The future meets the present as Ellis Co, 21, presented his debut collection with the idea of déjà vu in mind. Dubbed “Memoirs of the Future,” the fall 2022 collection marked the coming of his high-fashion streetwear brand ARCHIVES.
“I chose the brand name ARCHIVES because the clothes that I design are timeless and lasting pieces, and in itself, a collection of historical records,” Ellis, the brand’s founder and director of design, said. “I perceive these pieces as the remnants of me as a designer for years to come, and years after I’m gone.”
Described as a fashion presentation beyond the traditional runway, the “Memoirs of the Future” show was truly a multisensory experience envisioned by the young designer. To make this fashion time travel possible, he worked with director Frank Mamaril to bring his vision come to life. And on July 27, 2022, Whitespace Manila in Makati City was transformed into a portal where guests got a glimpse of the future of fashion through Ellis’ designs, with the help of ARCHIVES’ creative director Reika Mayani.
The guiding theme of the collection is Ellis’ passion for eco-brutalism, modernity, and the Japanese fashion aesthetic. These themes were echoed in the many elements of the event starting with the food. Featuring the culinary works of chef Margarita Fores, Manila’s most fashionable crowd was treated to a modern gastronomic journey as the first part of the ARCHIVES experience. Upon entering the show’s venue, guests were instantly transported to the future. Like a scene from a dystopian film, the space was an arena where gray angular structures were complemented with lush greens, offering the perfect set to Ellis’ designs.
Opening the show were the musicians from the Manila String Machine, setting the mood as they performed Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Concerto No. 2, “Summer” III. Presto. The string musician’s performance didn’t end there. Throughout the show, they played melodies accompanying the contemporary beats of the music produced by Ellis, another nod to the future-meets-now theme.
As the fog began to rise, models walked the runway wearing Ellis’ designs. “Memoirs of the Future” presented a total of 44 looks, divided into segments for the show. It started with a parade of black, giving a first look at the designer’s take on unconventional proportions. Outerwear was reimagined into oversized pieces with obi belts and curved cut lapels — the designer’s signature touch. Breaking the dark and gloomy display was a white garb with a flounced hat that was so dramatic it took everyone’s breath away. Following it was Ellis’ play on neutrals and fall dressing. Classic pairings like the black dress with a trench coat and puffer coats and cargo-like pants got a new look with his exploration of structure and silhouettes. Ending the show was a display of his gray designs making it a true fashion display for the cool kids of today.
“When I design, I’m very focused on the silhouette, how the shape looks, how the piece drops on the body, especially, the minor details,” Ellis said. “Basically, I’m trying to make something that hasn’t been done yet but is still familiar. I try to find the familiarity in the unfamiliar.”
Apart from Ellis’ inspiration, what made this collection unique was his addition of boxing gloves and head gears to some of the pieces. This is another personal stamp of the designer as before becoming a self-taught architect, music producer, and designer, he also has a background in boxing.
Another recurring theme in the show is androgyny. Aside from the clothes, a sense of gender neutrality was also present in the models’ makeup. To achieve that, Ellis worked with makeup artist Gery Penaso. Much like future humans out of hibernation pods, the female and male models sported an elevated bedhead look — burgundy eyes, bleached brows, and raw and unpolished hair with metallic tipped nails completing the whole vibe.
“The collection is very detailed. I want to make sure that we apply it also to the beauty looks,” Gery said. “It is very rare on the runway to have nails also done. When they all come down to the runway, they look very cohesive”
Ending the fashion presentation on a high note were the electrifying performances by Jalen Davis, popularly known as MDMA or Molly (an American recording artist from Atlanta, Georgia) while DJ Patty Tiu played the coolest music for the night crowd.
“There are standards for quality, but when it comes to creativity, fashion is a medium,” Ellis said. “Whatever you create through fabric, that’s your own original design. It is just like music and painting, but your tool is the fabric. Fashion is an art form.”
To stay updated about “Memoirs of the Future,” visit Archives’ official Instagram page @archives.galerie.
