This year totally belongs to the Brits, dahlings, because of the successful London Olympics, the number of gold medals they won there and Andy Murray amazing everyone with his awesome performance in the US Open, his first Grand Slam.

 

In the country, there’s the smashing successful launching of Lee Cooper, the iconic British denim brand, which unveiled its premiere collection at the Grand Ballroom of Resorts World’s posh Marriott Hotel, dahlings.

 

The venue was awash with the red, white and blue colors of the Union Jack. No less than the British Ambassador, the well-liked Stephen Lillie, welcomed the 400 guests to the latest Lee Cooper collection. At the ballroom foyer was the brand’s equally iconic British namesake, the trendy Mini Cooper, decked out in—what else?—denim, natch.

 

Welcoming the guests were Lee Cooper Philippines president Andrew So and VP Henry Ng, Lee Cooper Global CEO Andy Dunkley, and hot shots from the British Embassy.

 

Tim Yap introduced Lee Cooper’s “Makers,” eight personalities who exemplified the brand’s “commitment to passion and excellence.” They included artist/restaurateur Nadine Howell, car restorer Alex Isip, photographer Jay Tablante and chef Roland Laudico, among others.

 

The fashion show opened with models all dolled up as British royal guards, with a video backdrop showcasing London’s skyline and well-known architectural landmarks.

 

Adding even more eye candy to the show, dahlings, were three hunky members of the Philippine Volcanoes rugby team—Chris Everingham, Eric Tai and Andrew Wolff.

 

Having a great time were Merger’s George Salud; designers Andre Chang, Herbert Custodio and Eddie Baddeo; and actress Maxine Eigenmann.

 

The launch was another feather to the cap of England, dahlings.

 

Yves Rocher

 

Yves Rocher, the botanical beauty and skin care brand from France, marked its first anniversary in the country by opening its fifth branch, at TriNoma Mall, Quezon City.

 

During the launch, guests were treated to a one-day shopping spree of botanical cosmetics.

 

We were told: “With over 50 years of history, knowledge and extensive research by a specialized team of scientists on botanical skin care, Yves Rocher continues to offer women an array of botanical beauty products.”

 

Then one guest whispered to moi, “All these beauty products from natural and herbal sources remind me of some girls who are like gorgeous flowers that grow up wild in the city.” Oops.

 

Yves Rocher grows its own plants in its organic fields in the village of La Gacilly, in France. “Yves Rocher develops close to 30 new botanical active ingredients and uses 1,100 species of plants to provide the best solutions and cater intelligently to specific needs of oily, dull, sensitive and dehydrated skin,” said brand manager Vianca Tan.

 

Yves Rocher is at TriNoma Mall, SM Southmall, The Block-SM North Edsa, SM Fairview and Ayala Center Cebu; visit www.yves-rocher.com, Yves Rocher France (Philippines) on Facebook, and @YvesRocherPH on Twitter.

 

Daniel de la Cruz’s new works

 

In-demand metal sculptor Daniel de la Cruz unveiled his largest exhibition, “Doorway to Decision,” at the picturesque Pintô Art Museum in the cool hills of Antipolo, dahlings.

 

With 38 new creations, the show is De la Cruz’s 10th solo exhibit. It explores “the importance of making the right choices in life and embracing the consequences of making them,” said the sculptor.

 

Close to 200 art lovers and collectors flocked to the opening. (It was easier to say who was not there, but my lips are sealed, palanggas.)

 

Leading the ribbon-snipping ceremony were Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari, his wife Silvana, and Makati City Mayor Jejomar “Jun-Jun” Binay Jr.

 

Welcoming everyone to the launch and serving as master of ceremonies was Pintô Art Museum owner and art connoisseur Dr. Joven Cuanang.

 

De la Cruz thanked his entire famille for supporting him in his art-making. He made mention of his wife Monica Guevara-de la Cruz, children Eduardo, Dana and Diego, parents doctors Eduardo and Leticia de la Cruz, parents-in-law Domingo and Monette Guevara.

 

Pintô Art Museum is at 1 Sierra Madre, Grand Heights, Antipolo; call Rosary Ysmael at 8959823 or 0917-7241007; e-mail: [email protected].