Monday, April 14, 2008

Shopping SOS: Miss Manhattan

...Do you have suggestions for women heading to the Philippines? I am headed there in September. I am very interested in shopping at places with Filipino designers. I reside in NYC, so I can get most European designer pieces here. But as far as finding Filipino designers or South East Asian designers the task is not so simple. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, do you have suggestions for places to obtain paintings by Filipino artists depicting Filipino life? I came across your blog, and it's terrific! - RZ

Thanks for your comment/questions Miss Manhattan! Let's start with Filipino designers first. I assume that when you get to Manila, you really won't have enough time to go for fittings and all that with Filipino couturiers. If you want ready-to-wear Filipino designer dresses that can stand side by side European/American designer pieces, the first place that you should visit in Manila is Myth in Greenbelt 5.

Myth is a showcase of creations from 8 individually accomplished Filipino designers/artists (creative director Randy Ortiz, designers, Dennis Lustico, Ivarluski Aseron, Joey Samson Jojie Lloren, painter Doltz Pilar, and stylists Henri Calayag and Jing Monis). Everything in the boutique, from men's and ladies' apparel, to home accessories and small paintings, even beauty, skin care and hair care products, are proudly Philippine-made.

Thanks to Ruby Gan, here's a teaser of what's in store for you in Myth...

Shift dresses with airbrushed rosettes in powder blue, blush and pistachio...




And corset belts from Randy Ortiz...




Summer perfect white linen dresses from Dennis Lustico...



Feminine yet edgy dresses from Ivarluski Aseron...




And a grey monochromatic dress with ruffle sleeves from Joey Samson...


Myth is a store of surprises, even the men's shirts by Randy Ortiz are pretty enough for us girls to wear!



Check out the detail on this one...


Of course, please also refer to Gian's recommendations, this post and this post I did a couple months back, for more on shopping in the Philippines!

Now, when it comes to art and paintings, it really depends on what kind of art you like. For a comprehensive collection of Filipino artwork, I suggest that you check out the Kulay-Diwa Gallery of Philippine Contemporary Art in Paranaque City.

Kulay-Diwa Gallery of Philippine Contemporary Art
25 Lopez Avenue, Lopez Village,Sucat
Paranaque City, Metro Manila 1700
Philippines
Tel: (632)8260574
bobbit@kulay-diwa.com


Here you'll find surrealist Mark Justiniani's depictions of the dark and gritty side of Filipino life, Anita Magsaysay Ho's graceful native women going about their tasks, and Danilo Dalena's provincial hometown scenes among other acclaimed local artists works. For more on investing on Philippine art and to know more about our local artists, check out Kulay-Diwa's website here.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Manila! I am sure you will find plenty of world-class pieces there that will blend very well with your New York City treasures!

8 comments:

Ginger said...

Hi. I'm adding a link of your site to my blog.

cd_mfo said...

Thanks Ginger! I'll add you to my blogroll too! =)

Anonymous said...

those dresses are gorgeous...do u think they'll ever sell it in the US if a store is interested in carrying those items?

Anonymous said...

oh, and i'll also keep you updated on my trip and finds. thanks again :D

Anonymous said...

I would also recommend Archaeology at Rockwell's Power Plant Mall and Serendra's 2nd Floor for affordable and stylish pieces by young Filipino designers. :)

cd_mfo said...

I'm sure they will be open to that debbie! Let me know, I can hook you up with the owner of Myth!

You're welcome rz! Please do share your finds!

Thanks for the tips anon! I haven't been home in a while so thanks for reminding me about that!

Anonymous said...

argh!! i posted another comment before the comment i made earlier. i guess i closed the window too soon. your info has me super excited to look and explore in manila. everything is so lovely!! thank you for being a terrific resource!!! :D

Anonymous said...

Myth is a haven for me! I love the menswear and the prices are pretty reasonable.

I also love the candles that they developed themselves.

The brainchild of myth should get a pat on the back. haha

I just hope that more exciting merchandise come up in that store!!

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