their Barbies and give them extreme makeovers.  Imagine my delight when I found out that they have built the ultimate Barbie Mecca in Shanghai. They just opened barely a month ago so it’s really so new.  Imagine this….  six floors of pure unadulterated Barbie!  I mean it’s really a Barbie KINGDOM!

I was really left speechless when I entered!  I was like in some trance walking around the place, it was almost a religious experience.  I encourage all of you Barbie lovers out there to come here and just be in complete AWE!  Enjoy the photos!  I warn you now as this is probably my longest entry. It’s a lot of photos but I really wanted to share this with all of you as I left  the place literally in a BARBIE HIGH!  Please enjoy the pictures!

The original Barbie greeted me as I walked in the building! I mean this doll is already an ICON!
The original Barbie greeted me as I walked into the building! I mean this doll is already an ICON!

SIX floors of barbie! I mean they have a Barbie salon, Cafe, spa, boutique, museum, fashion runway. My goodness the list could go on and on!
SIX floors of barbie! I mean they have a Barbie salon, cafe, spa, boutique, museum, fashion runway. My goodness, the list could go on and on!
Welcome to Barbie's world!
Welcome to Barbie’s world!
The building was dotted with important Barbie dolls from the ages like this Elizabeth Taylor /Cleopatra Barbie!
The building was dotted with important Barbie dolls from the ages, like this Elizabeth Taylor /Cleopatra Barbie!
Barbie really was a true blue pioneer here she is as a pilot! LOVING the hair do!
Barbie really was a true blue pioneer – here she is as a pilot! LOVING the hairdo!
in the escalator going up you would here recorded sounds of little girls laughing. This sign greeted us.
In the escalator going up, you would hear recorded sounds of little girls laughing. This sign greeted us.

Then I almost collapsed with delight when I saw this 100 meter clear glass installation of more than a thousand hot pink Barbie's from floor to ceiling!
Then I almost collapsed with delight when I saw this 100 meter clear glass installation of more than a thousand hot pink Barbie dolls.

At closer inspection each Barbie doll had a different pink outfit! NO ONE WAS ALIKE! OMG!
At closer inspection each Barbie doll had a different pink outfit! NO ONE WAS ALIKE! OMG!
just to give you a closer look at the dolls enclosed it this clear glass display connecting floors 3, 4 and 5!
Just to give you a closer look at the dolls enclosed in it, this clear glass display connected floors 3, 4 and 5!
NIx strikes a pose in the Barbie throne!
Nix strikes a pose in the Barbie throne!
Bob obliges me with a pose of his own! Its really a very gay and happy place!
Bob obliges me with a pose of his own! It’s really a very gay and happy place!
On display is a very special and limited edition bridal gown designed by Vera Wang with the doll that comes with it.
On display is a very special and limited edition bridal gown designed by Vera Wang, along with the doll that comes with it.
A closer photo of the Barbie and her Vera wedding gown!
A closer photo of the Barbie and her Vera wedding gown!
This was the pathway leading to the Barbie SPA! I was so tempted to go if it was just not rude to cancel a pre planned dinner with friends that evening.
This was the pathway leading to the Barbie SPA! I was so tempted to go, if it was just not rude to cancel a preplanned dinner with friends that evening.
One floor in the building was devoted to Barbie wearing different costumes from all over the world! It was like a united nations of Barbie! Here is the super chic South African Barbie!
One floor in the building was devoted to Barbie wearing different costumes from all over the world! It was like a United Nations of Barbie! Here is the super chic South African Barbie!
Korean Barbie.
Korean Barbie.
Puerto Rican Barbie. I felt a bit sad because our Filipina Barbie was not represented! I wanted to like write them a letter right then and there! LOL!
Puerto Rican Barbie. I felt a bit sad because our Filipina Barbie was not represented! I wanted to, like, write them a letter right then and there! LOL!
A top view of the one of the levels.
A top view of the one of the levels.
on one floor they were selling collector pieces of Barbie like this Original Barbie complete with all the accessories!
On one floor they were selling collector pieces of Barbie, like this Original Barbie complete with all the accessories!
They also had like special fashion designer series of Barbie like this one called the pepper Barbie who I would have imagined was designed by Vivienne Westwood.
They also had like special fashion designer series of Barbie, like this one called the Pepper Barbie, who I would have imagined was designed by Vivienne Westwood.
This is the Christian Dior barbie in the "new look "
This is the Christian Dior Barbie in the “New Look.”
The kate spade Barbie!
The Kate Spade Barbie!
The Bob Mackie Barbie!
The Bob Mackie Barbie!
the Versace barbie who I swear really looks like Donatella Versace! LOL!
The Versace Barbie, who I swear really looks like Donatella Versace! LOL!
I remember this Malibu beach Barbie! I mean she even had like fake Tan lines!
I remember this Malibu Beach Barbie! I mean, she even had like fake Tan lines!

