RED
Maiden Issue, November 2012
INQUIRER
MAGAZINE
Bea Valdes and others who inspire
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PHOTOGRAPH BY TAMMY DAVID
Editor’s Letter
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Welcome I remember a flight back to Manila from Singapore.
For our first issue, we were fortunate enough to
I was seated next to an older gentleman who
feature Bea Valdes who has made the Philippines
prosaically informed me of the charms of Singapore
known through her original jewelry designs. If
— its progressive politics and forward-thinking
you’ll notice, most of our pages are photo heavy.
infrastructure. “Singapore is so progressive, their
In this magazine, the product is the star. I find
front page always features good news about their
product stories more interesting: they let you do the
country,” he told me.
imagining. The whole concept provides us an avenue
I thought about it and realized I do love reading
to imagine ourselves wearing accessories on our
inspirational stories because it motivates me to pursue
own, while introducing us to places as they are as
my goals.
experienced by other people. We will also be featuring
So when my husband tasked me to conceive a
interesting homes, which will hopefully guide our
magazine for Inquirer, there was really only one
readers to live stylishly — no matter the space.
direction I was interested in pursuing: a magazine
In “exploRED,” we will be featuring a destination
that is all about people who have found their niche
monthly, through the eyes of one of our intrepid
and made the most of it, inspiring people who are
contributors. To close the issue, our last page is a flow
passionate about what they do and went on to write
chart of a person’s life and the life they’ve led.
their own success story. Why Red? Because red is the color of lust, power and revolution. If there is one thing I hope Inquirer Red Magazine will do, it is to inspire.
Hopefully this magazine will be inspiring and, if all else fails, at least visually beautiful.  P.S. Like anything you see here? Check out RED’s mirror site at www.inquirer.net for store information.
Ria Prieto
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Contents admiRED / 16
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Bea Valdes Bag and jewelry designer BEA VALDES got the world’s attention with her timeless, intuitive creations. Now motherhood is inspiring her to make more meaningful work, something her children can be proud of
Features
06
Inspired by fashion Two Hong Kong artists use clothing as a muse—and anything but fabric to flesh out their designs
08
Green living
10
Style setters From formal to funky and free-spirited, these accessories instantly define your look
22
Quiet and charming, New York’s Crosby Street Hotel is also earth friendly
Gone ablaze
With the right cuts and details, the menswear staple becomes an essential apparel for women
30 Face value Arbiter of Beauty Rhoda Campos-Aldenese 32 33 34 40
names four beauty products we can’t live without
Perfume preservation Three ways to save your favorite
scents
Natural selection Look like yourself--only better--with beauty items whose job is to enhance Timeless treasures Keep your look sharp in the years to come with fashion finds that outlive trends Wang Guangyi The visual artist captures a complex theme in large-scale graphic images of China’s political past and its commercialized present
In every issue
29 acquiRED Jewelmer explains the beauty of the golden South Sea pearl
36 inspiRED Controlled chaos 43 exploRED Bagan, Myanmar 44 inquiRED What is your fave accessory? 46 empoweRED Macky Crespo-Fah Editor-in-Chief Creative Director Layout Artist Copy Editor Intern Design
Ria Prieto Miguel Rosales Joan R. Soro Joy Rojas Cristina Legaspi PUSH Associates, Inc.
Contributing Writers: Ingrid Chua-Go, Melanie Cuevas, Chinggay Labrador, Patrice Ramos Diaz Contributing Photographers: Lilen Uy, Tammy David, Paolo Pineda, Wesley Villarica
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Editorial Consultant
Thelma Sioson San Juan
Board Chairperson
Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez
VP, Advertising Business Development Manager Sales and Marketing Manager
Pepito Olarte Lou Gonzales Cathy Bautista-Pumarega
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Inspired by Fashion In the “Art of Dress,” a recent exhibition at Espace Louis
Fung Yi’s hauntingly beautiful metal wire garments (above)
Vuitton in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, Hong Kong artists
that awe art lovers and fashionistas alike.
