MEGA December 2021 - January 2022

As the year comes to an end and the promise of a new beginning is upon us, may we use this to time to reflect on the things that truly matter. Whether it’s the gift of health, time, money or family, one thing is for certain: we all have a lot to be thankful for. So recognize the blessings and opportunities that you’ve received this challenging year because it would be a mistake not to do so. Ultimately it is the simple pleasures and mundane things we deem not so important that end up being the most significant. While our situation is far from perfect, things are slowly getting better and things are picking up. It is important to do your part and learn from the past to be properly prepared…

Most of the time, we don’t realize that having choices qualify as a privilege. From the mundane, like which bag or lipstick shade to buy, or the more pivotal, such as where to live and which career to pursue, it's important to realize that not everyone has the same set. Choices are a type of luxury that many people take for granted. But not in this limbo—not anymore. Luxury itself is a divisive word. It might mean having expensive taste, but the context has changed for many, moving from the acquisition of things to creating meaningful life experiences. MEGA ends the year with the latter concept in mind. Through the luxury of freedom, we explore the essential choices we make for ourselves, our loved ones and those around us.…

ÉLAN WEAR Holidays in paradise call for looks that exude a sexy, celebratory vibe. One local brand that does exactly that is élan wear by Pamela Andres. “There was a hole in the Philippine market that doesn’t cater luxury resort wear. I was always inspired by many things that revolve around the summer season, nature and the women who thrive in this environment. That eventually became the direction of élan,” shares Andres. With a new collection inspired by the youthful beauty of Juliet Capulet, élan is set to capture a new set of women who love chic cut-outs, dainty ruching and delicate chain details. www.elan-wear.com SASSA JIMENEZ When it comes to festive dressing, no one comes close to the frothy pieces of Sassa Jimenez. Delicate ruching and sheer layers are juxtaposed with striking…

Bringing the spirit of the Amazon from Greek mythology, Spanish fashion house Loewe celebrates their 175th anniversary with the rebirth of one of their most iconic bags, the Amazona. The redesigned bag now comes in two styles: the Amazona 19 Square and Amazona 28, and in a range of bold colored nappa calfskin and the house’s anagram symbol woven in jacquard. The origins of the bag can be traced back to 1975, a time when women were demanding for equality and independence in the workplace. In turn, Loewe created the Amazona for women who needed a well made, luxurious and yet practical bag, able to tote their essentials for the day. For the redesign, key details such as the removable and adjustable shoulder straps and zips were made more slender; the…

Nothing says “celebration” quite like the wild riffs, upbeat tempo, and warm lyrics of Roger Glover’s song Love Is All. Gregarious and gorgeous, the 1974 hit is the perfect anthem for Cartier’s most-recent creation, a festive film of the same name, which pays homage to the French luxury house’s unparalleled heritage of fashioning the world’s most exciting celebrations. Commemorating the spirit of delight and generosity, Cartier’s Love Is All is a universal ode to love that encourages us to get our dancing shoes ready and paint the town red because we’re also invited to the party. Directed by British director and fashion photographer Charlotte Wales, Love Is All simply represents the vision of a Maison that celebrates universal and timeless love. Given that the holiday season is also upon us, it…

Being in lockdown can certainly be likened to limbo. Empty streets, reduced interactions and the same old routine, day in, day out. While it’s not quite dystopia, young designer Antonina’s latest ready-to-wear collection reimagines the world through elements that show the struggles she faced during the pandemic. Prints consisting of running stitches digitally designed in collaboration with artist Felicity Gail, the constant mismatch of patterns and prints all symbolize Antonina’s emotions from recent months. The designer has always had a distinctive approach to her creations. In her past shows at Bench Fashion Week and Rakuten Fashion Week in Tokyo, she made use of her younger sister’s embroidered illustrations as the primary element in the looks. She’s also created collections with the working class in mind, featuring floursack jackets and pants with…