SM North EDSA is now home to MUJI’s grandest store in the Philippines, marking the Japanese lifestyle brand’s sixth establishment in the country.

Boasting an impressive floor size of over 2,500 square meters, the new store sets a record as MUJI’s largest establishment in the country to date, showcasing the Japanese retailer’s signature design elements.

With over 4,000 MUJI products available, including original concepts such as MUJI Labo and MUJI Walker, visitors will be spoiled for choice.

One of the features of the store is the aisle that connects two distinct areas. Area 1 presents a wide range of MUJI merchandise, from garments for all ages to functional houseware, furniture, stationery, and skincare products. 

In Area 2, MUJI introduces new lifestyle services, including a coffee counter serving curry rice meals, a kids’ playing area for young visitors, and a service counter.

The expansive coffee counter is one of the standout features of the store and is MUJI’s largest coffee counter to date. Customers can take a break there and enjoy a cup of coffee or meals from MUJI’s new product line, MUJI Curry, which is exclusive to the branch. The product line includes seven flavors such as butter chicken curry, green curry, and prawn curry.

The kids’ playing area allows children to engage with educational toys, providing a space for them to have fun while their parents explore the store, which also features an expanded kidswear line for babies and toddlers.

The store also features the sixth MUJI water refilling station in the country. The station is a free service that encourages visitors to refill their own bottles. The branch also introduces an embroidery service, allowing customers to personalize their MUJI products with over 200 designs to choose from.

To celebrate the grand opening, MUJI SM North EDSA is conducting a price review on select everyday products, making them even more affordable for customers.

In addition to SM North EDSA, MUJI is also present in other locations, including Greenbelt 3, Central Square in BGC, Power Plant Mall at Rockwell, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North EDSA. – with reports from Jacob Maquiling/Rappler.com

The dress – a grey a-line terno with silver beading outlining pink flowers – was as vintage as vintage could get. It belonged to my lola, who was so slim that something she wore in her early adulthood fit her chubby pre-teen granddaughter like a glove decades later. 

Back then, I thought the dress looked ancient and outdated – just a costume to wear for a school occasion – but recently, I’ve found myself thinking of it every time I look through my closet to pick out my clothes for the day. 

You see, like many people, I sold my soul to fast fashion years ago, and only recently woke up to the harrowing realization that at this point, my wardrobe is basically an H&M stockroom. My lola’s terno only reminds me of the elegance, whimsy, and originality that my current closet sorely lacks.

In an effort to rectify my painfully basic fashion choices, I decided to seek inspiration from Filipiniana. Trawling through old black-and-white photos of my lola, Manila carnival queens, the Fashionable Filipinas Instagram, and yes, the ABS-CBN Ball 2019 red carpet, I came to realize that our traditional silhouettes and fabrics are not only unique and undeniably beautiful, but they’re made for us in a way that no Uniqlo t-shirt or Shein bodycon dress could ever be.

I have also come to find that Filipiniana has come a long way from the itchy Linggo ng Wika costumes of our youth. These days, more and more brands and designers are making Filipiniana more accessible and more wearable, reworking national costume cornerstones like the terno or barong into contemporary pieces you can wear with anything.

Below are just some of those clothing brands carrying updated Filipiniana pieces that can transform your fit check from H&M-Bershka-Nike-Bershka-Uniqlo-Uniqlo to something way more original and special. 

(Budol warning: budgets were harmed in the making of this listicle)

Ara Pilak

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Made of upcycled flour sacks, Ara Pilak’s pieces are casual, colorful, and because they’re cut from different pieces of fabric, literally one-of-a-kind. Their cropped terno top, the Mariang Baro, pairs easily with jeans or shorts and, when worn with their matching wraparound skirt, can turn you into a vision right out of an Amorsolo painting. It’s giving modern dalagang Pilipina.

Tropik Beatnik

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Known for their colorful statement earrings, Tropik Beatnik has recently branched out into clothing – and their pieces are as bold and bright as you’d expect from the brand. Their Tropik Wear collection carries a color-block organza top with an open back and oversized butterfly sleeves that recalls a traditional kimona – minus the Linggo ng Wika feels. Speaking of kimona – the brand also partnered with Anthill Fabric Gallery for a kimona and saya set as part of a fundraising collection for Anthill’s resident seamstress, Ate Belen.

