Fashion

Steal Crazy Rich Asian Astrid Leong’s Look With Neil Felipp’s Clutch!

Astrid Leong is the boss woman we all aspire to be. The famed Neil Felipp clutch seemed made just for her—it’s not surprising though, considering Neil Felipp pieces tend to be conversation pieces all their own, perfect for Crazy Rich Asians.

Back in 2016, in our luxury issue, we wrote about Cebu-based designer Neil Felipp and his creations. He’s known for his unique and elegant high fashion accessories and has been making waves in the local fashion industry—and internationally, too, especially with the well-deserved hype over the movie adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians book.

Neil’s aesthetic is best described as ‘ethereal elegance.’ His inspirations come from many sources: literature, films, and characters, fictional or real. Essential to Neil’s process is looking at the world through a child’s eyes—a world filled with wonder.

Highly popular is collection of minaudières: small decorative handbags, without handles or straps that feature mermaids, dragons, snakes and even apes. Ape rings, bangles, pendants, necklaces, and earrings also star in his Simian jewelry collection designed in partnership with De Novo Diamonds.

Neil has also worked with Brian Tenorio, Monchet Y Cia, and Ferimar in the past. He had collaborated with Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa on Mugnâ, a series curated to promote Filipino talent with the Shangri-La lifestyle.

“The collection is titled Antoinette the Mad,” Neil shared in the 2016 Luxury issue of Zee Lifestyle. “My inspiration is what would happen if Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, survives the French Revolution, enters the rabbit hole, and has tea with the Mad Hatter. I must say this is one of my most playful collections yet.”

Integrity is Neil’s primary consideration when deciding with who to collaborate with. He works with partners both big and small; monetary value is secondary. Constantly amazed by the endless possibilities for design—from the accessibility of raw materials and human resources to constant advancements in technology—Neil feels it is his responsibility to create amazing high fashion accessories for the world to enjoy.

Back then, Arcy Gayatin—another of Cebu’s famed fashion designers, had quipped, “He’s going to be mentioned in the next Crazy Rich Asians book,” which referred to how the author of the serial bestseller Kevin Kwan had admired a Neil Felipp clutch during a visit to Manila.

Two years since, and we finally get to see the aforementioned clutch. The Siren Minaudiere in Black Capiz is deserving of the praise, looking chic in the hands of Astrid Leong who embodies luxury.

Haven’t seen the Crazy Rich Asians movie yet? You’re missing out—aside from being the most talked about movie this season for its plot and screenplay, it’s secured Asian representation on the silver screen. Watch it now!

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.