The Guinness World Records reference book lists ultimate record-breaking feats, incredible accomplishments, spectacular stunts, cutting-edge science and amazing sporting feats. I wonder if there’s a category for most number of costume changes in a week. If so, I should sign up for it.

 

With all the events that Rustan’s and Stores Specialists celebrate, there are many exciting reasons to dress up in thematic outfits. I got into a Moroccan-inspired sari for opening of the monthlong festival “Le Coeur du Maroc” at Rustan’s.

 

The festival brings the “Heart of Morocco” to Manila this month—the sights, sounds, tastes and feels of the exotic city—thanks to a partnership with the Embassy of The Kingdom of Morocco, the Moroccan National Tourism Office in China, HSBC and Fairmont Makati.

 

Check out the wide range of authentic Moroccan stuff, from home items, fashion pieces and beauty products, to delectable Moroccan cuisine, all at Rustan’s.

 

Everything Moroccan

 

At the launch, Ambassador Mohammed Rida el Fassi expressed great joy in sharing the Kingdom of Morocco’s cuisine, crafts, fashion and culture to Filipinos.

 

Khalid Fathi of the Moroccan National Tourism Office in China added that such festivals help offer a glimpse into his wonderful country.

 

Guests were transported to the street markets in Morocco, complete with a display of authentic merchandise, festive sounds by Moroccan musicians and artisans doing henna hand tattoos and traditional Arabic calligraphy.

 

Anton Huang, president of Stores Specialists Inc., was joined by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, consul general of Morocco Rico Tantoco, Rustan’s chair emeritus Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., and Rustan’s CEO Nedy Tantoco.

 

Also joining them were HSBC Philippines CEO Wick Veloso and Raffles and Fairmont Hotel general manager David Batchelor. All shared a ceremonial toast of special Moroccan mint tea.

 

Shoppers at the “Le Coeur du Maroc” festival at Rustan’s who spend at least P5,000, are entitled to decorative bottles all month long. HSBC Premier and FSP cardholders are in for exciting surprises in various special events, including an exclusive workshop with Happy Ongpauco-Tiu on Aug. 15.

 

Milestone

 

Another recent Rustan’s event was the milestone fashion show for the 35th anniversary celebration of fashion designer Criselda Lontok. I was so happy to wear two of her creations on the ramp at The Peninsula Manila.

 

Her stint at Rustan’s under the tutelage of Rustan’s matriarch and founder Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco has broadened her range of styles, which are at once elegant and timeless.

 

The Criselda Lontok Holiday 2018 collection included statement pieces, from Maria Clara-inspired tops to long gowns.

 

The celebration was graced by Manila’s most beautiful and fashionable, in partnership with The Peninsula Manila, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits and NARS. Stylists Carlo Evaristo and Gerry Sunga provided accessories for the show.

 

The collection is now available at Rustan’s, and part of sales proceeds this August will go to the Virlanie Foundation.

 

Emerging lifestyles

 

I wore a Criselda Lontok ensemble to the recent opening of Wilcon Depot in Lipa City, Batangas, their second store in the province. I made sure to match the gown to the color scheme of Wilcon, our country’s top building and construction retail giant.

 

I can already see how the new Lipa store can help contribute to the Lipeños’ emerging lifestyles and livelihoods.

 

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Matimco president Charlie Liu, Hocheng Philippines president Sam Chen and many more. From the Wilcon Depot family, present were EVP chief product officer Careen Belo, SEVP-COO and PRA president Rose Ong, president and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, chair emeritus William Belo and EVP-CFO Mark Andrew Belo.

 

Beauty fair

 

Another Rustan’s event that had me in costume was the opening of French luxury skin care and cosmetics brand Clarins at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati.

 

Clarins, brought in by Rustan’s The Beauty Source, delivers a premium range of expertly crafted skincare and body care products and makeup.

 

At the Clarins boutique launch, Rustan’s The Beauty Source put up a Clarins Beauty Fair. Beauty writer Kelly Misa was the lucky winner of a free trip to Paris, presented to her by Marine Lux, Clarins senior area manager.

 

Fund-raiser

 

In closing, please support the MaArte Fair this weekend at The Gallery of The Peninsula Manila. The MaArte Fair is an annual fund-raising event organized by the Museum Foundation of the Philippines.

 

The MaArte Fair offers a range of products and accessories of interest not only to Manila’s ladies, but also to a growing circle of Filipino gentlemen. The latter can check out the “Pinoy Man Cave,” which features a mix of fashion and accessories.

 

Designers Mich Araullo, Tim Tam Ong, Aranaz, Creative Definitions, TDLG (Tweetie de Leon Gonzales) and Balay ni Atong will present custom designs with first-time exhibitors, such as Randy Ortiz and Siklo Pilipinas. Other featured exhibitors include Rosanna Ocampo for apparel, Gift and Graces for collectibles, and Nicole Whisenhunt for jewelry.

 

Also happening is MaArte Talks, a series of conversations with business owners who can offer new entrepreneurial tips and insights.

 

Tea lovers can also partake of MaArTEA, the special afternoon tea served by The Pen in partnership with MFPI and Tsaa Laya.

 

MaArte Fair is free and open to the general public, but hurry, as it ends today.

 

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