Nolan Atelier

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I know this list is full of modern terno tops but that’s also because in the realm of traditional Philippine dress, it’s probably the piece that’s easiest to modernize without committing some sort of cultural appropriation. Nolan Atelier’s take on the terno is classy and a little bit spicy – something a little dressier that you can wear to that important presentation, an anniversary date, or to your graduation.

Studio Süg

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If you want a subtler interpretation of “modern Filipiniana,” this is the brand to check out. Curated by Chavacano-Tausug stylist Bea Constantino, Studio Süg is her love letter to Southern Mindanao, showcasing the region’s indigenous textiles into relaxed everyday pieces like polos, pants, sundresses, and shorts. 

Randolf Clothing

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You probably never thought a barong could look like this. Randolf Clothing reimagines the traditional men’s formalwear by embellishing it with playful, sometimes irreverent embroidery that makes a statement. The label also takes in custom embroidery requests, so you can make your barong even more special and personal. 

Filip+Inna

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Their tagline “inspired by tradition, intertwined with the contemporary” pretty much sums up the spirit of modern Filipiniana dressing. Going beyond reworked versions of the terno, Filip+Inna draws from fashion traditions from all over the Philippines. Their collections include panuelos, kamisas, sayas, as well as contemporary garments that incorporate the weaving and beading traditions of various indigenous groups.

If these brands prove anything, it’s that wearing Filipiniana doesn’t have to look like you’re about to perform the tinikling with a traditional dance troupe. With a little imagination and a discerning eye, you can wear your Pinoy pride on your butterfly sleeve every day – and your OOTDs will be all the better for it. – Rappler.com

The Milan-based designer dressed socialite Drusilla Gucci, TV personality Sofia Giaele de Dona, blogger Mila Suarez, and artist Selvaggia Roma. This is a significant milestone for Chona, who launched her fashion house MM Milano the Brand only five years ago.

“I really didn’t expect this. Usually, Italian stylists choose big fashion names for the festival. I’m happy that today it seems to be changing and they’re open to giving opportunities to new designers,” Bacaoco told Rappler in an interview.

Chona shared what it was like working with the great-granddaughter of Guccio Gucci, the founder of one of Italy’s most iconic fashion houses. Chona submitted several designs to Drusilla but didn’t hear back from her team until just five days before the event. “I was so happy and excited, but also nervous about delivering great work. Aside from the fact that Drusilla is a Gucci descendant, her mother is also a fashion critic and a front-row fixture at all the top fashion week shows. I had to make sure everything was perfect.”

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The Ilongga designer saw this as a great opportunity knocking on her door and she did her best to make it happen. “Drusilla’s team told me at first that I was going to have very little contact with her. They instructed me to just mail the dress and they’ll take care of the alterations. I said no and I insisted on doing the fittings myself.” Chona knew that when working with celebrities, anything could happen. “If I just mailed it, there could be a chance that she would change her mind. But by being there we were able to establish a connection and that personal aspect helped seal the deal.”

Making waves in Europe

Dressing prominent figures for the Cannes Film Festival is the latest on Chona’s list of big accomplishments for 2023. Earlier this year, she showed collections at Milan Fashion Week in February and Paris Fashion Week in March. She also produced Dubai-based Michael Cinco’s first-ever Milan Fashion Week show. Thanks to her successful run at the Milan show, she was able to get the attention of Italian celebrity stylists. “I had really great exposure in Italy after my show. Stylists were reaching out to me asking if I could dress their clients for Cannes,” she said.

The MM Milano red carpet creations for Cannes are a testament to her talent and range as a designer. She’s capable of making delicate, glamorous dresses, as well as dramatic gowns in voluminous shapes and bold colors. “I always make sure that the dress matches the wearer’s personality, but at the same time, have that Chona touch.”

