PENSHOPPE PRE-SUMMER 2012: Feel Good Fashion With A Casual Edge

Fresh from a stellar 25^th anniversary year in which leading fashion brand PENSHOPPE showed every other local apparel group how a leveled up campaign should be, the label now continues its brand-repositioning process, with the goal of reinforcing its position as the top of the mind brand for years to come.

So what can we expect from PENSHOPPE this 2012? Traditional casual wear with clean nautical touches. Color blocking. Light fabrics that are easy to wear. “The latest campaign is more relaxed and approachable. Definitely feel good fashion with a casual edge,” shares Brand Director Alex Mendoza. “Trends to look forward to over the year are more vivid use of colors, clean silhouettes, acid wash jeans and our highly popular varsity jackets.”

Consequently, PENSHOPPE kicks off its Pre-Summer 2012 campaign with a modern take on cheerful wardrobe fundamentals such as jeans, shirts, jackets and other signature style as fronted by the brand’s strongest brand presenters: Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick, Asian superstar Mario Maurer and local “it” girl Solenn Heussaff.

CASUAL COOL: The New Kind of HOT

There are many reasons why a smart, sensible guy’s girlfriend would take one long look at Ed Westwick’s latest campaign for PENSHOPPE and run to the store – boyfriend in tow. After his surreal visit to Manila last year much to the amazement of fans and fashion observers alike, it seems apparent that to create a Chuck Bass out of every guy became every girl’s 2012 resolution.

To start off the new year Ed remains as PENSHOPPE’s biggest level up ammunition and for one very good reason: There is no one out there who can pull it off the way Ed can.

Simply put, there is no other Chuck Bass.

Starting the New Year with a SMILE

If Ed Westwick is considered by many as PENSHOPPE’s marketing ammo, then it is fair to say that Asian heartthrob Mario Maurer is the brand’s sales catalyst. Soon after the 23 year old was signed last August sporting the brand’s now famous varsity jacket, the item immediately went out of stock – early on proving that anything the kid touches turns into gold.

And that was just the beginning. Indeed, anything that Mario wears from his PENSHOPPE collection sells fast: jacket, jeans, shirt, shoes, you name it - even a cap. Proving his incredible cult-like following among teenagers as well as young adults, anything he models are likely to fire up fans to line up and buy across PENSHOPPE stores nationwide.

It’s HIP to be “IT”

Solenn Heussaff is not just a pretty face – she is a powerful female influencer. Prior to her entry into local showbiz, it was PENSHOPPE who discovered her years ago when she was just modeling. Since then, Solenn has fronted some of the brand’s most memorable campaigns.

With more than 440,000 plus followers on Twitter to date, the French-Filipina has sure come a long way since first being discovered by PENSHOPPE. She also possesses a sophisticated personal style that makes her the perfect female lead for what is now considered the Philippines’ fashion powerhouse.

For the newest styles and hottest celebrities follow @PENSHOPPE on https://twitter.com/#!/PENSHOPPE or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/penshoppeofficial

A Night of Art and Fashion: Freeway x Manansala

Playing the not-so-sly serpent.
(Dress: Glitterati | Shoes: DAS | Bag: Chanel)

Rainbow colored snakeskin. 'Nuff said. I love this dress and it is a little teaser of the burst of color we're giving you for Glitterati's new Holiday collection. The print is just fantastic. Very serpent-like but at the same time, the clash of the loud colors definitely will make you steal the scene. I always loved pink and orange and this was the perfect textile for this dress design! I made the dress a bit more interesting by designing it with contrasting mesh sleeves in bright pink and orange. For those who want to tone it down a bit, the dress is also available in blue and green, which is less loud but just as interesting as well.

I decided to wear this vibrant piece to the Freeway x Manansala launch over at The Row in Glorietta 5. The event was a major success and I got a first hand chance to peek into the amazing collection that was inspired and built around the artwork of National Artist Vicente S. Manansala. The clothes were rich, elaborate, lush and a great homage to one of the country's most artistic minds of all time. Check out what I fell in love with from the fashion show where I got an awesome spot to take photos in...

The Ground Floor of Glorietta 5 was transformed into an art workshop where artists exhibited their craft.

Hosts Divine Lee and Tim Yap

A sample of the beautiful artwork by the National Artist

The Fashion Show....

I loved how the models were styled. With a beautiful bird of paradise bud on their head, it was just rich and amazing. I love how the show opened with models in their Freeway x Manansala shirts and wide legged pants. They also worked the art of the fan which had Manansala's artwork imprinted on it....

Stunning workwear inspired pieces for the girl on the go also were paraded down the runway- the primary colors were just stunning and the architectural structure Freeway is famous for showed in this set...

More beautiful shirts....I love how Freeway had made artwork wearable by combining it with fashion... I definitely wouldn't mind wearing a masterpiece on my back.... I love how the loose shirts were paired with wide legged pants and maxi skirts...

And last but not the least, my favorite segment of the show were these monochromatic little black and little white dresses that sashayed down the run way. Definitely for the modern day Audrey Hepburn within everyone.... As I always say, when in doubt, what would Audrey do? (Rules of a Lady)







The event was a major success! I also appreciated how all the guests were treated to a Manansala print mousepad to take home and remember the event by....Brilliant!

Lastly, you can also take a piece of art home by having the Kunst Pilipino Artists sketch a self portrait of yourself....

This was my first stop for the night and I had such a great time meeting blog readers, fashionphiles and fellow bloggers! Congratulations Freeway!

xx, JL

Stylebreak | Lines and Drapes Collection

Stylebreak has released its latest collection this month called “Lines and Drapes.” The collection is composed of rouged dresses, draped skirts, sheer tops and color blocking skirts.

I ordered the peach skirt and the sheer black top and so far, I have to say, I am quite loving it! Congratulations to Stylebreak for another successful collection!

To order, visit their site: www.stylebreak.multiply.com.