Fashion

Nelly Egle Gives Us a Glimpse of Her Chic Closet

With an innate ability to find what works together, the well-traveled artist brings culture and personality into her wardrobe for a style statement she describes as chic and sexy.

If the eyes are the windows to someone’s soul, then walking into their closet must be the introduction to their personal style statements. It certainly true for Nelly Egle—as she gives us a tour of her closet, it’s clear that it’s the epitome of the different facets of her personality. Her current seaside lifestyle (and husband Rene’s position as the general manager of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa) is represented by flowing dresses in wispy fabrics and vivid tropical prints. Asian-inspired details, like the beautifully crafted armoire in one corner or the carved detailing of the long table for her accessories, are subtle odes to her Chinese heritage. And throughout the room (and the rest of the home, in fact) are carefully selected paintings that show her affinity for art.

“That’s not the piece I really wanted here, though,” she tells us, pointing to a framed painting of a woman seated daintily with her legs crossed in front of her. “I painted it,” she tells me, and thanks us graciously when we compliment the piece. “It’s nice, but I don’t think it’s the best match for the room.”

With the eye and sensibilities of an artist, Nelly just has an innate flair for putting things together. Her closet, a converted guest bedroom redecorated with clothing racks and shelves, are full of stylish tableaus that show this off.

In the middle of the room is a long table for her accessories. “I think I bought this more to display in the home than for me to use,” she laughs, admiring the Neil Felipp Oceania minaudiere in the middle. On both ends are an array of her accessories—necklaces and rings arranged on a colorful silk scarf on one, and earrings housed in clear acrylic cases in the other. Below it are a row of her shoes, all somehow a work of art in themselves for their sculptural forms.

As for her clothes, the range goes from bold prints to muted colors, from sleek silhouettes to unapologetic ruffles. One such ruffled piece is a J. Crew skirt that she was excited to put on. “This is my new favorite piece. They’re not really a super luxurious brand, but the details are so good,” she points out the ruffles on the skirt. “It’s nice for the beach, or for an event. What do you call it? Chic and sexy.”

Of course, a lot of the clothes have also been amassed from her and her husband’s travels and residencies around the world. One such piece is the a body-hugging wrap dress with a Pucci-esque print that she had gotten made for her while in Italy. “I used it a lot when we were in the Maldives,” she says, referring to Rene’s tenure at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. “It’s great for the beach, so it’s perfect for Mactan too.”

For Nelly, though, her favorite piece in the closet is one that’s more than 20 years old. “This is my oldest piece in the closet. It shows my nationality,” she says, pulling out a deep blue qipao or cheongsam from the rack. “It’s handmade, and all the Chinese girls have to have one. But now, it doesn’t fit anymore,” she laughs.

Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.

Nora Sol, Beth Go, Frances Siao and Marylou Ong

Ina Ronquillo, Maryanne Aboitiz and Jackie Lotzof

Designers Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez

Philip Rodriguez with NUSTAR Malls two power ladies: May Adolfo and Joanna Salazar

Lana Osmeña with Mariquita Yeung

PJ Castillo and Kaye Abad with Cary Santiago

Drew Sarmiento with LV Manager Adrian Decuigan

Cary Santiago with Eva Gullas

Manila socialites Julie Boschi and Ching Cruz with June Alegrado

It was a night of elegance, luxury, and unforgettable memories as ladies in long gowns and gentlemen in black ties danced the night away.

Events

BVLGARI in Cebu

May 10 – Cebu City | Step inside a world of opulence where gold shimmers and diamonds sparkle. BVLGARI, the renowned Italian luxury brand, is celebrated for its exquisite gemstone jewelry, thin watches, perfumes, and leather goods. With a legacy dating back to 1884, BVLGARI has become synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship. The newest BVLGARI boutique opened last week at the sparkling The Mall at Nustar Resort and Casino, fast becoming the shopping destination for discerning consumers.

Eva Gullas, Jeffrey Hang, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama and Butch Carungay

Jeffrey Hang, BVLGARI’s Regional Marketing Director for South East Asia, flew in from Singapore to welcome guests. “We are happy to unveil BVLGARI to the Cebu market. This is the company’s 140th year, and BVLGARI celebrates this landmark with the Aeterna High Jewelry Collection in Rome this coming May 20, attended by all our global ambassadors like Zendaya and Black Pink” Jeffrey shares with us. The collection will be available in SE Asia later in the year and in the Philippines at the end of the year.

Leading the ribbon cutting was Joseph Muñoz (commercial director of Bulgari Philippines, Jeffry Hang (regional marketing director of Bulgari South East Asian operations, Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey (Bulgari Ambasadress and Ms. Universe 2015), Allan Teo (chief operating officer of NUSTAR Resort and Casino and May Adolfo (mall director of NUSTAR Cebu).

Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, BVLGARI’s local Ambasadress and Ms. Universe 2015

Sheila Osmeña-Go and Jaja Chiongbian-Rama

Spotted at the event was Joseph Muñoz, Commercial Director of Bulgari Philippines escorting Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, BVLGARI’s local Ambasadress and Ms. Universe 2015, Allan Teo, Chief Operating Officer of NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Howard Go, Summit Media’s CEO and his wife, Cebuana Sheila Osmeña-Go as well as some of Cebu’s young fashionable set like Claudia Bezza Yeung, Marjay Ramirez, and Danessa Onglatco.

Cebu’s Fashionable Set

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.