Chona may not have a fashion degree, but she grew up surrounded by clothes, thanks to her seamstress mother. As early as age eight, she was already helping put beads on dresses and cut clothing patterns. She spent her childhood in a small town in Guimaras before moving abroad first to Hong Kong and then to Italy. “I didn’t even know about fashion designers or clothing brands. I thought everyone’s clothes were made by my mom!” she said, laughing.

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A champion for inclusivity and sustainability

Her humble beginnings have a big influence on MM Milano the Brand. She and her two business partners, brothers Andreas and Martin Volkmar, strive to make positive changes in the fashion industry. Diversity and inclusion are top priorities for them. It’s not unusual to see people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities in Chona’s runway shows and photoshoots.

“The public is used to seeing tall, thin models, or younger people on the runway and in photos. But I’ve hired an 83-year-old man, short models, and plus-sized models. And they look great! We want the fashion industry to be less superficial and be more inclusive,” she says.

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Sustainability is another important value for the company. For her designs, Chona uses a lot of deadstock fabric, natural Philippine fibers like hablon, upcycled materials, and certified organic cotton. “For Drusilla’s gown, I used buttons that were from an antique dress owned by the grandmother of my business partners.”

Dressing a celebrity for the glamorous and highly publicized Cannes Film Festival is a dream for many emerging fashion designers. Chona is thankful that she didn’t have to wait a long time to achieve this dream. She’s proud to represent Filipino talent on the world stage as well.

When asked what her secrets were to success, Chona says: “Hard work, right timing, and luck. Sometimes, you can work very hard but if it isn’t your time, success won’t happen right away. It will come, but it might take more time. So I’d say success comes from determination, hard work, and a little bit of luck.” – Rappler.com

All I knew about going blonde was that bleaching was painful, damaging, and required high-maintenance after-care; plus the fear of it not “looking right” was always in the back of my head. However, I decided that there was no day like today, and instead of attempting a DIY hair dye at home like many do, I decided to leave it to the professionals of Azta Urban Salon at their newest branch in Arcovia City, Pasig.

Hearing good reviews about Azta’s coloring skills, I put my full trust and tresses in the hands of Azta’s assistant creative director Lyn and her assistant, who held my hand (and hair) throughout my first bleaching journey. Here’s what I learned on the chair, about hair, and its pre and post-care – and what to expect if it’s your first time on the hair chair!

Hair we go

Prior to my appointment, I was informed that the process would take around six hours or more, depending on the rounds of bleach needed for my hair. With this in mind, I came prepared with my laptop, cellphone, earphones, power bank, water jug, a book, and other anti-boredom essentials. I also came in with hair color pegs, but I wasn’t so set on any; I was very open to Lyn’s professional recommendations. Lyn showed me some hair swatches and suggested a mocha shade, which she explained would fade into a lighter shade in a few weeks. I agreed and moved on to the sink for a rinse.

Note that taking the bleach plunge is not a spontaneous decision. Lyn requires a thorough hair and scalp check on clients beforehand, to ensure that your hair is healthy enough for bleaching. If your hair is too damaged, weak, or dry, she usually refuses, for your safety. However, if you’re still dead-set on going for it, she will make you sign a waiver form.

Lyn also assessed the condition of my scalp for any open wounds, bites, or marks. I had a few, so she just warned me that it might sting more during the bleaching. Azta’s senior creative director Jo also said that an allergy test pre-appointment is recommended for clients who are prone to skin allergies and have sensitive skin. He also advised to not wash your hair two days prior to bleaching or use any styling products.

Remember that the process will take most of your day, so don’t forget to bring food, snacks, or have your food delivery app ready. To maximize your “pamper day” salon experience, you can also enjoy a foot spa or pedicure during your treatment to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

To bleach his own

The bleaching process took up most of the afternoon. One round of bleach can go for about 45 minutes to an hour – including the rinse – and most clients usually require five to six rounds to get a full bleach. However, the amount depends on the texture of your hair. Since my hair is very thin and fine, I only needed two rounds, but for coarse and thick hair, more rounds are needed.

FYI: Yes, it does sting at some points, but it’s not that bad, especially if you’re distracted. I got used to the hapdi pain eventually, and I just kept telling myself: tiis-ganda nalang!