Movana Chen and Man Fung Yi use clothing and how it
Shaped in clothing worn by the celebrated artist and
serves as both protection and guise between humanity and the
members of her family, the pieces represent the Taoist
environment to interpret personal experiences.
philosophy of clearing the mind of thought and emotion, thus
While Chen knits the shredded pages of books and
making room for peace and reflection. Something to think
magazines into three-dimensional pieces, thus weaving letters
about the next time we comb through racks and racks of
into incomprehensible but uncannily connected words, it is
clothing at our favorite retail outlet.
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TEXT BY CHINGGAY LABRADOR
Two Hong Kong artists use clothing as a muse—and anything but fabric to flesh out their designs
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exploRED
Bagan, Myanmar Studded with centuries-old temples and monasteries, this ancient city elicits powerful emotions from those who visit Myanmar (still known to many as Burma) is a country with
me beguiled after that two-day visit. Over 2,200 religious
beautiful sights that remains very new to tourists. Perhaps
temples, stupas, monasteries, and pagodas date back to
this is due in part to the fact that in 2012, Aung San Suu
the 11th century, and it is this mind-blowingly beautiful
Kyi, an opposition leader of Myanmar and 1991 Nobel
landscape that never ceases to draw gasps from tourists.
Peace Prize winner, was given government approval to seek
. Climbing the top of one of the remaining temples to see
election in a constituency in Yangon—a seat which she later
the sun set was quite an experience, and when I had reached
won in April. Suu Kyi was sworn into office just this May.
the peak, which has an unobstructed view of the plains
And it was also only this year that the country became more
below, I was flooded with powerful emotions.
“open” to foreigners.
So if you want to be in touch with your spiritual side and
I was one of those fortunate to see the progressive city
experience tranquility and serenity at their “purest,” the
of Yangon (formerly Rangoon) and experience the magic of
ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar is the place you must
Bagan, an ancient city in the Mandalay region. Bagan left
visit! Text and photo by Ingrid Chua-Go
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Aivee Teo, dermatologist ”A vintage Chanel necklace.”
Alpan Keskin, Resident Manager, The Peninsula Hotel, New York “Rolex Submariner watch and Hermes belts.”
inquiRED
What’s your fave accessory? Compiled by Patrice Ramos-Diaz
Maja Olivares- Co, architect “My favorite accessories are my four black, easy-to-pack ‘collars’ by Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto—in various fabrics from techno to traditional. I use them to dress up or down depending on the occasion.”
Pauline Prieto, model “My fave accessory is a hat. It’s both functional and fashionable. It keeps you away from the sun and rain and even hides away a bad hair day. Definitely a gift from the fashion gods.”
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Brandon Reynolds, Public Relations Director, Hampshire Hotels and Resorts + Vikram Chatwal Hotels “Lanvin silk rose pin in black. I find this piece easy to dress up with my favorite navy shawl collar tuxedo or down with denim and a dark jacket. It’s elegant and fun, with a bit of a darker edge.”
Chris Tiu, basketball player The Volvo XC60 is my daily companion and goes with me everywhere. It’s the ultimate accessory for me because it’s elegant, safe, and stylish. If it’s eye-candy that you want, that car can really turn heads with its sleek looks and modern design. It’s also so comfortable inside that I sleep in it in between gigs so I can recharge. It’s great in city traffic as it blocks out noise from outside and even more fun on out-of-town drives, like when I play golf.”
Josie Natori, designer “My Guerlain red lipstick and BlackBerry.”
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Macky Crespo Fah
This was my favorite memorial. I would go here to study, sometimes hoping that some of Einstein’s brilliance would rub off me ! My wedding at 2005 5 Cara during Holy Week in %RUDFD\ ZKHQ ZH ÀUVW PRYHG back to Philippines. As you can tell, my daughter loves the sand and the sun!
Cara at 4 when we were vacationing in Philippines. We were living in Switzerland then.
Boracay 2004, New Ne Year holiGD\ %HUQ ÁHZ IURP *HQHYD IRU RP a week just to spend nd it with me .
empoweRED
Macky Crespo-Fah The wife, mother, and other half of the jewelry design team of FahLUX has found the right formula for getting everything she loves to work for her
For work, I am inspired by unique objects and the gems that are picked for each piece of jewelry made.
