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Shoes to Wear for a Safe and Stylish Rainy Season

It’s that time of year where sudden rains and gloomy weather is the norm. Make sure your style is still on point even on rainy days!

It’s that time of year where sudden rains and gloomy weather is the norm. Great news to all: footwear perfect for rain, mud, and puddles have recently dropped in the sneaker market to keep your feet dry and your style points intact!

All-season boots and sneakers

Making its comeback is Keds’ Weatherized collection perfect for the fashion girl who wishes to hit the rainy streets without compromising fashion. The weatherized line features silhouettes that can battle the elements in style. All water and stain repellant, each one with a different look.

 

Try: Keds Scout Trek Splash Canvas. Surprise to all fashion girls, Keds has created the ideal shoes for rain (and sun) ready outfits. Say hello to the Scout Trek, the ultimate wet-weather canvas sneaker treated with weatherproof material, cushioned insole for comfort, and a rugged rubber outsole for grip. This is perfect for those who wants a classic white shoe in their rotation that will not be easily ruined by the weather.

Try: Scout Boot II. This is the best time to graduate from clunky rain boots—that’s why Keds made the sleek Scout Boot. Featuring soft flannel plaid lining and durable rubber bottoms and treated with the all-new Dream Shield™ water and stain repellency coating, these dainty yet rugged boots can really go the distance—collecting compliments all along the way. It comes in matte canvas or twill canvas finish.

Weather Ready Classics

Iconic boat shoe brand Sperry is born from the sea, making it an expert in creating shoes that adapt to both wet and dry environments. Fan favorite silhouettes bundle up to help you to brave the rainy days ahead. Sperry’s Tech fusion lets us go from summer to rainy season and beyond. With Sperry’s Weather Ready product, the change in seasons doesn’t mean you need to change out of your Sperry’s.

Try: Sperry Washable Collection. Sperry’s latest collection of Washable Sneakers is another cutting-edge innovation from the global shoe brand, meant to kiss your worries away about how your shoes can be easily wiped clean after being dirtied from rains or the elements. The Washable sneakers are designed with the all the features we love about the original Sperry Sneaker: removable contoured footbed for comfort, the brand’s signature Wave-Siping outsole for grip, and the iconic sneaker silhouette that we love to wear everywhere. Now, they are outfitted with colorfast and washable nubuck plus lightweight breathable canvas uppers to make shoe care and cleaning your pair hassle-free.

Try: Sperry Weather Ready Collection. Check out Sperry’s Weather-Ready iterations of their classic Striper II and Bahama II silhouettes! The Sperry Striper II Storm Water Proof Chukka features waterproof suede, leather, and wool uppers in a seam-sealed waterproof construction that keeps feet dry. Meanwhile, the Sperry Striper II Storm CVO Duck is made with water-resistant, heavy canvas uppers with a gusseted tongue that protects your feet from the elements. Finally, the brand’s wet-weather appropriate version of the Bahama II Storm Duck Canvas also features heavy-duty duck canvas that keeps water droplets off your
feet!

Wet Weather Adventure

Have travel or adventure plans this season? Keep your trip safe and comfy with all-terrain and all-weather approved footwear from leading outdoor brand Merrell. Be sure to check the weather forecast first before setting off for a hike!

Try: Merrell MOAB Adventure Lace for men is ideal for your next midseason hike. This versatile shoe is equipped with FIT.ECO blended EVA contoured footbed for comfort. The shoe also has the brand’s Vibram® outsole for traction in all weather and temperature conditions.

Try: Merrell Siren Edge Q2 WATERPROOF for women is for the pretty strong lady who won’t be deterred by sudden rains. This waterproof hiker is designed for the way women move, offering support, alignment, and stability. Aside from the weatherized material, it is outfitted with the Q FORM™ 2 insole and midsole technology for comfort.

Easy-to-style Sandals

For those on the lookout for chic alternatives to the pambahay slipper to wear outdoors when it’s pouring, below are safer, more durable and trendier options to cop for the wetter days ahead.

Try: Merrell Choprock Strap sandals for men. Ride the outdoor fashion trend that’s currently everywhere! For days spent on trails around water, this hiking sandal is packed with materials that dryout fast, have strong grip on slick terrain (Vibram® Megagrip™ outsole), and protect your feet from debris.

Try: Merrell Siren Strap Q2. Designed for wet adventures and the go-getters, this comfortable strap-in is engineered with the active woman in mind, offering support, alignment, and gender-specific stability. It sports waterproof nubuck and webbing upper, and the Merrell In-Board Compression molded EVA footframe provides cushioning making it a safe choice for all-day getaways.

