French clothing brand Petit Bateau, which has charmed generations worldwide for 120 years with chic and classic nautical-inspired apparel, has expanded its wings in the Philippines with a second branch at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.
The occasion was highlighted by a fashion show of children and adults’ daywear from Petit Bateau’s Spring-Summer 2013 collection, dahlings.
Our town’s stylish mamas and their children graced the dock-style runway wearing clean-cut cardigans, A-line skirts, collared dresses, cute little jumpers and kids’ tees, in bright shades and classic sailor stripes.
Among those who modeled Petit Bateau’s distinctly French clothes were Kaye Tiñga’s children Kyle, Kristian and Kirk, Niña Corpuz and her daughter Stella, Donna Cuna-Pita and her children Mateo and Amara.
“Our brand’s apparel is certified by the Oeko-Tex label and guarantee complete safety and comfort even for sensitive skin,” said Jing Jin, Petit Bateau manager, no less, palangga. “People at any age deserve to feel good in their clothes. Petit Bateau creates timeless fashion that stays with people from all stages of life.”
French Sole steps into Manila
Speaking of French brands, dahlings, the shoe label French Sole has opened a store in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) recently.
Our town’s frequent travelers are familiar with French Sole by Jane Winkworth, who was once described by Vogue as the “Queen of Ballet Flats” for her idea of selling ballerina flats by retail.
French Sole, which the international press has dubbed “the prettiest ballet flats on earth,” now offers different designs—crocodile, pony hair, jaguar print, snake skin, silver, among others.
Russel Downing, French Sole international director, flew in from London for the BGC launch. In his opening remarks, he said, “Aside from being pretty, French Sole boasts of true European quality and craftsmanship. All our materials are European-sourced, and all our flats are handmade in our factories in France and Spain.”
The shoes’ design patterns took three generations of craftsmen to perfect, and require 23 workers to make one pair of French Sole, Downing added.
French Sole is well-loved by celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, Scarlet Johansson and Kate Moss. The late Princess Diana owned dozens of French Soles and had a longstanding friendship with Winkworth. The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and her sister Pippa Middleton are also fans of the brand.
“Jane Winkworth’s passion and talent in designing ballet flats will definitely be appreciated in Manila,” said Gifford Chu, president of Shoemaker’s Shop Inc., exclusive distributor of French Sole.
At the brand’s BGC store opening, fashionable women like Mikaela Martinez, Stephanie Kienle and Ingrid Go could not wait to get their hands on French Sole, dahlings.
New Toni & Guy haircare line
And still about international brands, dahlings, the United Kingdom-based hairdressing company Toni & Guy has recently launched its new line of haircare products at Manila Peninsula’s Salon de Ning.
The event, hosted by Unilever Philippines head of public relations Apples Aberin, featured models in looks and coifs created by MAC, Lourd Ramos and Pam Quiñones, inspired by casual, classic, creative and glamour lines, palangga.
Spotted hobnobbing with guests were Tweetie de Leon, Phoemela Barranda, Cat and Carlo Antonio, Tricia Centenera, Anna Palabyab-Rufino, Manny del Rosario and Xandra Rocha.
Yummy hors d’oeuvres and beverages were served, celebrating Toni & Guy’s latest range of beauty products, now available at select Watsons stores.