Shopping has become a distinct pleasure of late. New shops that opened within the year (some as recently as this week) tap into the zeitgeist and offer a glimpse into Manila’s retail potential. Among them:
Distinqt
This multilabel concept store hasn’t even opened yet and already it’s getting plenty of buzz. That’s because its selection of contemporary labels with their own cult following is finally getting some local action. Instead of flying to Hong Kong or Japan for your fix, you can now shop for brands like N°21—from clothes and socks to bags.
Tibi, a strong favorite among a certain stylish subset, also makes an appearance.
Distinqt will be carrying all the seasons, and will also be following sale season, so you won’t see old merchandise hanging on its racks.
Merch: Tibi, N°21, Joshua Sanders (cheeky footwear label, known for putting smiley faces on slip-ons, has a current collection featuring fur creatures and other emoji-inspired imagery), Walk of Shame (Moscow-based label worn by Rihanna and ManRepeller’s Leandra Medine), Edmos (backpacks and garments fashioned from regenerated leather), May Moma (Art Deco-inspired contemporary jewelry), Schield (Italian accessories brand from a designer who earned his stripes at Vivienne Westwood and Roberto Cavalli), SYJP (tomboy silhouettes, plenty of plaid with playful elements).
Store vibe: The store currently doesn’t exist, but the showroom itself is a cool space, with distinct rooms divided by categories (N°21 and SYJP share a chamber), the central area dominated by a mix of accessories and footwear, along with a couple of couches so you can relax while shopping.
Price range: P10,000 to about P150,000. But it claims to maintain competitive prices at about 10-15 percent above Hong Kong rates for the imported labels.
Address: Distinqt will open at Shangri-La at the Fort by late October. In the meantime, shop at the showroom, 4/F, PCCI Bldg., LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati (Sept. 15- Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.).
Carolina Herrera
There’s now a place to run to for formal occasions—a real concern given the party-heavy Manila calendar. On the day of Carolina Herrera’s soft opening, the store sold a floor-length floral gown retailing for P80,000 to a lady who fitted and bought the dress in 15 minutes.
On the same day, a woman, accompanied by her husband and three children, found herself buying four items.
Clearly, Carolina Herrera is a welcome arrival—and its complete range is a surprise for consumers used to seeing a diffusion line or accessories-only shop.
Merch: While known for its formal wear and dressy separates, there is a surprising number of accessories—a full section devoted to footwear, heels ideal for weddings, and flats for running errands. There’s even a men’s section, with a wall of shirts plus outerwear and jackets, along with a number of ties, cufflinks and other accoutrements for the dapper man.
I found myself drawn to the accessories, particularly the costume jewelry. “There’s something here for everyone. From serious glitter and playful rings with dangly charms to delicate lily-inspired pieces, the jewelry section alone is worth a visit.
Store vibe: The store was designed to mimic a home with its warm wood shelves, red and white walls and gilded moldings. Surprisingly, it isn’t intimidating—the racks mix apparel with formal and cocktail, casual and sportswear.
“We want to dress women from morning till evening,” says Southeast Asia country manager Alexis Sanchez. “She will find something here that she can wear, whether it’s an occasion or she is just going to work.”
The store invites consumers to feel the material, to mold it against their body while admiring themselves in the many reflective surfaces. Even the bags, whether set on shelves or mounted on walls, call for you to try them on or post a photo on Instagram.
Price range: P23,000 for a knit top, P85,000 for a floor-length formal gown. A tote bag starts at P30,000 while the heavily embellished flap purse retails for P110,000.
Address: G/F, Greenbelt 5 (beside Lusso); tel. 7287714
BijouxFäh
This is a jewel box of a shop, set with rich textures and charming accoutrements. Owner and designer Macky Fah has a growing reputation for her playful mix of elements, like the BijouxFäh rose-cut diamonds embedded on abalone shell set with rose gold in dangling earrings.
“It marries European aesthetics using tropical materials,” says Fah.
Merch: Eponymous line by designer Macky Fah, curated estate and vintage jewelry from Europe, collection from Korean jewelry house Minetani, boho jewelry from up-and-coming brand Mantra, plus Fah’s collaborations with Celine Lopez (FähLUX) and Miguel Rosales (Caramel Inc for BijouxFäh).
