Retail genius Ben Chan has brought Italian luxury footwear brand Casadei to the country. He opened the brand’s flagship display store on the upper ground level of C1 Building at Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig.
It is a posh boutique furnished with sophisticated glass elements for that modern and très chic feel.
The glitzy opening night had our town’s most stylish women under one roof. The grandiose store display featured the eye-catching Casadei Spring-Summer 2014 collection.
Guests were treated to cocktails and canapés. The ribbon-snipping was led by Chan himself, Suyen Corp. president Virgilio Lim, Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Leyte Fourth District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Kris Aquino and Bea Alonzo, palangga.
When the doors opened, the invitees dashed inside to check the merchandise, natch. The ladies loved Casadei’s latest offerings, especially its unique mirrored heels, classic pumps and the Blade, said to be the “It” footwear today.
I chatted with some of the guests—Pops Fernandez, Dubai-based fashion design geniuses Michael Cinco and Albert Andrada, Mons Romulo who was celebrating her birthday that night, and Vicky Zubiri.
Annabelle Rama dropped by to snag some pairs and congratulated Chan and Lim for yet another exciting retail venture.
Jenni Epperson and daughter Aryanna were also seen shopping.
The runway show featured outfits from Karen Millen’s Spring-Summer 2014 collection. The collection reflected the mood of high-living.
The notable guests, plus a dash of the usual social victims, discovered why the Italian footwear phenomenon was stirring up the fashion scene as early as its first Instagram photo.
So, if you want something, make your way to Casadei, ogle at the designs, feel them, and eventually take home a new pair of shoes that are totally classy, dahlings.
Bastianich Winery opens
Wine connoisseurs flocked to the opening of Bastianich Winery, which held a très elegant wine dinner, naturellement, at the chic Sage Restaurant of Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
Everybody applauded the six-course meal prepared by chef de cuisine Gilles Galli. The meal was paired with wines selected by head sommelier Daniel Blais, creating an excellent harmony of food and wine, highlighting the delectable aromas and flavors.
Bastianich is owned and established by celebrity chef and outstanding restaurateur Joe Bastianich. Its brand ambassador is the good-looking Andrea Manuali, who impeccably represented the winery with his charm and passion, and who had the women mesmerized when he gave them a taste and appreciation of the wines’ origins from Friuli, Italy.
With each dish, the wines were showcased and served, such as Vigne Orsone Pinot Grigio, Vigne Orsone Sauvignon Blanc, Vespa Bianco, Vespa Rosso, Calabrone Rosso, Aragone and Tocai Plus.
Among the thrilled invitees were gorgeous Agnes Ventura Roscigno, wife of the Italian envoy; Margarita Fores of Cibo; chef Chele Gonzalez of Vask; Patricia Ghamami and Gerald Savigny of Solaire; Malou Fores of Mamou; Nuvo chef Xavier Btesh; Christian Egger of Edsa Shangri-La; chef Markus Gfeller of CAV, and Sandra Fernandez of Luisa’s Garden.
It was definitely a night of wonderful food, divine wine and company, to be remembered long après the event, palangga.
Bastianich is represented in the Philippines by Artisan Cellars and Fine Foods Inc.
Dining privileges
Hey, palangga, Visa cardholders are now up for a privileged experience with the Visa Entertainment Dining program, launched recently at The City Club Alphaland Place.
Visa Credit, Debit and Prepaid cardholders can enjoy free appetizers, meals and discounts from their favorite restaurants, and complimentary drinks from the hottest bars and clubs. They also get priority seating just by presenting their Visa cards, said the très charmant Iain Jamieson, Visa country manager for the Philippines and Guam.
This partnership with major dining establishments will give Visa members more reason to keep using their cards.
Check out the full list of offers available at visa.com.ph/entertainment.