The detail of some of the dolls were really outstanding!

The detail of some of the dolls was really outstanding!

Check out her eyeshadow makeup matching her dress! LOL! SO GLAMOUROUS!

Check out her eyeshadow makeup matching her dress! LOL! SO GLAMOUROUS!

Another Barbie from the early 60's!

Another Barbie from the early '60s!

This really made my eyes pop out! Its the Elvis Presley Barbie and Priscilla Presley Barbie on their wedding day! INCREDIBLE!

This really made my eyes pop out! It's the Elvis Presley Barbie and Priscilla Presley Barbie on their wedding day! INCREDIBLE!

this is the Sandra Dee Barbie of Grease!

This is the Sandra Dee Barbie of Grease!

Miss Spain Barbie! Gosh she is really sultry!

Miss Spain Barbie! Gosh she is really sultry!

Detail of the original Barbie! Check out her cats eye shades! LOL!

Detail of the original Barbie! Check out her cat's eye shades! LOL!

.

This Barbie is also a collectors item it features the famous bubble hair do of the mid 60's!

This Barbie is also a collector's item. It features the famous bubble hairdo of the mid '60s.

I wanted to try this wall photo out but it was already closed!

I wanted to try out this photo wall, but it was already closed!

Chanel-clad Barbie! SO CHICA!

Chanel-clad Barbie! So CHICA!

This was taken at the Barbie Salon! I almost flipped over when I saw the tag line copy! 100% PLASTIC BEAUTY! Tawa ako ng tawa!

This was taken at the Barbie Salon! I almost flipped over when I saw the tag line copy! 100% PLASTIC BEAUTY! Tawa ako ng tawa!

Barbie now has a full as in FULL Cosmetic line! Name it she has it! From Lipstick down to nail polish! SHE HAS IT! GRAAAABE NA ITO!

Barbie now has a full - as in FULL - cosmetic line! Name it, she has it! From lipstick down to nail polish, SHE HAS IT! GRAAAABE NA ITO!

I mean she has thought of EVERYTHING! Care for some cream with Shea Butter?

I mean, she has thought of EVERYTHING! Care for some cream with Shea Butter?

6 floors of pure PINK madness! I LOVE IT! Do come and visit if you have the chance I am certain that it will be worth you time! LOL!

6 floors of pure PINK madness! I LOVE IT! Do come and visit if you have the chance. I am certain that it will be worth you time! LOL!

WARM HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fashion Insider | 3 Comments »

A Toast to Jason Wu!

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

My New York correspondent PJ Pascual is one cool cat!  He gets invited to the best parties!  The most recent one is the party given to one of Michelle Obama‘s fave designers, Jason Wu.  PJ says that it was one of the best events of the season.

Jason Wu (center) with PJ

There were so many fun people there, like Anne Slowey, the fashion director for Elle Magazine. She has this show called STYLISTA…..Confession time, I actually watched the entire first season in 2 days!  It was such an awful, awful show but I could not stop watching it! LOL!

Anne Slowey

Jason Wu was in a dapper grey suit which made him look like a cute Asian Mormon.  LOL!  His muse Olivia Chanecaille was there too, in a deep blue dress, as well as Bergdorf‘s main buyer Roopal Patel.  The CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year Philip Crangi was present too, as he did the accessories for Jason’s show this season.