The Cage labradorite, the Twiggy lemon quartz, Cage amethyst, the Twiggy citrine earrings, all from Fahlux Lustre collection %XEOH PLG FHQWXU\ OLJKW À[WXUH that was our inspiration for FahLUX Lustre collection
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South of France for Easter, my husband and daughter enjoying the cool weather
Twiggy lighting T À[WXUH WKDW inspired our “Twiggy” design in the Lustre collection
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Focusing on the quality of her story (Clockwise from left): Agimat and Devi, Cherubini vest, Orion.
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‘I am so very proud of the idea that Philippine-made products can be aspirational, and not just at the back of the lot, but riding on knocking off global trends’ 20
Do you receive any pressure from your retailers to
Has motherhood changed your lifestyle, fashion
produce more “marketable” pieces?
choices, or the way you design?
I actually find the opposite to be true. I think
My sister says every time I am pregnant, I design
fast fashion and marketing are here to stay. But I
with more color! Motherhood, in the physical sense,
think these last few seasons, the movement has been
means hardly any sleep! It also makes it so very hard
about craft, and about the anti-thesis to throwaway
to leave my two daughters at home to go to work,
merchandise, and a return to items of enduring value.
which is a sentiment that I share with all of the moth-
Obviously, fast fashion is not our arena. We prefer to
ers at the workshop. Hopefully, we make pieces that
make things that are beyond trend, beyond seasons.
we are proud of, that our children can be proud of.
Luckily, we have found influential partners in retail
Even before motherhood, the craft was always impor-
who are deeply committed to the same long-term
tant, but now we have a much deeper sense of doing
view. They appreciate that we play to our strengths
meaningful work.
and this is actually what makes us “marketable” to our particular clients. I think as you go along a certain path, you will come to define who you are as
What is a typical day for you like? Recently? With an energetic five-year-old and
a brand, what you want to say, and to say it in the
wonderful four-month-old baby, who I am nursing,
most relevant way possible. It is even more important
plus the Spring/Summer 2013 collection to design and
for us to maintain this level of craft and creativity
launch? You can only imagine…
in our developing country. We are privileged to have the wonderful opportunity as a Filipino company to
Most evening clutches and minaudieres can barely fit
bring new, intriguing pieces to the global market,
a lipstick and some change. What items can actually
challenging it with novel shapes or use of materials.
fit inside a Bea Valdes bag?
I am so very proud of the idea that Philippine-made
Haha! When I first started designing, that was
products can be aspirational, and not just at the back
what people had in their bags—a lipstick and change!
of the lot, but riding on knocking off global trends.
Now, we make pieces that are iPhone and Blackberry friendly.
Comparing your designs in 2004 and now, your designs have evolved a lot over the years. Do you try to
What do you like to do when you’re outside your
consciously stick to a consistent style, shape, or look,
workshop?
or do you just design what comes to mind?
Hang out with my family.
For me, it has always been very intuitive, not a conscious decision.
What’s something you never leave the house without? My mobile phone…but I keep leaving it in the office!
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acquiRED
Sea Gem COLOR
Jewelmer explains the beauty behind the golden South Sea pearl
Endemic to the Philippines, golden South Sea pearls are produced by gold-lipped Pinctada maxima oysters. They are never treated or dyed, and come in varying natural shades that range from white to deep gold.
SHAPE Golden South Sea pearls’ shapes include semi-round, drop, oval, button, baroque, semi-baroque, circled, and semi-circled.
SIZE Golden South Sea pearls can grow to be the largest in the world, with
PHOTOGRAPH BY WESLEY VILLARICA OF PARALLAX STUDIO STYLED BY RIA PRIETO
their diameter ranging from 8mm to 11mm on average and as big as 16mm to 18mm.
SKIN PURITY Any irregularities on a golden South Sea Pearl are part of its natural characteristics, a point used to authenticate them.
LUSTER Golden South Sea pearls from Palawan possess a rich luster that is created by a combination of its outer sheen and surface brilliance.
