Fashion

This is the secret to softer, healthier skin

Introducing La Mer’s Revitalizing Hydrating Serum, an ecosystem of vital hydration.

Like sea, sky and earth, skin derives its life force from hydration. A healthy moisture cycle is essential for nature and skin to thrive.

Inspired by the earth’s moisture balance, La Mer’s NEW Revitalizing Hydrating Serum was developed to create a mini-atmosphere of continuous hydration that floods skin with moisture to boost its natural healing process for intense revitalization. Skin’s vitality is awakened one drop at a time.

Like clouds of tiny micro-droplets, The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum infuses skin with instant and all-day energy and hydration, helping the skin attract and hold moisture while delivering key actives deep within skin’s surface. Skin’s youth landscape is revitalized as skin is plumped from within for a smoother, softer, healthier appearance.

Skin’s vital spark is activated as La Mer’s transformational Miracle Broth™ and two new sea-sourced ferments “mimic” the atmosphere’s natural moisture cycle to activate skin’s natural energy to help renew and repair. Lime Tea Concentrate creates a halo of antioxidant protection.

Skin is energized with cell-renewing Miracle Broth that floods the skin with energy and nourishment to help replenish and renew the complexion. Skin’s natural repair cycle is enhanced.

The Deep Hydration Ferment – formulated with an interactive blend of green, brown and red algae – penetrates rapidly to plump skin with healing hydration from the inside out. La Mer’s proprietary Deconstructed WatersTM work to deliver the ferment deep into skin to help skin attract and retain moisture throughout the day. Aquaporin channels – structures that regulate skin water balance – are optimized to help vital nutrients flow effectively from deep within to the skin’s surface to maintain moisture balance. The look of skin is transformed as skin is plumped from within for a smoother appearance.

Created with a super-charged blend of sea–sourced actives, The Youth Activating Ferment helps jump-start skin’s vital energy to help revive the look of skin. Energy rich marine peptides, algae and nutrients are fermented for one month to form a new marine powerhouse with advanced youth preserving activity. Dullness and other visible signs of fatigue are replaced with new bounce and vibrancy.

Deep hydration is just the beginning. Layer your favorite La Mer serums to infuse your skin with the profound potency of sea-sourced ferments for a targeted, tailored transformation.

SRP: Php 11,100
Available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la, and Rustan’s Cebu starting January 2017

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.

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: JC BUENDIA

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.

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PROTACIO EMPACES

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.