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The Homes of Zee

Christofle x Karl Lagerfeld, A Product of Legacy and Luxury

With the recent passing of the fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld, Christofle brings a legacy to life in Cebu with the launching of the Christofle x Karl Lagerfeld MOOD collection

With the recent passing of the fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld, Christofle brings a legacy to life in Cebu with the launching of the Christofle x Karl Lagerfeld MOOD collection last March 16, 2019 at Rustan’s Ayala.

The famous French luxury house, Christofle, and the legendary fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld, collaborates in an amazing collection that is created with artistry and heritage. Christofle has always been known for its quality and its heritage as a pioneer of the silver plating on tableware that is made in France. Last year, the brand worked with one of the world’s most influential fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld, in a collection that not only portrays elegance and luxury that Christofle promises in their products, but also with Karl Lagerfeld’s artistic creations that are very iconic in the fashion industry.

“This is the first time that Christofle partnered with a fashion designer,” says Michaela Offedu, Christofle’s senior corporate and wholesale manager for Southeast Asia. “Christofle is very old in terms of age as a company but we are very innovative and we wanted to go a little bit outside of our comfort zone so we reached out and collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld because he is very synergetic in his designs and the quality as well,” she explains when asked about the unusual collaboration between the two brands. “I would say that something that is common for both of them is the heritage and the legacy,” she adds.

The collection was first launched last October 1, 2018 and just last week, the Philippines received the collection. The Christofle x Karl Lagerfeld is a limited edition collection that had two designs, the silver MOOD with only 1,000 pieces produced and the black MOOD with only 500 pieces. “The black MOOD that you see here is the only one left in Asia,” says Michaela. “Cebu is very lucky because there were only 500 pieces of the collection available worldwide and each piece is signed by Karl Lagerfeld,” she adds.

The Christofle x Karl Lagerfeld collection not only displays the elegant, luxurious and sleek MOOD design by Christofle but it also presents Karl Lagerfeld’s very iconic and recognizable profile in the cutleries of the collection, which is his logo—the Karl Lagerfeld signature sunglasses and ponytail style. The design of the collection shows a classic style and was inspired from the Art Deco movement. “People have different likings, some people might love Karl Lagerfed’s art, some might love the Art Deco style, some people might love Christofle and they want to add something to their collection or some people might love black,” Michaela explains when asked why people should purchase the collection. “The strongest point would be that is the last piece available in Asia.” she adds.

“We are very proud to have this collaboration with the late Karl Lagerfeld, even with his very unexpected passing,” says Michaella about Karl Largerfeld’s recent death. “The collection is a legacy of Karl Lagerfeld because it is probably one of the last products that he designed and put into life. We are very honored to be part of his legacy,” she adds. Even with the passing of the fashion icon, the legacy of the late Karl Lagerfeld will remain through his artistic creations that he has left with us.

The Homes of Zee

THE HOMES OF ZEE: A Cosmopolitan Life

A home for a young couple that mixes tradition and modernity.

By Eva Gullas  photography Pablo Quiza

If Colin and Araminta had a penthouse in Cebu, this would be it. This 15-storey buiding in the heart of Cebu’s financial district is easy to spot but not many people know that its top floor is actually home to a young couple and their toddler son. And a huge King Shepherd dog, Vesian.

After years of residing abroad, the prospect of building a home from scratch, or in this case, the carcass of a whole floor of an unfinished building, is anything but easy. Having to transform more than a thousand square meters of open space into a family home is a daunting task that takes a lot of imagination and is not for the faint-hearted. It didn’t start that way, of course. The original plan was to construct a house in one of the city’s gated communities. But it wasn’t too hard to convince the man of the house that having a home in the city center would give him the ease of being close to the business and a garage big enough for his car collection. “Being born and raised in Hong Kong and having the city below me was something I got used to,” he quips.

First on the design plan was to ensure a double-height ceiling fronted by a wall of glass that would give clear views of the sky, the city’s business center and Mactan Island beyond. The partitions came next. For this, the home-owners, Martin and Claudia Yeung, consulted with Arlen de Guzman, the Manila-based interior designer whose discipline comes mostly from working on projects involving the hospitality industry. Arlen spent 20 years working for HBA in Hong Kong, including the design for the Grand Hyatt Hotel, before setting up his own shop. 


The mutual respect shared between the client and Arlen has made this home the way it is.  As expected from someone who moves in and out of some of the most stylish homes and hotels, Martin has a very particular taste. With his direction, the decorator executed most of the division plans, including a space for a gym and a pool table, and the master’s bedroom with a loft TV room and a huge space for the closet area and en suite bathroom. In the loft area, the most private sanctum in this home, a highly coveted collection of Hollywood memorabilia is on display. The treasure trove features Achilles’ helmet worn by Brad Pitt in the movie Troy, the Lannister mask from Game of Thrones, and the Roman cuirass used by Maximus played by actor Russell Crowe in the movie Gladiator, among others. “It started as a hobby, but now it’s turning into a good investment as well,” Martin laughingly adds. Prices for these items bought at auction have more than doubled in recent years.
 
