Fashion

Zee Fashion Finds

Zee Fashion Finds invites everyone to donate the
clothes, bags and other accessories are spending more time in the closet than out in
the sun. Send in the bags that no longer spend time on your arm or the clothes that
you’ve outgrown to support charity, and make a little extra on the side.

ZEE FASHION FORWARD

On September 5-7, style makes its way to the Rizal Library, where Zee Lifestyle hosts a fashion extravaganza to celebrate designer finds, Cebuano talent and being Fashion Forward. Charity is chic here, with a percentage of the profits going to the Rizal Library, the Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving Cebu’s appearance, and various charities.

The entire Rizal Library will be host to highly fashionable activities, including an exhibit of the entries from Zee’s own Shades of Gres design competition, where contestants were tasked to create pieces inspired by “Madame Gres” Alix Barton. Winner of the competition will be awarded a scholarship from the Fashion Institute of Design and Arts.

Purchase of a Zee Lifestyle magazine on-site serves as the entrance fee, which will include access to Zee Fashion Finds and the exhibits.

MARTINI & MOVIES

Samsung Smart TV presents Martini & Movies on September 5 and 6 at the Samsung Lounge in the Rizal Library Ballroom, in cooperation with Alliance Francaise. Enjoy screenings of highly fashionable films on Samsung’s cutting-edge technology that promises a unique viewing experience. The screenings are coupled with refreshments; the usual hotdogs and popcorn enjoyed at the movies are complemented with overflowing servings of martinis, for a truly cosmopolitan film viewing.

PEARL TALKS

Jewelmer treats guests to a series of Pearl Talks on September 5 and 6, where the brand brings in experts to discuss pearls and their value. Guests are given the chance to purchase their own finely crafted pearl jewelry from Jewelmer, a brand known for its collection of rare golden Palawan South Sea pearls. High tea will be served during the talk, so guests can enjoy tea, scones and pastries while admiring Jewelmer’s wide collection of valuable pearl adornments.

ZEE FASHION FINDS

Zee Lifestyle provides the perfect reason to clean out the closet and make room for chic purchases at a fraction of the price with Zee Fashion Finds, a designer bazaar that proves charity is chic. On September 5-7, the Rizal Library Ballroom will become a treasure trove of Kate Spade and Prada handbags, evening gowns from Inno Sotto and Cary Santiago, and other brands to be sold at great prices. Fashion Finds is a part of Zee Fashion Forward, a four-day affair that celebrates style and fashion with activities such as Martinis & Movies and Pearl Talks, and culminating with a show from Dubai-based fashion designer Furne One.

“Zee Fashion Finds is a collaborative effort of Zee Lifestyle Magazine and the Wicked Sisters to benefit the Rizal Library Building and the Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation,” says Katsy Borromeo, Zee’s managing editor. “Since the curated closet is all the rage now, you can de-clutter your closet, sell or donate items to ZFF and proceeds can go to either a foundation of your choice or the Beautiful Cebu Movement. Or you just go and shop guilt-free, knowing that proceeds will do your preferred charity some good.”

“Zee Fashion Finds is unique because it puts together for the first time slightly used or even brand new designer items like clothes, sunglasses and bags for sale in a fun way. Some of these items are owned by the personalities in Cebu and even celebrities. This is really more than your usual designer bazaar,” says the Wicked Sisters as they prepare for the event. “We have been pretty busy spreading the word about ZFF through TV and radio ads, as well as through social networking. We will be collecting and preparing the items for the Zee Fashion Finds soon, which to be honest might be our favorite part.” Drop off your items during office hours at the Zee Publications office at the ground floor of the PDI Building, General Cuenco Avenue, Banilad, Cebu City, right across Country Mall.

FURNE ONE FINALLY

Zee orchestrates a fashionable homecoming with Furne One Finally, the grand finale to Zee Fashion Forward. The Dubai-based Cebuano designer has garnered international recognition for his avant-garde pieces that have made their way on runways in London and Los Angeles, as well as on celebrities on the red carpet and on stage. September 7 marks the day the Rizal Library Ballroom is transformed into a runway to showcase Furne One’s artistically extravagant designs in his first ever couture show in Cebu. A limited number of tickets are available for P5,000, which includes cocktails at 7:00pm prior to the show, and post-event drinks courtesy of Grey Goose.

Fashion

To See and Be Seen: Philippine Terno Gala, A Celebration of Heritage and Couture

by Kingsley Medalla | photography Emmanuele Sawit

The Philippine Terno Gala 2025, curated by Cary Santiago, has evolved into a key feature in the Filipino fashion agenda, highlighting the iconic Terno—a traditional Filipiniana garment that represents a significant part of our cultural legacy. The prestigious fashion event was supported by the Cebu City Government, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Cebu Tourism Commission.