ORIENT The orient, or inner glow, of Golden South Sea pearls is created by a refraction of light as it penetrates through layers of aragonite crystals reflected from the core. This gives it a fiery, rainbow-like effect.
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Face Value CLINIQUE
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“Can Great Skin Be Created?” was the article that started it all for Clinique in 1967. Beauty expert and Vogue editor Carol Philips interviewed pioneering New York dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich who discussed the significance of the three-step skincare routine. Both were recruited by Evelyn Lauder, and their story became the foundation of the revolutionary Clinique brand: allergy tested, 100% fragrance free—your first truly dermatologist-developed brand for skincare. To date, Clinique continues to be the leading skincare brand worldwide. Its Even Better Clinical Serum, formulated to target dark spots, has won 68 international beauty awards and counting.
LA MER In the1960s, Dr. Max Huber, an aerospace physicist, suffered a lab accident that left his skin burned. He turned to the curative powers of the sea to help heal his scar. Harvesting sea kelp, he combined it with rich nutrients: vitamins, minerals, and essential oils. Together with sound and light waves that were meticulously pulsed during the fermentation process, he perfected the healing elixir, the Miracle Broth(tm) and the legendary Crème de La Mer was born. This year, La Mer launched its Moisturizing Soft Cream from a revolutionary new formula that delivers the profound benefits of the original Crème but in a soft, luxurious texture.
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Kit Kemp, owner and design director of Firmdale Hotels, infuses her trademark quirky London style to Crosby Street Hotel’s interiors.
Green Living Quiet and charming, New York’s Crosby Street Hotel is also earth friendly The amazing thing about Crosby Street Hotel, an 11-storey
garden. The hotel, which is owned and operated by London
establishment standing proud in the heart of Soho (between
boutique hotel group Firmdale Hotel, is Gold LEED-certified by
Prince, Spring, and Lafayette Streets) isn’t just its 86
the US Green Building Council, one of the first hotels in New
individually-designed bedrooms and suites, 99-seat state-of-
York to earn such a distinction. Check in Crosby Street Hotel
the-art screening room, five-star amenities, floor-to-ceiling
and you not only experience the height of luxurious living in
warehouse-style windows, or its charming rooftop kitchen
New York, you also do your share in saving the environment.
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Style Setters From formal to funky and free-spirited, these DFFHVVRULHV LQVWDQWO\ GHÀQH \RXU ORRN
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Tuxedo (Clockwise from below) Pumps, Bally. Earrings, Riqueza. Clutch, Adora. Cuff, Hermes. Watch, Rolex.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY WESLEY VILLARICA OF PARALLAX STUDIO
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STYLED BY RIA PRIETO
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Wang Guangyi
at the Today Art Museum in Beijing The visual artist captures a complex theme in large-scale graphic images of China’s political past and its commercialized present
SPECIAL THANKS TO MR. DETERIO PAPARONI FORTHE INFORMATION AND PHOTOGRAPHS
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Opposite page: Great Criticism-TIME, 2002, oil on canvass This page, clockwise from far left: Great Criticism-Cartier, 2002, oil on canvass; Hand-waving Mao Zedong, 1989, oil on canvass; a work in progress
Born in 1957, Wang Guangyi (left) lives and works in Beijing, China
Defined as “the source and foundation of phenomena and sensory material, but also unknowable things that lie beyond human cognition,” “things-inthemselves” was the theme of the tenth anniversary exhibition of Today Art Museum, the first private, non-profit international contemporary art museum in China. Participating artist Wang Guangyi aptly captured the theme in oversized graphic images that convey the historical dialectic properties of the rationality and faith, secular and transcendental, political and mythological contents typical in his works.
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In addition to large-scale paintings, the artist also creates life-sized, three-dimensional works. (Clockwise from left) “Aesthetics of the Cold War,” 2008, sculpture ; “Aesthetics of the Cold War - People Taking Cover in the Air-Raid Shelters,” 2008, colored glass steel; “Materialists,” 2003-2005, iron Some dismiss his massive, striking pieces as mere “political pop,” but Wang Guangyi, one of the most representative artists in Chinese modernist art history since the 1980s, is simply revealing his artistic influence, one that embodies the complex paradoxical logic of Chinese contemporary art’s progression from its era of enlightenment to avant-gardism, postmodernism and consumerism.