GUESS Originals is proud to welcome back global music superstar and fashion icon, J Balvin, for the GUESS Originals x J Balvin Amor Collection. Inspired by Balvin’s documentary “The Boy from Medellin”, the collection ties into the GUESS DNA of iconic graphics and elevated fabrics while incorporating a deeper emphasis on who Balvin is beyond the fame, and his journey with mental health. The collection will be available on Friday, July 15, 2022, on guess.com.ph and in GUESS Glorietta, Trinoma, Robinsons Ermita, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia.
Balvin notes, “We’ve been collaborating for a couple of years now. The chemistry is great. We have more than a business partnership, it’s a friendship – it’s like my family working with Nicolai and GUESS. This newest collab is all about peace and love – that’s what we need right now.”
Imprinting the universal message of “amor y paz” or “peace and love”, the GUESS Originals x J Balvin Amor collection is a revival of happiness and positivity. Nicolai Marciano, Director of Brand Partnerships for GUESS Originals highlights, “Our partnership with Jose continues to give fans a deeper connection to what he cares about while honoring GUESS’ heritage of provoking a sense of celebration. The collection features a universal design language rooted in bright colors, peace, and love – especially self-love.”
Colin Tilley, director of the campaign video, shares that “Collaborating with GUESS was a Dream, collaborating with Jose is always something special and combining them both for this epic campaign is one for the books! We wanted to celebrate togetherness.”
The collection offers a mix of vibrant and pastel colors in a variety of uplifting hues. Expressive graphics such as swirl stripes, hearts, and clovers are seen throughout the collection, adding to the playful vibe of the capsule. While staying true to the brand’s DNA, the men’s collection features a new take on the GUESS Originals cargo pant with a relaxed profile and elevated twill fabric, as well as an eco rayon camp.
The women’s collection offers an array of easy-to-wear crop tops. Summer-y pieces such as the dresses and bright-colored accessories round out the line and lend to the laid-back, vibrant lifestyle of both GUESS Originals and J Balvin.
This collection pushes the importance of mental health for all. The 15-piece collection ranges from P1,698 – P4,898. Look for the campaign and other GUESS x J Balvin content at www.GUESS.com.ph, on GUESS’ Facebook page, and in GUESS retail stores.
About GUESS?, Inc.
Established in 1981, GUESS began as a jeans company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. Guess?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes, and licenses a lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel, denim, handbags, watches, eyewear, footwear, and other related consumer products. Guess? products are distributed through branded Guess? stores as well as better department and specialty stores around the world.
As of January 29, 2022, the Company directly operated 1,068 retail stores in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The Company’s partners and distributors operated 563 additional retail stores worldwide.
As of January 29, 2022, the Company and its partners and distributors operated in approximately 100 countries worldwide. For more information about the Company, please visit www.guess.com.
About J Balvin
Global superstar, entrepreneur, and committed mental health advocate, J Balvin, is a highly-decorated music icon with wins across Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Latin GRAMMYs, and many others. As a Latinx artist, he has steadfastly broken cultural barriers and become one of the Top 10 most streamed artists globally developing legions of fans worldwide. Hailed by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years” and Pitchfork as “the face of modern Reggaeton,” Balvin is leading the second generation of Musica Urbana stars that have propelled Latin music to an unprecedented global embrace that transcends genres.
2017 chart-topping, “Mi Gente” with Willy William, and subsequently a remix with Beyonce, reached global success serving as a nod to cultural pride. His 2020 surprise performance as part of the Super Bowl halftime show with JLO and Shakira was history-making with an all-Latinx lineup.
His latest album, JOSE, arrived on the heels of an eventful summer, following the release of chart-dominating singles “Qué Más Pues?” featuring Argentinian singer María Becerra, “Que Locura,” and “In Da Getto” featuring Skrillex. His collaboration with Ed Sheeran in March 2022 on “Sigue” and “Forever My Love” landed him his 34th and 35th #1 on Latin Airplay, more than any other artist in history, cementing him as Latinx music’s biggest success story of the decade.