The purpose of bleaching, Lyn said, is to provide your hair a “clean slate” for lighter shades to stick. It’s like starting from scratch; bleach will eradicate your natural hair color and any other color deposits left behind from previous dyes. Because the effect is so powerful, note that the chemicals in hair dye and bleach are very damaging to one’s hair, and can cause it to get frizzy, dry, brittle, and broken. “This is why you should only bleach your hair once a year, Lyn and Jo said.

“If you want to change your hair color within a year – for example, to lilac – skip the bleach. You can also just tone down the part that’s still bleached,” Lyn said. She advises not to retouch and re-bleach your roots as they grow out, and just color them brown. It’s better and safer to wait it out.

After my bleach was done, the mocha shade was then applied, which took another hour. After a rinse and blow-dry, the final color was revealed, and I was honestly a bit underwhelmed – it came out a nice light brown, but I was expecting something lighter and more blonde. Lyn applied another shade to lighten it to a light mocha, and when I saw the final look – a light blonde that looked almost like an ashy rose gold – I was very happy!

Salon, farewell

Getting your hair colored at a salon is definitely a splurge. It’s not cheap – according to Lyn, the rates for short hair length can go for P5,000; medium can go up to P8,000, and long can go up to P10,000 and more. So why opt for the salon when many just DIY it at home, because it’s cheaper, more accessible, and more comfortable?

It’s the quality treatment you’re getting at the salon, Lyn said, as well as the assurance that your hair will come out the exact way you want it to. Boxed dyes have metallics in them, which Lyn said are harder to remove. When you eventually change hair colors, the metallic pigments left behind may ruin your desired effect, and leave patches of unwanted shades on your hair.

“Boxed dyes like Manic Panic and direct dyes are different. Salons use the latter, because the formula is different. It’s hard to remove boxed dyes, so sayang lang din if you’re going to have bleach everything again anyway. If you want to change colors, with direct dyes, you can change it right away. If you start off with metallic dyes, it’s harder,” Lyn said.

Also remember that there is a learning curve for DIY dyes. Reading the instructions on a box may seem simple, but dying your hair at home – especially bleaching on your own – takes a lot of caution and practice. There is a reason why hair professionals spend years in training!

“You should also consider your hair’s texture and quality. For example, your hair is very fine. If you unknowingly use a dye that is high in peroxide, you will damage your hair. In salons, they will take everything into consideration first,” Lyn said. Jo also said that home dye may be easy to apply, but it can give you “an uneven result.”

“Due to lack of knowledge in color application, it may create color build-ups. Yes, it is very affordable but it can also be a waste of money if not used properly. Plus, once the products are mixed, you have to consume it immediately,” Jo said. You also won’t get a proper assessment or that “professional touch.”

“We have color techniques and expert applications to get an even result. It is more expensive because you’re paying for the talent, service, knowledge, and experience. We also use premium, tried-and-tested quality products (Loreal, Davines, Matrix) used for decades.

What’s next?

It’s fun to bask in the “new hair, hu dis” glory, but one must remember that the after-care is probably the most demanding thing about going blonde. Bleaching will kill your hair’s natural oils, so I had to go through a literal rough patch with my hair, because it got dry and frizzy afterwards. I was only allowed to wet my hair after two days and not apply any products.

“The hair should rest first to regain its natural PH balance. This will allow your scalp to build moisture through the secretion of sebum that will help to condition the hair,” Jo explained.

I normally shampoo and conditioner twice or thrice a week, which Lyn said I should keep doing, since daily shampooing will strip the scalp of its natural oils. It is also a must to use sulfate-free and paraben-free products from now on, which will help prolong my hair color. I use Human Nature and Babe Formula, but you can use any as long as the ingredients list doesn’t contain anything with sulfate in it.

Don’t forget purple shampoo and conditioner, too! Purple products will help prevent any yellowing of the hair and keep it from becoming brassy. However, Lyn advised to only use them after a month, to allow your hair color to lighten some more before neutralizing and maintaining its hue, which purple products help to do. Some brands I like are BEACHBORN, Monea, and L’oreal.

