Filipino Bag Designer : Paul Herrera

If you have not heard of the designer Herrera twins, then its safe to say you are not 'in' with the Filipino fashion crowd. The twin I'll be featuring today is the outspoken, uber friendly and maka-GG twin, Paul Herrera.



Paul Herrera will not claim to be just any designer, but a bag designer. Paul got his start in the bag designing business when he worked for the famous Amina Aranaz for a couple of years.

As well as newspaper & magazine editorials - the latest of which is a feature in Metro mag this month - Paul also showcased his collection at the Philippine Fashion Week and sold literally most, if not all of his bags after the show. One of the celebrity customers during that night is Philippine Fashion Week TV host Sarah Meier who, if Im not mistaken, bought 2 bags, one of which is the most popular V bag. V because Im not sure if it was the Vertigo or Venom. :D

Vertigo

Venom

A couple of weeks ago Paul had his evening bag launch at Naomi in SM Megamall. Naomi is a fine jewelry store with most pieces ranging more than P100,000 each. They will now also be the exclusive distributor/retailer of Paul Herrera bags. The story goes, all the bags launched were sold the first hour of the event, during cocktails, before the mini fashion show and that due to public demand, he was forced to put out more bags he had already designed before.

What's different about Paul's bags is that he is "anti-mass production". Meaning, if you are lucky enough to snatch a bag from him before it sells out, you are assured that you have a unique piece right there.

A few of the bags launched were these:

Top to Bottom: Oleander, Yocasta & Antigone Wristbag

Asteroid

Black Monarch

Suffice it to say, the launch was a success as literally only a couple of bags were left not sold, as of this writing. Paul even had to get out some bags which werent supposed to be part of the launch because of the demand of the guests there. At each of the bags ranging from 15K or more, can you imagine how much he scored at the launch?

See more of Paul's bags displayed at Naomi, as well as his website: http://paulherrerabags.com/

White Monarch

Red Anji

Nebula

Glimmer

Naomi is located at the 2nd floor of Bldg. B, SM Megamall, just near Carolina's.

Stylebreak's Skeleton Tops

I was bookmarking Multiply shopping sites in my browser last night when I came across Stylebreak. I have actually seen their stuff before (they're on my contacts list) and know they're more of the edgy, punky look with all the ripped bottoms they're selling.

I was attracted to their stuff, but know that the style just isnt me. Im more into the elegant, sexy, cutesy look, although on some days I do go haywire and just dress pretty edgy.

I love looking at ripped skinny jeans, i.e...

... but they're crossing the line for me. So when I was checking their stuff out again, I came across this gorgeous top which I am just salivating over till now:

This, I have to say, is my fave one.

back

There's also another version, their Ballerina top:

inspired by this music video:

Unfortunately, I dont have the moolah right now especially after the Urban Bazaar so, this baby will have to wait a month or two.

Skeleton tops : P700 - P900

Ballerina top : P900

To order and browse their other products: Click

Portraits by Sam Charles

Sam Charles Hodgeson isnt just your any other ordinary portrait artist. What Sam Sharles paints are portraits of animals, i.e your pets. He's the one who Perez Hilton commissioned to have a portrait made of Teddy Hilton for his birthday. Here is Teddy by Sam:

Now isnt that just gorgeous?

Sam flew over to LA to talk with Perez first and get a feel of Teddy as a dog...

Here are a couple more from him:

Now I would really love it if I had a portrait made of my baby too...

How I wish Sam were here in the Philippines!

Click for Sam

Fab Finds At Rockwell Urban Bazaar

So yes, I think everyone pretty much knows the Urban Bazaar is happening this weekend, with it starting today. I think today is the best day to go since there still isnt that weekend rush and you know how weekends are usually very busy with malls packed. Here are a few fab finds my friend and I bought:

Code Limited, P1650



Trunkshow, P1450

Michael Antonio, P2950

Michael Antonio, P3100

Eight.One, P1500

Undernourished, P1700

Olivia+Faith, P1400

Very like Lindsay Lohan, no?

Cheapest find of the day:

Amour Manila, P800

There will be more designs of the Michael Antonio brand tomorrow so go and check it out!

Graffinis

Have you heard of Graffinis yet? I just only heard, or 'saw' it today.
Graffinis are bikinis whose prints are from New York grafittis hence, "Graffinis". Cool name huh?

Accdg to their site:

"Graffinis Swimwear began as an idea to combine the urban experience of New York with the style and comfort of modern swimwear. We use photographic imagery taken from the streets of NYC and engineer them directly into the cut of each suit. Our subject matter ranges from the graffitied walls of Chinatown and Soho, to everyday objects like street signs, ATMs and everything else that inspires.
That's Graffinis. That's our style. Rock on."

I may be so dainty and girly but I do also have an edgier side in me. There are times when I want to dress punky, or more street so this is a major cool find and I plan to order at least one (they're all so great) in the future.

I just checked out their website now and boy do they scream "You gotta have one!"

First off, they let you choose the type of swimsuit you want, from Brazilian String to a One Piece Halter.

Im really more of just a Brazilian String girl.

Union Square

Over The Bridge

Mulberry Street

Grand Street

Forsyth Street

Crosby Street

Broome Street

Boombox

If you know me, then you'll know I'll be going for the Crosby & Broome St. all the way.

To get ahold of these lovely babies, head on over to www.graffinis.com

Take note that these are $150 a set. :)

Heershart Clothing

There's a new brand out in the Philippine clothing retail market today and that is Heershart.

This line is headed by a merchandising teacher w/ an MBA, teaching at one of the fashion schools here in Manila. He just launched his website where you can order their clothes from.

Accdg. to their website:

"HEERSHART (Philippines)
Youthful and versatile brand Heers Hart is dedicated to unveiling the very
best of your style. Heers Hart merchandisehas cutting edge looks with bold
designs, flashes of colors and strong styling.

Our designs showcase trendy innovations mingled with audacity &
sophistication. At Heers Hart we focus on providing exclusivity and at the same
time exceptional designs with urban aesthetic for thewomen who are confident and
glamorous with rebellious approach towards fashion. The same aesthetic that is
found in our assortment is carried through all aspects of the customer's online
shopping experience.

As Heers Hart looks forward, it remains committed to the promise at the
core of its brand - the unique sense of style, quality and affordability."

Here are a few of their items:

Jackets/Vests:

Balmain inspired vest. Reminiscent of Rihanna / Beyonce, no?

Harem pants


Dresses:

Bottoms:

Tops:

If the Balmain inspired vest isnt the best thing of all for you, then probably the prices will be. Everything is below P2000, with the vest as the most expensive for only P1700. I already snapped up the grey one. :)

Website : http://www.heershart.com/home.php