Fashion

The Gentleman: Inside the Closet of Sugbo Mercado’s Michael Karlo Lim

We get a peek into the closet of food writer, entrepreneur and all-around well-dressed dude Michael Karlo Lim, and find more than just clothes.

About a year ago, a certain online persona sent out a tweet about how Sugbo Mercado’s main man Michael Karlo Lim was always dressed in a suit despite the country’s sometimes scorching temperatures, only the tweet was phrased in a less flattering light. It may be a testament to how nice a person Karlo actually is that so many people had risen to the defense, which prompted the deletion of said post—but, to be fair, he does have a lot of jackets.

Simple white clothing racks create a sense of coherence among Karlo’s personality-packed collection of clothes–one of which is a fringed suede jacket that he hopes to wear to a country album launch soon.

In fact, one rack is dedicated entirely to them, from a pale pink suit that was custom-made during a recent trip to India, to a mini collection of blazers from Uniqlo. The most distinct one, though, would have to be the suede Wild West-inspired version that was on display on the clothes stand in the corner. “This is where I usually put the outfits I already planned out for events, and since I’m going to a country album launch this weekend, this is perfect, right?”

This mother and daughter pair of giraffes is something Karlo had bought off a window display from Celine, and now shows off right outside his closet. “I was planning on turning them into lamps, but I never got around to it,” he admits.

As we go through the rest of the clothes he had organized in the bedroom-turned-closet (“Okay, to be honest, I still have unpacked luggage from my days in Beijing hidden in storage,” he admits sheepishly when I tell him he had less clothes than I expected), it’s clear that Karlo is one who is committed to dressing well, but doesn’t take fashion too seriously.

“I wouldn’t say I like dressing up, but rather love dressing well,” Karlo shares. “Clothes are an extension of character. Personal style says much about who you are without having to say anything. What you have on is both your introduction and part of your story. Still, this all really isn’t about impressing anyone but ultimately feeling good about myself.”

Although he hardly wears it, a pair of jootis he got from India is among his most interesting pair of shoes. “Do you know there is no right or left shoe when it comes to jootis? They’re all the same,” he shares.

Having this philosophy in mind, it’s then easy to understand the way Karlo picks out his clothes—each of his pieces tell a certain story, whether that’s a specific moment in time or a different aspect of his personality. He pulls out a pair of chambray harem pants that he’d so far only worn in India, which seems appropriate. He shows off the considerably extensive collection of floral shirts that have been on rotation all summer, acquired from different sources (which includes girlfriend Vanessa East’s own closet). Lined up against the walls and on low shelves are his collection of shoes that include white sneakers, classic leather oxfords, sequined jootis, and fur slippers.

Besides the clothes, the other thing that takes up the most space on Karlo’s shelves is his collection of pop-up books, which range from fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast, to literary classics like Frankenstein and The Odyssey. “I love them,” he says. “There’s so much thought that goes into making each one.”

Of course, the space isn’t one that’s dedicated to purely fashion. His good taste translates to design, which is seen in thoughtful details throughout the room—a fur throw from New Zealand that’s become a staple backdrop for flatlays is casually strewn over the

Of course, the space isn’t one that’s dedicated to purely fashion. His good taste translates to design, which is seen in thoughtful details throughout the room—a sheepskin throw from New Zealand stands out against the modern gray couch, while a Chiquita by Kenneth Cobonpue sits in another corner. A wooden bookshelf lines one wall, housing a collection of knick-knacks that include a Lego McDonalds burger set, a model of the Gungan sub from Phantom Menace, and Karlo’s extensive collection of pop-up books.

Fashion

Ravens, Runways, and Revelations: A Glimpse of Amato

by OJ HOFER | photo credit JOSEPH ONG | jewelry ROYAL GEM

Fashion had become as instinctive as breathing—so natural that one scarcely noticed it. Yet, after seasons adrift in sartorial limbo, the piercing peal of Birds of Prey by Amato Furne One jolted this archipelago’s fashion scene to attention. Amato’s spectacle soared beyond mundane couture, drawing me from the quiet of my atelier to the intoxicating front row at the reinvented Tops in Busay—from the low murmur of machines to the electrifying brouhaha of the style set.

: A lattice dress with an aureole, beautifully bedecked with Birds of Prey, opens the show.

: A winged bustier frames the face with bold curlicues.