In addition to his many successes in music, J Balvin has been one of the first Latinx to forge partnerships with notable brands across lucrative categories. In 2019, he became the first male Latinx lead with a GUESS campaign, followed by the 2020 announcement of his highly-anticipated and successful J Balvin x Air Jordan 1, which marked him as the first Latinx artist to have an official collaboration with the iconic Jordan Brand.
The second of his collaborations with Jordan Brand was announced in late 2021 with details on the launch to come. An avid gamer, Balvin also created skins with Fortnite as part of their “Icon Series.” His knack for personal style and pioneer trends also finds him frequenting front rows of fashion shows across New York and Paris with brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior. He also made his coveted Met Gala debut in 2021 with Moschino. J Balvin’s latest passion is raising awareness of the importance of mental health and mental health resources. He has been outspoken on his own grapple with depression and anxiety and hopes to destigmatize the topic and misinformation.
Looking to mentors who went from artists turned moguls like Jay-Z and Pharrell, J Balvin’s goal is to inspire other Latinos to dream big and work hard to uplift themselves and their communities.
CHRCTR Clothing, a premium clothing brand originating from the province of Laguna, sets to open its second store in celebration of its first anniversary in Tondo, Manila on February 26. The new entrant clothing brand started its operations in February 2021 in Biñan, Laguna with the goal to be recognized as a Philippine brand to create a dent in the international streetwear industry.
Strategically located in the most culturally diverse district in the city of Manila, the expansion and opening of CHRCTR Tondo Flagship Store echo the call of the brand to have a bold, compassionate, and distinctive personality for each individual.
“We are confident that in these rich-cultured streets of Tondo, CHRCTR Clothing will open the opportunity to our kababayan to be bold, be distinct, be the person they want to be,” said JB Gajita, Founder and Managing Director of CHRCTR Clothing. “We started with only 100 shirts on stock, now we are reaching thousands of brave souls nationwide.”
Located along Velasquez Street, the new CHRCTR Tondo Flagship Store will showcase its complete product line from shirts, pants, shoes, caps, socks, and its new HARI NG TONDO branded shirts.
“We rally everyone to wear the brand that defines your personality because you are not like everyone else,” said Gajita.
MANILA, Philippines – There is no denying the talents of Shaira Luna. From an early age, she graced our TV screens as a “gifted child”. Her passion for learning set her apart and would eventually lead her to forge her own career as one of the most prominent photographers in the country. This July, the thirty-one-year-old takes her place as Melissa’s Style Maven.
#MeInMelissa is the latest campaign in the Philippines from the Brazilian footwear icon, Melissa Shoes. This fresh and empowering digital campaign will showcase pieces from the brand’s 2018 collection, Open Vibes. Luna shares her talent as the campaign’s official photographer.
Shaira Luna, gifted child
“I really love that Melissa shoes are comfortable and squishy”, shares Shaira Luna, chuckling. “Sometimes I take for granted how important footwear is, especially for someone like me who’s on my feet for most of the day. Eventually, I found my way to shoes that fit the bill of being both stylish and comfortable.”
At the age of thirteen, Luna found herself at De La Salle University, undergoing a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology. After switching courses for some time,
Luna purchased her first professional camera, a Canon EOS 350D. The camera enabled her to flex her creative muscles and would eventually inspire her to pursue a professional career in photography.
In the decade since Shaira Luna gradually developed herself to become one of the most prolific young photographers in the country. Luna regularly works with high-profile brands and influential names from the world of art and entertainment.
“Behind the camera, especially when shooting for someone else, I make sure I understand their vision and I understand the output that they need from me”, Luna begins. “I just try to make it work for everyone and keep communication open.”
This level of professionalism extends itself to moments that require Luna to stand in front of the camera.
“When I’m in front of the camera, I try to take the place of the photographer,” Luna adds. “I try to imagine what they need from the shoot and I try to move as quickly as possible. I find it is over much faster if I get what they need, so I tend to move a lot in front of the camera even if it’s awkward for me.”
As a fashion photographer, Luna is well-regarded for her personal sense of style. Self-described as an “ever-evolving” aesthetic, she draws her inspiration from rock ’n roll icons of yesterday and today.