It is also recommended to get a hair treatment at the salon every week to keep your hair healthy and strong. However, it can get expensive, so monthly treatments will do. You can also get a sulfate-free, deep conditioning hair mask that you can apply at home once a week after shampooing. Just leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse. You can also apply a hair serum that’s rich in moisturizing oils. If you’re styling your hair, use only thermal sprays.

Lyn doesn’t recommend bleaching your hair if you have an active outdoor lifestyle, as chlorinated and sea salt water aren’t good for the hair, as well as harsh sun and winds. “Avoid going to the beach or places with high humidity,” Jo said.

Overall, my first bleaching experience went better than I expected; it was comfortable, relaxed, and not intimidating, thanks to the staff of Azta Urban Salon, the quality of the treatment, and of course, the end result. Even though hair maintenance can get a bit taxing, I am getting used to it! If you’ve been thinking of sporting your dream hair color for a while now – whether that’s blonde, pink, purple, or blue – go for it! You only live once, and I for one don’t regret it. – Rappler.com

Azta Urban Salon’s newest branch is located at Phase 1 Arco Parade, Arcovia City, Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Pasig City. It’s open from 11 am to 9 pm daily. Azta Urban Salon is also located in Ayala Malls Vertis North, SM North EDSA, Eastwood Citywalk, Ayala Feliz, Robinsons Antipolo, SM Jazz Mall, Ayala Circuit, Venice Grand Canal, Alabang Town Center, and Ayala Malls Bacolod.

For more information, you can check out Azta on Instagram.

The 2023 Met Gala theme was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” to honor the life and work of the late fashion designer. Over 150 pieces by Lagerfeld – from his works from the 1950s to his final collection in 2019 – will be featured in the exhibit. 

For the dress code, attendees were asked to style themselves “in honor of Karl.” “It’s a moment for all the esteemed guests to salute one of fashion’s greats, and from our perspective, the theme has multiple, wondrous ways into it,” Vogue has earlier said. 

This year’s gala co-chairs were Dua Lipa, Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel, Roger Federer, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Celebrities didn’t fail to impress as they walked up the famous Met steps in their extravagant ensembles. Here are some of the most memorable looks for this year’s gala:

Anne Hathaway

Michelle Yeoh

Penelope Cruz

Dua Lipa

Rihanna and ASAP Rocky

Pedro Pascal

Bradley Cooper

Jennifer Lopez

Margot Robbie

Taika Waititi and Rita Ora

Jared Leto

Ariana Debose

Quinta Brunson

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas

Alexandra Daddario

Rami Malek

Amanda Seyfried

Halle Bailey

Naomi Campbell

Jessica Chastain

Ke Huy Quan

Olivia Wilde

Anok Yai

Emma Chamberlain

Julia Garne

Emily Ratajkowski

BLACKPINK’s Jennie

GOT7’s Jackson Wang

Ashley Graham

Pier Piccioli and Florence Pugh

Stephanie Hsu

Olivia Rodrigo

Sydney Sweeney

Lily Collins

Doja Cat

Jordan Roth

Lil Nas X

Lizzo

Billie Eilish

Lea Michele

Cardi B

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman

Sabrina Dhowre Elba and Idris Elba

Jenna Ortega

Cara Delevingne

Gigi Hadid

Kendall Jenner

Kylie Jenner

Kim Kardashian

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz

– Rappler.com

In another homage to the famous feline, American rapper and singer Doja Cat wore a cat nose prosthetic and a hooded Oscar de la Renta hooded gown fitted with cat ears. 

The invitation-only Met Gala, famed for its A-list celebrities and extravagant outfits, is a benefit for New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibit. 

The upcoming exhibit, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” celebrates the work and life of the late German designer who was creative director for fashion houses including Chanel and Fendi as well as his namesake brand. This year’s guests were told to dress “in honor of Karl.” “Karl loved romantic but he also loved something a little edgy and nasty,” said American fashion designer Michael Kors. 

Many celebrities opted for looks that were très romantique and ancien, with no shortage of vintage Chanel gowns, pearl necklaces and flower decals on the red carpet.