Olivia Palermo

Olivia Chanecaille

Roopal Patel
Philip and PJ

Philip and PJ

A big shout out to PJ – even if I am like thousands of miles away from NYC, I am glad I have him to keep me in the loop!

BIG HUGS!

RAJO!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fashion Insider | No Comments »

Bombay Electric!

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

After all the sightseeing, the Pinoy in me kicked in and I wanted to do some SHOPPING!  Since Mumbai is like the most cosmopolitan city in India, I was very excited!  One of the stores that really caught my attention was BOMBAY ELECTRIC.  I could really feel energy of the store and the message that this is what modern India is all about.  The store primarily sells clothes from new Indian designers and a few international labels.

The boutique is just across the Taj palace hotel. the address is 1 reay house, best marg, Colaba Mumbai. the numbers are +91 22 2287 6580 and +91 99877 04737

The boutique is just across the Taj Palace hotel. The address is 1 Reay House, Best Marg, Colaba Mumbai. The numbers are +91 22 2287 6580 and +91 99877 04737.

The stores manager was so kind to let me take some photos when I told them it was for my blog. I had to wait for them to check it online before they gave me the go signal!  Buti na lang may WIFI!  LOL!

The interiors has an industrial feel with touches of Indian furniture, like the old sewing machines and the modern Ganesh figurines

The interiors have an industrial feel with touches of Indian furniture, like the old sewing machines and the modern Ganesh figurines.

Love this Ganesh figure...Ganesh as a rap artist! So cute!

Love this Ganesh figure...Ganesh as a rap artist! So cute!

I loved the store, which had both women’s and menswear. My favorite was the line of Rajesh Prataph Singh. His work is so understated, so different from the razz-ma-tazz of all the other designers.  I also loved the Ghee-Butter line which uses organic materials and is sewn by an NGO company, training and employing mostly women from the poor.

I like this designer too his name is Guarav. He drapes exquisitely!

I like this designer, too. His name is Guarav, and he drapes exquisitely!

I can safely say that this was my favorite store in Mumbai!  There were other stores/boutiques like Muse (mostly London designers and very very expensive), a store called Ensemble (which carries mostly evening wear from Indian designers), and this place called The Courtyard, where famous designer Manish Arora has his store.  However,  Bombay Electric was the best in all categories.

These were my favorites! Vintage glasses! They were so affordable but I did not buy any. Check out the Hindu god figures lining the shelf.

These were my favorites! Vintage glasses! They were so affordable but I did not buy any. Check out the Hindu god figures lining the shelf.

Yoya wanted to buy one of these, we put it on hold as I found it Mahalia jackson!

Yoya wanted to buy one of these, but we put it on hold as I found it Mahalia Jackson!

More local design flavor.

More local design flavor.

This is the lovely Priety Parab, she is the marketing manager for Bombay Electric. She was so nice!

This is the lovely Priety Parab, the marketing manager for Bombay Electric. She was so nice!

Lots of stuff to procure! I can safely say that this was my favorite store in Mumbai!

Lots of stuff to procure! I can safely say that this was my favorite store in Mumbai!

All in all, it was a successful day because we visited 10 stores!  Not bad, considering the major traffic!  Now I need a drink! LOL!
Hugs!
RAJO!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Fashion Insider | 4 Comments »

Fetish Shoes!

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

My friend Rafe just sent me these photos on my Facebook account and I had to show them to you all! Christian Louboutin who is the GENIUS of shoes just had a show in Hong Kong featuring his fetish shoes!   They are incredible!  I am shaking as I type this as they are so beautiful!  I just want to get a ticket and fly to Hong Kong and see these wonderful shoes!  They are truly magnificent!

The mix of sex, danger and provocation is making me dizzy with delight!  HAAAY NAKU!  I am really a fashion victim!  I gotta go take an Advil!  LOL!  ENJOY the shoe photos!


HUGS!
RAJO!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Fashion Insider | No Comments »