“I love Florence Welch (of Florence and the Machine) so much! I really love her style and her music,” Luna shares. “I also like Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. I’m very much inspired by icons of the ‘70’s. I’m not sure why. Maybe someday I’ll find out.”
Even then, Luna is quick to admit that a lot of her style inspiration comes from the research she does prior to a shoot.
“In general, I’m very much into the history of fashion and that translates into my style and the people I admire as well,” Luna adds. “I think the reason I got into studying eras of fashion was because of my shoots. So, whenever I have a shoot that’s inspired by a particular period, I find myself going even deeper into what happened during that time, especially the things they wore and why they wore the things they did.”
If there is anything Shaira Luna can share, it’s her love for rediscovering the past through pieces of clothing. “If you just use your imagination, you can try to rework the stuff you already have. Perhaps you can use stuff from your parents and grandparents. You end up with something more unique, something not cookie-cutter. Just something more fun that will put a smile on your face.”
Shaira Luna is an old soul who has built her name by turning her dreams into a successful career. This is reflected in both her personal style and her approach to her work. This bubbly, determined, and highly-focused individual has all the qualities that make her the perfect fit as Melissa’s first Style Maven.
About Melissa
Melissa is an iconic global footwear brand from Brazil. Established in 1979, Melissa is highly regarded for its long-lasting and avant-garde designs and collaborations with a number of high-profile names from the world of art and fashion.
From sexy stilettos to fabulous flats, Melissa shoes have brought fashion and comfort to new heights. Melissa brings the future of fashion to the world.
This season, put your best foot forward with stylish and elegant shoes by Via Venetto that match today’s competitive trends, are functional enough to keep up with your active lifestyle and comfortable enough for you to enjoy all of the season’s activities, both indoor and outdoor, for work and leisure.
Via Venetto provides the style, functionality and comfort to complete the perfect look you’re aiming for. As an artisan in the shoe industry in the Philippines, Via Venetto prides in creating only quality footwear fatto a mano using the world’s finest leather and highest quality materials. Its products are handcrafted with years of experience and innovation, adapting to the latest style and trend.
Aiming for a sexy yet innocent look? Go evening pumps or be a head turner with some posh pillars.You can also be stylish with some high wedges or slingbacks.
Of course, your outdoor look would not be complete without the comfort of flat shoes and sandals. Walk along the shoreline with a classy yet sturdy sandals or tone down your edgy professional look with comfortable doll shoes. Whatever you feel like wearing, Via Venetto can provide it for you.
Let your reigns free in rediscovery and new adventure. And while you’re at it, flaunt the perfect look that expresses the real you. All it takes is to reward yourself with the right shoes and you know you can conquer the world.
Visit Via Venetto stores at Greenbelt 1, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma and SM Megamall. For inquiries, you may contact them at Phone: 63 28926334; Telefax: 63 2 8432725; or visit http://viavenetto-phil.co.
The collection offers a mix of vibrant and pastel colors in a variety of uplifting hues. Expressive graphics such as swirl stripes, hearts, and clovers are seen throughout the collection, adding to the playful vibe of the capsule. While staying true to the brand’s DNA, the men’s collection features a new take on the GUESS Originals cargo pant with a relaxed profile and elevated twill fabric, as well as an eco rayon camp.
Global superstar, entrepreneur, and committed mental health advocate, J Balvin, is a highly-decorated music icon with wins across Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Latin GRAMMYs, and many others. As a Latinx artist, he has steadfastly broken cultural barriers and become one of the Top 10 most streamed artists globally developing legions of fans worldwide. Hailed by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years” and Pitchfork as “the face of modern Reggaeton,” Balvin is leading the second generation of Musica Urbana stars that have propelled Latin music to an unprecedented global embrace that transcends genres.
Strategically located in the most culturally diverse district in the city of Manila, the expansion and opening of CHRCTR Tondo Flagship Store echo the call of the brand to have a bold, compassionate, and distinctive personality for each individual.
As a fashion photographer, Luna is well-regarded for her personal sense of style. Self-described as an “ever-evolving” aesthetic, she draws her inspiration from rock ’n roll icons of yesterday and today.
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