Criselda Lontok for Rustan’s has been a best-selling brand for over three decades. What is the secret of her success? For starters, it is retail-driven; it provides great design and luxury at affordable prices.

This holiday season, Criselda weaves Byzantine colors (brown with pink spiced with mustard). Fabrics are rich brocade, stretch silks, daring prints (leopard mixed with flora), giving women style empowerment.

A standing room-only crowd, led by Bea Zobel, Rustan Commercial Corp. president Nedy Tantoco, Isabel Wilson and Ching Montinola, witnessed the fabulous collection on the second floor of Rustan’s Makati two weeks ago. The collection consisted mostly of separates, jackets with three-fourth sleeves, pants with stretch for comfortable traveling.

Most of her clients say their Criselda outfits are always a hit abroad, no wrinkles when they unpack. Foreigners rave at the intrinsic Filipina flair and detail, at the couture details and hand-sewn finishing.

Criselda is also figure-friendly and has plus-sizes to make any woman shine this Christmas season. Her designs are age-appropriate, catering especially to mature clientele. But the best part is the elegance—a modern elegance, a refusal to go over the top. Criselda is modern chic, too, and that is why her style is timeless yet in the moment.