: A fringe dress with a farthingale rustles mysteriously in the nocturnal stillness.

: A bell-shaped T’nalak dress, woven with vivid dreams, sways with mystery.

: A T’nalak ballgown, shrouded in black mesh, catches the moonlight like a whispered secret.

: An entrance-making tulle and T’nalak off-shoulder ensemble commands attention.

: A crystal-studded bodysuit paired with a vinyl trench coat burns with fierce intensity.

: A red lacewing butterfly emerges, shedding the remnants of a tattered cocoon.

: A fiery ensemble, cloaked in phantom glamour, leaves an unforgettable impression long after the wearer’s exit.

Amato is not merely a label; it is a visionary ideal stitched in silk and dreams, a symphony of artistry that transforms yarns, fibers, and fabric into fashion phantasmagoria. Under the deft hands of Furne One, Amato has adorned the world’s most fearless icons—Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez—women who, like his creations, embody style, strength, and spectacle. His couture is not merely worn; it takes flight, transforming the wearer into a mesmerizing apparition of fleeting beauty—a phenomenal vision that lingers long after the moment has passed.

But how does one conjure such fantastical transformations? To offer a glimpse into the mind of this visionary, we posed three playful questions:

Oj: If you were a bird, would you soar as a mighty raptor or scheme as a clever corvid?
Furne: I’d be a raven—sharp-witted, shrouded in mystery, and draped in the perfect shade of midnight. Its inky plumage matches my flair for dark romance; because even in shadows, I prefer a little drama.

Oj: What would be your most formidable power?
Furne: As a raven, I straddle the seen and unseen—transcendence is my superpower.

Oj: What bird would you absolutely refuse to be reborn as?
Furne: Never a turkey—too commercial, too festive, and far too likely to end up as Thanksgiving dinner.

Fashion

Lucky Colors of 2025: Harness the Energies of Emerald Green & Carmine Red for Success

Thom Browne Cropped tweed jacket

by Oj Hofer

With the Year of the Wood Snake underway, understanding the significance of lucky colors can help align us with its energetic flow. Rooted in Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, the year’s fortifying shades—emerald green and carmine red—offer mindfulness and good intention attracting luck, and fostering personal growth.

Emerald green, associated with the Wood element, symbolizes renewal, clarity, and inner peace. In the year of the wood snake, its dynamic energies will empower and inspire you, fostering growth, renewal and wise transformations. The hue is ideal for moments of self-reflection, study, or creativity. Wearing or incorporating this shade into your space enhances balance and mental focus.

Carmine red, linked to the Fire element, embodies passion, confidence, and vitality. This year, which according to the Bazi Four Pillars Chart, has a lack of metal, earth and fire elements, it will bring balance and the propitious energies. It’s perfect for professional meetings, decision-making, and moments requiring assertiveness as a splash of red can energize and embolden you throughout the day.

Stella Macartney vegan Leather tote

Stefano Ricci silk tie with paisley print

To fully harness their benefits, use these colors in a contemporary, mobile context; through clothing, jewelry, bags and accessories. Alternate between these two potent tints based on your needs. For example, wear green for calmness and clarity when you are going into stressful and mind challenging meetings or appointments. Choose red when you are going into places or situations where you need courage and motivation such as fashion galas, elite socials, prestige affairs, VIP gatherings and so forth.

Saint Laurent crepe de chine mules

Optionally, you can also choose to wear these colors inconspicuously in small details, such as a garnet or jade bracelet, or a ruby or emerald pendant and earrings set. Men can wear a burgundy or forest green tie or pocket square, or casual polo shirts with poppies or with botanical prints, or jade and garnet jewelry. Doing so can subtly align your energy with the year’s vibrational flow.

Jan Leslie emerald bracelet

Daily Mood Cuff Links with red tiger’s eye tubes

The use of colors is more than just aesthetic choices or preferential picks. Colors can serve as energetic tools, reminding you of your good intentions and keeping you mindful of you daily motions. Effecting an optimistic mental state in the wearer, they can effectively shield you from negativity while fostering prosperity and emotional balance. Thoughtfully incorporating them into your wardrobe and surroundings ensures that you move through 2025 with confidence and the right intentions.

Embracing emerald green for tranquility and carmine red for strength are intentional, mindful choices that have the power to transform your energy and shape your path forward. May you have the best of luck in navigating through Year of the Snake with harmony, energy, and the power to attract good fortune.

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.