Fashion sees the periodic resurgence of the gypsy look and hippie era of the ’60s and ’70s.

Earth-toned, fluid clothes accentuated with pops of bold orange, magenta and blue, large slouchy bags, sandals, colorful beaded necklaces, drop earrings and multiple bangles are defining elements of boho-chic style.

In its mission to bring high fashion at an affordable price, Parfois, a Portuguese accessories brand distributed by fashion retailer Vogue Concepts Inc., is interpreting the spirited boho look from its headpieces to footwear.

“From the catwalks, the bags shown at Celine, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo feature snakeskin, tribal prints and tassels. We offer similar styles and details like zigzag stitches on a suede bag,” says Parfois’ brand manager Michelle Ampil.

Bags are bestsellers

Bags drive the sales of this brand. “The Filipina can’t seem to get enough of them” says Ampil, especially if the genuine leather bags start at P2,290.

Living up to its name, Parfois (French for “sometimes”) gives women options to change styles now and again. This season’s boho collection consists of four looks.

Casual dressing calls for bags and jewelry in rich materials and bold patterns, patchwork and silk tassels. The nonchalant sophisticated look highlights bags with fringes, puncture patterns, knits, nylon and leather mixes with primary colors in geometric shapes.

The organic sentiment is expressed in bags adorned with rope, raffia and stone in neutrals and contrasting colors. For soft day dressing, suede and leather bags are made with laser cuts and embellished.

New merchandise

Parfois was introduced to the Philippines five years ago and has been experiencing exponential growth. At the SM Megamall branch alone, sales have been growing as much as 40

percent. Ampil attributes the trend to the constantly fresh merchandise at the store and the Filipino woman’s changing taste.

“Before, she would buy black and brown tote bags and big bags with zippers. We have dyed prints of Santorini and Portugal on the bags that have been doing well. The market is no longer shy of colors and prints,” says Ampil.

Basic tote bags which cost P1,490 are a staple. Last season, the three-in-one bag, a reversible tote with a sling, moved quickly and women were buying the same style in different colors. Women are also snapping up bags with matching wallets.

Bling

The jewelry collection is also catching up with the market. Women as far as Cagayan de Oro are fans of Parfois’ bijoux.

This season, women can get decked out in braided chains, metal links, stringy necklaces with colorful stones, detailed medallions and beads galore.

Ampil says if the magazines show large necklaces with stone, wood, plastic and fabric, the brand has them. “We’ve got the range from simple studs and hoops to image jewelry designed in Barcelona.”

The fashion-forward will be bold enough to harness herself in body jewelry which costs only P890. Ear cuffs, accessories clipped on the earlobe, cost P399 at the most. If you want to draw attention to the hands, connector rings that can fit two or three fingers also cost P399 or less.

“If the woman wants to look elegant, chic or very feminine, whatever the occasion, we can make the look accessible,” says Ampil. Marge C. Enriquez