There was also no shortage of bling. 

Meta Gala co-chair Dua Lipa wore a vintage 1992 Chanel Haute Couture Fall cream tweed gown and paired it with a never before seen 100 karat Tiffany diamond necklace.

American Rapper Lil Nas X brought the edge arriving covered head to toe in sparkling silver body paint, crystals and pearls and a diamond, crystal and pearl mask.

Meta Gala co-chair and Ghanaian-British screenwriter and actress Michaela Coel wore a nude semi-sheer long sleeve Schiaparelli gown diamond encrusted with 130,000 crystals, straight back corn rows and gold statement accessories including a diamond-and-gold turtle-neck necklace.

The so-called Oscars of the East Coast this year is also co-chaired by Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, Swiss tennis great Roger Federer and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, who has organized and presided over the event since 1995.  – Rappler.com

In one of the highest profile events since chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari started at Louis Vuitton earlier this year, the runway on the lower level of the double-decker Jamsu bridge that spans the Han River was bathed in blue shadows. 

Models walked the 795 meter (2,608 feet) bridge, where traffic was stopped for 24 hours, wearing fitted, sporty designs with geometric patterns designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of women’s collections at Louis Vuitton. 

They strode out of a tunnel on chunky-heeled shoes in slick windbreakers, miniskirts that flared out and striped suits. Korean traditional music mingled with contemporary pieces to set the background. 

In common with other European luxury houses, including Dior and Valentino, Vuitton has sought to tap into the global popularity and youth appeal of K-pop stars, naming them as ambassadors who wear and promote their clothes. 

On Saturday the creator and director of 2021’s Netflix hit drama “Squid Game” Hwang Dong-hyuk participated in the show scenography.

South Koreans have become the world’s biggest spenders per capita on personal luxury goods, splashing out an average of $325 a year, analysts at Morgan Stanley say. – Rappler.com

Whether you’re just splashing around in an inflatable pool, exploring the sea in island paradise, or just hanging out at home, a great swimsuit makes for the perfect OOTD.

That being said, finding a great swimsuit that looks amazing and fits just right can be quite a struggle – just ask any girl who’s stared at her belly overflowing from a too-tight bikini bottom or worried about a boob popping out of an ill-fitting bralette.

A number of local swimwear brands have taken this bikini-buying struggle to heart, designing well-cut pieces that are meant to look good on a wide range of sizes, making it easier to find your summer uniform. 

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect suit, here are some brands you can check out:

Float Swimwear

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Classic cuts and colors make Float Swimwear’s pieces timeless. They’re the kind of suits you can wear anywhere (even in the city if you style them right!). The brand includes a plus size line and a maternity collection, too. To try on their pieces for the perfect fit, you can check out their stores in Adora Greenbelt 5 and Shangri-la Mall, though their suits are also available on their website.

Everybody.ph

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The brand’s name speaks for itself – they want everybody to have great swimwear. Their bodysuits and two-pieces are designed to flatter most bodies, with cuts that show off all your curves. Their sizes go from 2XS-5XL, and their suits come in a limited range of super cute colors. Suits are available on their website.

Bilad

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Bilad’s funky printed suits run up to an extra large, so more women can live out their hot girl summer fantasies. This brand’s designs cater to varying degrees of hubadera – from skimpy string bikinis, halter hi-kinis, and modest but still sexy one-piece suits. Browse through their suits or shop on their website.

Nekid Swimwear

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With silhouettes that strike the perfect balance between covering up and showing skin, Nekid’s styles are wearable beyond the beach. From swim-ready high-waist skirts, long-sleeved shrugs, and Sabrina cut crops, these aren’t your typical swimsuits – and they go up to size XXL, too. Check out Nekid’s collections on their website.

Agos Surf

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Active girlies will love Agos Surf’s suits, which are designed with function in mind. With no-nonsense cuts, basic colorways, and a size range that goes up to an XXL, their suits are ready-to-wear no matter what you have planned – whether it’s a surf sesh, a bike ride, or even just a nap. If you want to try their suits on in person, you can check them out at Retail Lab in Rockwell, KudoSurf Boardriders in Siargao, and Tropical Nomad at Boracay’s D’Mall. They’re also available online via their website. – Rappler.com

Artist Oscar Esteban Floirendo took his inspiration from the intricately woven packaging of the pusô, which comes in octahedral, diamond, or rectangular shapes, and various other complex forms.

