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
To See and Be Seen: Philippine Terno Gala, A Celebration of Heritage and Couture

by Kingsley Medalla | photography Emmanuele Sawit
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.

Fashion designer Furne One
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