THE LANVIN collection for fall-winter has arrived at the just-opened boutique in 8 Rockwell, Makati, and it’s all about tassels and fringes.

 

The collection lauded by critics as one of creative director Alber Elbaz’s strongest yet is somewhat of an homage to his Moroccan roots. The tassels came in the form of tie belts and jewelry.

 

New handbags in store are a red lambskin Sugar bag with three inner compartments, and a quilted Happy shoulder bag with gold metal chain interlaced with grosgrain. There are also oversized shoppers.

 

Meanwhile, next door, Balenciaga also opened quietly over the weekend. It’s the brand’s second boutique in Manila, and is the first to carry its entire line for women. The men’s line will be carried by homme et femme next door.

 

The vast store’s look is distinctly modern—clean and spare with a high ceiling, marble display pedestals and chrome racks.

 

Though the new season apparel has yet to arrive, the preseason collection is worth checking. (Hint: some items are marked down.)

 

At homme et femme, its first door in Makati, some of the brands’ new season collections have begun to arrive, like Roland Mouret, Giambattista Valli, Jil Sander.

 

The store also carries Dior Homme, Valentino (men’s), Celine, Lanvin (men’s), Pierre Hardy, Valextra, Moreau and Church’s.’

 

Lanvin, Balenciaga and homme et femme are operated by H&F Retails Concepts Inc.

 

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