Entry to this private residence goes through a series of security checks, from guards and protection details at the lobby level, to the many cameras that are strategically positioned. If that doesn’t deter unwelcome guests, the ginormous size of 200-pound Vesian should stop anyone in his tracks.


 The very essence of sophistication meets guests the moment the elevator doors open. At the entrance, a large rococo framed painting against a wood paneled wall, a modern glass chandelier and dark hide floor covering set the tone for things to come. Tall wooden doors on both sides of the elevator serve as access to the apartment. Stepping inside, the expansive view and the sheer enormity of the living and dining areas that almost spans the entire width of the building is something you don’t often see unless you check in to a luxury hotel like an urban Aman or a Four Seasons. 

An open kitchen of wood and black glass anchors the far side and is equipped with a built-in refrigerator, ice-maker, freezer and storage cabinets hidden below the counter while behind its wall is the service kitchen. On the opposite end of the kitchen is the powder room, concealed neatly with 2 sides of exposed glass walls overlooking more city views.

The open floor plan has several seating arrangements—dark leather sofas and club chairs with Italian tables, a dining table made of solid hard wood with 14 seats and a bar filled with bottles of single malt scotch. Lighting is a big deal as well in this home. Several easel lamps and dark wrought-iron chandeliers play a huge role, but it’s the hidden ceiling lighting fixtures, with its various mood-changing combinations activated by remote control, that truly add to the drama. Set against a backdrop of glass and bare cement walls, leather and fine wood carpentry, the lighting effects evoke a welcoming luxury and a refined urbanity with the cityscape sprawled before your eyes. The layering of different styles is the main point in the over-all design. “I would think that it’s a good balance of tradition and modernity,” Martin sums it up.


If there’s not enough space, one floor up is the rooftop deck which provides more entertaining room. Furnished with outdoor sofas and added dining areas, this is the perfect venue for a good party on any given night.

As the only son of an industrialist family, Martin is actively involved in moving the family corporation forward. He is heavily invested in tourism with the company’s real estate portfolio including some of the most desirable beach properties in Cebu. The first premium resort he developed is the posh resort of Kandaya in the north. He’s currently developing an expansion that would offer an alternate lodging that is more affordable.

“Cebu is home to me and my family now,” admits the itinerant gentleman who is well-loved by his employees. “There’s a lot of potential here, and we would like to be part of the growth of this country.”

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Design

Trendy Renovation Ideas for the Home or Condo. Part 4

by Christa M. Cañizares IDr.

Part 4:  Upgrade your Choices

A.  Create different moods with lighting. The use of warm colored indirect lighting such as lamps, colored LED back lights, or even string lights can create a cozy and relaxing vibe after a day’s work.

 

Beautiful lighting can transform a small modern apartment.

 

B.)  Convert to smart home systems. From door locks, CCTV cameras, you’ll also be able to control and turn on lights, appliances even if you’re away from home. All you need is a wifi connection and the applications on your mobile phone.

Smart phone apps can also control lights and home appliances.

C.) Hire a professional interior designer. We always get an impression that hiring a professional would be expensive, but they actually help you make the best choices and save you from making bad purchases.

Go over design options and your color palette with a professional interior designer to get better results and save more.

 

IDr. Christa M. Cañizares, piid
Founding Member, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – Cebu Chapter
Principal Designer, CMC Interior Design
Specializes in residential and commercial design.
A homebody and renovation aficionado.

 

 

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Design

Trendy Renovation Ideas for the Home or Condo. Part 3

Trendy Home & Condo Renovation Tips. Part 3

by Christa M. Cañizares IDr.

Part 3: Maximize Impact of Small Spaces

A.)  Storage spaces. You can go with concealed storage systems such as built-in cabinets on walls, under the bed or seating. Keep the items that you use often more reachable than the occasional ones. Choose what works best for your space and for your convenience.

There are many affordable storage options to de-clutter your room.

B.)  Showcase your collection of interesting conversation pieces, like items you acquire from past travels, an artwork, an heirloom, coffee table books or a collector’s item. Make sure to save a special place for them in your home.

Your personal collections can be nice decorative pieces.

C.)  Move things around to attract renewed energy into your space. May it be moving a sofa to the adjacent wall, creating a dining nook near a window, shuffling your accessories on to a different shelf? Little efforts go a long way.

Update your living/family areas with bright color accents that complement the dining area.

 

IDr. Christa M. Cañizares, piid
Founding Member, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – Cebu Chapter
Principal Designer, CMC Interior Design
Specializes in residential and commercial design.
A homebody and renovation aficionado.

 

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