While you’re there, check out the Bonne Chance Necklace by Caramel, made with vintage jetons, which are mother-of-pearl gaming chips, set with white sapphires on a cable chain.
Store vibe: “Italian 1950s with a dash of Filipino” is how Fah sums it up.
Address: 3/F, MDI Corp Bldg., 10th ave. cor 39th St., Bonifacio Global City; tel. 09470112890
In Good Company
“Very Cos,” someone said, referring to the label from the H&M group known for no-fuss modern designs. This label, under the SM Group, is expanding the conglomerate’s range to include something a little different.
The Singapore-based label, helmed by four young partners, consists of “seasonless” clothing. The focus is on wardrobe essentials you can wear year in, year out, without worrying whether they’ll be dated in a few months.
Merch: Work- and life-friendly apparel. The current collection includes plenty of culottes and boxy tops. A particular standout is the Parachute top and dress, a loose silhouette with a heavy drape on the front, meant to be gathered.
Price range: P3,800 to P12,000
Address: 2/L, SM Store Makati; tel. 09176256622
Tropa
Carla Sison made her name with Araw, a line of easy pieces fashioned from linen. Now she’s broadened her retail vision to include Tropa, a tropical haven within the confines of Legazpi Village in Makati. A multibrand shop with an easily recognizable and very Instagram-friendly aesthetic, it’s a space worth visiting weekly, if only to imbibe its chill atmosphere.
Merch: Áraw, Eairth, Pranca, Cosi Collective, Ilog Maria, Cavelaborem, and the in-house line. Or as the store puts it: “From Àraw’s vintage-inspired tropical-meets-modern basics, Eairth’s indigenously sourced natural fiber garments, to Ilog Maria’s sustainable handmade products and Cavelaborem’s special menswear line in collaboration with Japanese designer Takashi Uokawa.”
“Offering products for our environment with a contemporary approach” is Tropa’s objective, says Carla Sison, with a focus on tropical lifestyle.
Store vibe: One of the coolest stores to emerge this year, Tropa offers a certain neighborhood charm with an open-plan space that pays homage to the tropics. Potted plants, cement floors, a sun room situated in the middle of the space, a laid-back ambiance and racks filled with relaxed separates capture the current youth zeitgeist.
Price range: P2,000 to P6,000
Address: 117 Aguirre St., Legazpi Village, Makati; tel. 5411335
Regiment
From the same founders of Signet, Regiment is a multibrand shop with a more diverse list of labels, but with a heavy emphasis on Americana and heritage styles.
The founders’ favorite labels include cult Brit designer Nigel Cabourn (influenced by vintage military, outdoor and workwear pieces), Sassafras (Japanese founder Takashi turned to his gardening hobby for inspiration, churning out utilitarian garments), and Toyo Enterprise Company Ltd. (Japan-based company responsible for several Regiment-carried labels Buzz Rickson’s, Sugar Cane, Tailor Toy).
Merch: Menswear ranging from vintage style to utilitarian garments from Battenwear, Filson, Momotaro, Orslow, Cheswick, Cat’s Paw, TCB (Taking Care of Business), Sun Surf, Warehouse, UES Clothing
Store vibe: If you’ve shopped at Americana shops in Japan, then Regiment is for you. The interiors hark to heritage shops with its dark walls and Edison bulbs, and no-nonsense shelves and racks.
Price range: P1,000 to P60,000
Address: Unit 102-C, Windsor Tower, 163 Legazpi St., Legazpi Village, Makati; tel. 8164884
Zoo
For the girl who enjoys rosé and velvet, Zoo was designed to attract a specific demographic that leans toward the sweetly feminine.
Merch: Feminine separates inspired by trends popularized by Lisa Marie Fernandez. Plenty of looks that invoke cascading ruffles, thigh slits and asymmetrical hemlines.
Store vibe: “We aim to elevate women’s shopping experience by giving them a hotel atmosphere with a more personal service,” says shop owner Kat Zulueta.
The shop serves wine and coffee, and the interiors are pure Instagram candy: gold fixtures, plush velvet chairs and marble tables. And for the soon-to-be-wed, it has a bridal VIP room.
Price range: Tops start at P1,000; cocktail dresses at P1,500; gowns at P2,500. Custom orders for bridal and entourage accepted.
Address: G/F, The Address Condominium, Wack Wack Road, Mandaluyong; tel. 9466967