“I am drawn to the process of how it is formed and how ‘Pinoy’ it is, as it is used prevalently by common folk in the Visayas and Mindanao,” the University of the Philippines Fine Arts graduate shared. “As an artist and aspiring designer, I began to look for ways to incorporate this fascination into a main element for my designs.”

Upon further studying the pusô’s intricate weaving, Floirendo was reminded that leaf-weaving was an ancient Filipino skill used for many traditional handicrafts, such as baskets, hats, mats, toys, sidings, and even religious decorations.

He originally planned to make a pusô lamp, but when he found out that this was already commonplace, he opted to design a bag instead. His first bag, the “Pusông Pinoy,” was named after the colors of the Filipino flag, while the second bag, “Zenaida,” was named after his late mom.

“I did my research and found out there were many forms of pusô using different weaving techniques. I still settled for its most common, recognizable form, which most closely resembles the heart after which it was named. I studied the actual process of how to weave it using two strips of coco leaves,” he shared.

After many trials and errors, he discovered that the width of the straps would actually determine the size of the bag. He settled on a 1.5″ to 2″ width to come up with medium and large sized pusô bags. He used premium colored nylon straps accented with Meranao woven langkit and Matigsalug-Manobo behek beadworks for harmonious and truly Pinoy designs.

According to JC Salon, Floirendo’s former co-worker at the Museo de Oro, the behek is a simple neck ornament of the Matigsalug-Manobo tribe of Bukidnon, usually made from chalk or glass beads, although they could also be made from other materials such as keleb or li-us (river seeds), bone or tooth enamel, wood, clay, or metal. It is Salon himself who supplies Floirendo with the beadworks.

Meanwhile, the langkit – bands of woven tapestry – are sourced from Ifah Ziya’s Langkit in Marawi City; Ziya heads a collective of Meranao women who do langkit weaving. Each langkit consists of three to four colors with okir designs: scrolls, leaves, or vine motifs woven in abstract forms.  

Besides crafting bags, Floirendo is a visual artist currently serving as acting head of the Xavier University Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) and curator of the university’s Museo de Oro.

“My works are often mixed media and process driven, revolving around social and contemporary commentaries,” he shared. “As an artist, one must continue to strive to evolve and improve, seek new learnings, and learn new skill sets.”

Floirendo has also crafted toys for his son, wine holders which defy gravity, and various handicrafts based on the motorela, Cagayan de Oro’s iconic tricycle – originally invented by his late father Rafael in 1967. – Rappler.com

This trip is not just for young girls, said Lucy Treadway, producer for Kilburn Live, which built the life-sized version of Barbie’s Dreamhouse.

“It’s for grownups too,” Treadway said in an interview. “To see people’s faces when they walk in, it is really is fun. I mean, their jaws hit the ground, all ages.”

Gender does not matter, she added, noting that both little girls and boys scream with excitement when they arrive.

Guests can explore rooms in the 20,000 square-foot attraction dedicated to Barbie’s careers and hobbies as well as an assortment of doll selections that celebrate diversity.

“The message is you can be anything, and it’s such a huge value for kids when they can walk into a room and see astronaut Barbie and see all the different careers that would never dawn on a child, that they could be something,” Treadway said.

The dolls have come to represent inclusivity over the years with the message that children, no matter their background, can be anything, she added.

Fans are encouraged to express their own style at the “World of Barbie” through the viral “Barbiecore” fashion trend of girly pink outfits and accessories.

The craze took off in 2022 when celebrities, including Barbie star Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Lizzo, Florence Pugh, and Anne Hathaway, began sporting themed outfits at events ahead of the Barbie live-action film opening in July.

Fans can also buy Barbies and Barbiecore accessories at the “World of Barbie,” with plenty of options for customers to embrace their love for the Barbie world. – Rappler.com