Try: Skechers Merlin-Rosney for men. Treat your feet right with warmth from the comfort and sporty style of the SKECHERS Gambix – Rosney sandal. It features a leather-textured synthetic upper in a sporty casual comfort adjustable slide sandal with cushioned comfort footbed.

Try: Skechers Nextwave Ultra for women. Catch a crest of cushioned comfort with a surf-ready sporty style in the Skechers On the GO Nextwave Ultra sandal. It is designed with soft flexible jelly material with ombre color design in a thong sandal silhoutter Goga Mat® footbed and ULTRA GO™ cushioned sole.

Rain gear

Pair any of your wet-weather essentials with another season must-have: jackets. Whether you’re bracing against cold breeze or simply want protection from light rains, these jackets are perfect for you.

 

Try: No Fear Saul Biker Jacket, No Fear Preston Hoodie Jacket, or No Fear Stephan – Bomber Jacket. No Fear’s signature badass style now comes with a seasonal twist. Featuring windbreaker type material and water resistant finish, the Saul Biker jacket is a great addition to any casual outfit. Meanwhile, those who wish to keep warm can try the Preston Hoodie or Stephan Bomber jacket to shield the body from the elements.

 

 

 

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PHILIP RODRIGUEZ

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Cebu’s esteemed designer, Philip Rodriguez, pays homage to imperial attire with this stunning yellow silk brocade qipao. While adhering to the traditional cheongsam silhouette, Rodriguez infuses a touch of sensuality by incorporating see-through silk tulle panels along the waistline. Known for his timeless designs and culturally respectful creations, Rodriguez’s attention to detail is unparalleled. His embellishments are intricate and exquisite, showcasing impeccable taste and luxurious design without veering into ostentation. Take, for instance, his cheongsam for the Year of the Dragon. While it may seem daring compared to traditional sensibilities, Rodriguez maintains elegance by delicately veiling the wearer’s skin with sheer tulle on the cutout side panels. The front slit of the dress is cautiously calculated to strike the perfect balance between modesty and allure “I design for women who possess sophistication beyond their years, “ Philip emphasizes. “My clothes are crafted to evoke a sense of beauty and allure, leaving her feeling exquisite and confident.” As a seasoned designer, Rodriguez consistently achieves harmony in his designs. His qipao for 2024 seamlessly blends elements of royalty and sensuality, luxury and practicality, reflecting his mastery of the craft and his ability to create pieces that are truly elegant and well-balance.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: JC BUENDIA

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

JC Buendia, celebrated for his ability to tell a million style stories through minimalist details, is a master of clean, chic lines in fashion. Eschewing frivolity and nonsensical embellishments, every element of his designs contributes to their overall elegance.

Inspired by cinematic portrayals of Chinoiserie, Buendia’s first fascination with the Qipao began with Gloria Romero’s iconic portrayal of a Chinese princess disguised as a ‘sampan’ girl in the 1957 film “Hong Kong Holiday.”

“This admiration for orientalalia only deepened as I watched films like “The Last Emperor” and “In The Mood For Love,” JC recalls.

Buendia’s latest creation is a testament to this cinematic influence. His interpretation of the Qipao for the Year of the Wood Dragon features a cropped top crafted from silk Dupioni, embellished with diamond brooches on the reverse closure for a touch of glamour. Paired with a tea-length bouffant skirt made from frothy layers of delicate tulle, the ensemble exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.

With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, JC Buendia’s Qipao captures the essence of cinematic glamour while offering a contemporary twist on a classic silhouette. It’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Chinoiserie and the timeless beauty of the Cheongsam.

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Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PROTACIO EMPACES

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Protacio Empaces is renowned for his talent in reinventing historical silhouettes into stylish statements perfect for modern women’s lifestyles. His reinterpretations present wearable, contemporary, and highly coveted fashion pieces. The distinct embroidery he incorporates adds an extra touch of charm to his creations. Take, for instance, his cheongsam adorned with delicately hand-embroidered macro daisies and trapunto leaves. “I imagined a vibrant qipao inspired by tropical aesthetics, tailored for chic city living in ASEAN mega-cities. I’m using cotton pique for its structure and infusing it with lively colours to retain a stylish, sensual silhouette,” explains Protacio. His knee-length qipao captures the timeless sophistication seen in Maggie Cheong’s iconic look in the classic film “In the Mood for Love.” Crafted for the Year of the Dragon, this design seamlessly complements the film’s aesthetic, presenting a potential addition to the character’s wardrobe. Seasoned designer Protacio’s creations speak to women aged 30 to 80. His intial Qipao offering for 2024 combines modern elegance with classic charm that resonates with these women’s sophisticated tastes and vibrant lifestyles.

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