Now on its third edition, the gala fashion show was marked by the creative forces of six highly acclaimed designers: Jun Escario, Edwin Ao, Protacio Empacis, Cary Santiago, Jojie Lloren, and Joey Samson. Their body of work produced a collection that showcased intricate craftsmanship and delicate hand embroidery, enhancing traditional aesthetics.

Maybelle Padillo

Bernie Aboitiz, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, Pacita Agoncillo Sode, Oj Hofer, and Rose Cayetano-Henessy

Michael Waechter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, Simon Piggot, Margie Moran-Floirendo, and Cary Santiago

Javi Martinez and Daryl Chang

The evening was complemented by a live orchestra, creating an ambiance to match the designers’ reimagining of the Terno. The experience offered sensory stimulation that reflected the harmony between fashion and live music, punctuated by the presence of prominent personalities in the fashion and social circles.

No other fashion garment embodies the richness of Filipino heritage and culture quite like the Terno. The Philippine Terno Gala serves as both a celebration and a tribute to the Filipino identity, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage in a contemporary context.

Jennifer Helen Weigel Sarmiento, and Mags Cue

Kaye Tinga, Mia Borromeo and Bernie Montinola-Aboitiz

Jennifer Ty and Tessa Prieto-Valdes

Councilors Edu Rama and Joy Pesquera

Mariquita Yeung and Protacio Empacis

Fashion

Behind the Scenes: Backstage at The Philippine Terno Fashion Show 2025 in the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

By Doro Barandino

What most people attending fashion events don’t realize is that the actual battleground happens backstage. Here’s a peek at the real magic that transpires among fashion designers, stylists, hair and make-up artists, dressers, and ramp models hours before showtime. In the recent Philippine Terno fashion show, a whole team of creatives in the fashion industry produced the most extravagant and whimsical recreation of the celebrated garment in the country’s cultural landscape.

Fabric manipulation simulating bird feathers are the main features in Cary Santiago’s ternos.

Mesh-like sculptural head accessories added to the visual impact of the designer’s collection.

Jun Escario’s relaxed barong tunics are characterized by its fine embroidery on pinya fabric

The modern kimona reinterpreted by Jun Escario.

Edwin Ao’s take on the Barong is both linear and minimalist.

Edwin Ao ‘s modern version of the traditional baro at saya has architectural folds as its signature look.

The classic terno has draping and printed silk fabric on Joji Lloren’s master class look

Joey Samson known for avant-garde designs has assorted neckties as an accessory to complement the color black.

Protacio re-shaped the silhouette of the traditional barong Tagalog.

Joji Lloren added geometric patterns for a more contemporary look on the terno.

Unfinished stitches of embroidery leaving loose threads add movement and volume to Edwin Ao’s version of the terno

Fashion

Salt, Silk, and Stardom: Ten Reasons Celebrities Wear Amato by Furne One

by Oj Hofer

At Take Me to the Sea, Amato by Furne One unveiled more than a resort/bridal collection — he revealed a world suspended between tides and starlight, where salt, silk, and stardom stitched themselves into every look.

Held at The Hall of the Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, the show was a transportive experience. As waves whispered beyond the glass, Amato’s gowns swept down the runway like sirens called to shore. Here are ten reasons why global icons return — time and again — to his sea of style.

1. Salt in the Craft
His garments carry the wild grace of the sea — textured, elemental, unforgettable. Every bead, cut, and crystal tells a story shaped by emotion and intuition.

2. Silk in the Movement
Though opulent, his creations float. There’s ease in the drama — cascading motion without weight. Ideal for performers who speak through movement.

3. Stardom in the Vision
Furne doesn’t chase trends — he conjures icons. His gowns command attention while allowing the wearer’s light to radiate.

4. Salt as Spirit
There is soul in the stitching — a deep undercurrent of cultural pride and personal mythology. His work carries weight because it carries truth.

5. Silk as Spellwork
His fabrics don’t just dress — they enchant. Each piece invites touch, reverence, and awe.

6. Stardom in the Silhouette
Furne understands form. He doesn’t simply clothe a figure — he sculpts for presence. For red carpets, concert stages, and film legends.

7. Salt of the Earth
Despite global acclaim, Furne remains grounded. His humility fosters collaboration, creating space for intimacy in the creative process.

8. Silk-Wrapped Strength
There is softness, but never fragility. These gowns are fierce — veiled in elegance yet unapologetically bold.

9. Stardom as Alchemy
Wearing Amato is not mere adornment — it is transformation. A star steps into a Furne One creation and becomes mythic.

10. Salt, Silk, and the Furne Himself
Furne One is the thread. With quiet charisma and a generous spirit, he doesn’t just dress celebrities — he disarms them. And from that space of trust emerges what every artist longs for: wonder.

And in Amato’s world, wonder always wins.