Stitch In The City: Back To Basics

After the LOOOOOONGEST wait, we’re finally releasing Stitch In The City’s fourth batch tomorrow at 6 PM. Called “Back To Basics” because this batch is composed mostly of sleeveless collared tops and shorts, which are fundamentals in every wardrobe (we’d like to think haha). We also have tops with embellished collars, something we’ve always wanted to produce. Luckily (and coincidentally, I must say), Manang Arvee of Stitch In The City actually started out as a bead worker, so our dream of selling tops with embellished collars will finally be fulfilled tomorrow.

We’re also calling this batch “Back To Basics” because this is the first time we didn’t have a proper shoot. Because of time constraints (this batch is FOUR months late!), we couldn’t afford to lose more time by looking for a photographer, model, and HMUA, although I personally wish we had more time to do just that. Shoots have always been so much fun, plus it’s great to work with such creative people. But anyway, armed with a basic camera and basic camera-operating skills, I just took photos of the clothes, worn by sister & SITC partner Tina, set against our house’s overexposed vine wall.

Again, we’ll be uploading “Back To Basics” on our Facebook page tomorrow at 6 PM.

ALPHABETIX: The Science of Alphabets

In the spirit of self-expression, which is what FISH18 has been and will always be about, the lifestyle brand launches its latest ALPHAbetix line.

The ALPHAbetix line features graphic T-shirts that come in 26 clever and original designs, each bearing a skillfully stylized letter of the alphabet, showing off to full advantage FISH18's passion and artistry for graphic design. They don't call themselves "FISH18: Fashion.Graphics.Culture" for nothing.

Through their new ALPHAbetix line, FISH18 makes good on its promise to constantly deliver novelty pieces that will set it and its discriminating followers apart from the run of the mill products the retail market has to offer.

 

Pick a letter that means something or pick one because you think it looks cool. With its ALPHAbetix line, FISH18 asks, "What's your letter?" but "What it stands for?" is entirely for you to answer or not. After all, the ALPHAbetix line, as with everything FISH18 does, is about self-expression, not drawn-out explanations.

FISH18 outlets: The Block, SM Northwing, and at Loadle in Ayala Center Cebu

Thanks to Cybill and Kaye of A-List for my very own ALPHAbetix T-shirt that I cannot wait to wear!

ABSTRAQ: The Blanc Magazine Online Official Launch

"We all wanted to be on the cover of a magazine... why not make one instead?" said Josei Ouano Cuizon, BLANC's editor-in-chief, at the launch of Cebu's first ever online magazine last Thursday at the One Mango parking lot.

Can I just say how proud I am of the Inca printed cardigan I'm wearing, which I got on sale from Cotton On at 20 HK dollars? That's about 120 pesos in Philippine money. Photo by Philip of The Fourth Kid.

Finally got to wear my new shoes from Flying Dutchman, as well. Photo by Philip of The Fourth Kid.

Shared a table with my sister and Gillian of By Details (I took a photo of your ribbed top, Yan, while you were busy testing your camera's settings haha) as we watched the fashion show featuring 17 of Cebu's most promising young designers - from clothes to shoes to accessories.

Queen of Cebu 2011 Bee Urgello unveiling BLANC's first ever cover

The colorful and VERY talented team behind BLANC

The launch was a success, and I've actually just browsed through their first issue, and I am incredibly impressed! I'm sure we'll be seeing a whole lot more of BLANC in the future. Congratulations again, guys!

To view BLANC's first issue, click HERE. Don't forget to like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.

Zee's Crystal Ball

I was supposed to make this entry days ago, but I just got back from Hong Kong (where I stupidly didn't bring my laptop). Anyway, my sister and I were invited to Zee Lifestyle's Crystal Ball, their 15th year celebration, at the Radisson Blu last Thursday. I forgot to charge my camera (again, stupidly), which is why I wasn't able to get photos of the other designers' collections, but that night showed just how talented Cebu fashion designers are.

Thank God for designer friends, the two of use were able to borrow things to wear at the very last minute - Gillian of By Details (who I stole this picture from - hi Yan!) in Rei Escario, my sister Kristina in Ronald Enrico, me in a Roni Yu blazer, our new friend Chloe, and Mikey of Zee.

Darleen Hopkirk in Protacio & Roni Yu in his own design

Tina, Bom, Pauline, Dottie and Tessa - (the two on the left and right in amaaaazing Ronald Enrico gowns, while the red stretch lace dress is Oj Hofer's beautiful creation)

The Black Series

Kryz for SM Accessories

Ria Bolivar in Arcy Gayatin

Anthony Romoff

Oj Hofer

Cary Santiago

Supermodel of The World 2011 winner Danica Magpantay

Philipp Tampus

Grace Tagle in Philip Rodriguez

Thanks to Mikey for the invites, and congratulations to Zee on their 15th anniversary!

Forever 21 Launch

After the excitement it has caused Cebu over the last couple of months, Forever 21 has finally opened in our shores. To the delight of the Cebuanos, there is now a Forever 21 branch in The Northwing of SM City Cebu (which will also, I'm sure, save the shopping-obsessed who go all the way to our country's capital to shop, money on airfare, yes? Haha). Known for their stylish yet affordable clothes, the HUGE Forever 21 Cebu was launched last Thursday night with cocktails and a fashion show featuring the brand's latest items, and, as expected, there was a mad rush to get into the store once the ribbon-cutting commenced.

 

My sister Kristina and I...

 

"New York gang" HAHAHA - Nico Teves, Love Quitevis, and Marian Quitevis (my last name, now that I think of it, is the only one that sounds different)

 

The event was hosted by Blinky de Leon (or as we call each other, "Babes" hahaha)

Just the crowd waiting outside the store...

Forever 21 Cebu is located at the 2nd floor of The Northwing, SM City Cebu... and I will the directions at that, since saying that it would be difficult to find is an understatement.

Thank you to Cybill and Kaye of A-List Events for the invite!