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SITTINGS EDITORS RIA PRIETO AND MIGS ROSALES MAKEUP BY CATHY CANTADA HAIR RJ DELA CRUZ
MAKEUP IA YUJUICO HAIR ERNA FRONDA OF ELEVATION SALON
Bolero and high-waisted trousers, Jojie Lloren (0917) 851-1225
MODEL GEORGIA DEL ROSARIO
“If it’s not edible, it’s not food. If it’s not wearable, it’s not fashion.” –Alber Elbaz
Gone Ablaze With the right cuts and details, the menswear staple becomes an essential apparel for women PHOTOGRAPHS BY WESLEY VILLARICA OF PARALLAX STUDIO
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STYLED BY RIA PRIETO
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“Just around the corner in every woman’s mind, is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her.”— Wilhela Cushman Cropped cape coat, Joey Samson (0918) 959-2541
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Ethnic (Clockwise from right) Wedges, TOMS. Lapis lazuli choker, Arnel Papa. Bracelet, FahLux. Nina Saguil clutch, Celestina.
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Disco (Clockwise from below) Anya Hindmarch clutch, Adora. Choker, Firma. Earrings, Arnel Papa. Cocktail ring, Firma. Heels, Jimmy Choo.
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Leather bracelets, Bottega Veneta
PHOTOGRAPHS BY WESLEY VILLARICA OF PARALLAX STUDIO
Driving shoes, TODS
13 Lucky Monkey’s skull ring, Cura V Sport shirts, Lacoste
Etro wallet, Adora
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Belt, Joanna Preysler
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In the family room, two paintings from Ranelle Dial’s “In Rumination” series above the seating area; vintage long neck FKURPH ÁRRU ODPS DW center left background.
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inspiRED
Controlled Chaos In a house that is constantly evolving, extreme aesthetics makes for good clutter PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAOLO PINEDA
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In the stairwell gallery, vintage chrome lighting over Ronald Caringal’s mixed media, “Solo Amore,” twisted iron bar candlestick/stand by unknown artist of University of Hawaii art school; at right, portions of “I Remember Losing Sight of Colors” by Ronald Caringal (top) and “Impound” by Parker Encisa (bottom)
Painted box from Bungalow 3000 containing painted glazed ceramic skull piggy bank by Froilan Calayag, wooden bird with human face mini-sculpture by Riel Hilario, on Philippe Starck Gelly coffee table in family room.
In the den, vintage amber glass decor paired with monkey figurine from a local flea market
Circa 1970s aluminum and glass table in master’s bedroom with tablescape composed of antique Santiago on horseback figurine, antler candleholder, frieze from Thailand, vintage porcelain busts of various sizes and antique books, porcelain bird, and brass and porcelain book box, and horse from local flea markets
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In the entryway/foyer, black wall backdrop for Wesley Valenzuela’s mixed media work, “And the Gods Made Love‌,â€? chair by Astrud Crisologo, YLQWDJH VSXWQLN ODPS ZKLSSHW DFFHQW Ă€JXULQH Fornasetti wallpaper at left for contrast
On hanging lacquer console in living room, Ferruccio Laviani Bourgie lamp by Kartell, FHUDPLF PRQNH\ Ă€JXULQH IURP 5XVWDQ¡V DQG alabaster horse candlestick from Homeless. Ronald Ventura’s “Embraceâ€? in the background
He likes the sunken living room with its white-on-
Clutter seems almost inevitable in a space filled
white and muted color palettes plus accents of black, pale
with disparate pieces, but this couple avoids it almost
blue, and gray. She prefers the den with its riot of color
beautifully. “There is good clutter and there is bad
and competing textures. How is it possible for opposite
clutter,� they will tell you. “Good clutter is curated
aesthetics to exist harmoniously under one roof?
clutter and is very acceptable. Bad clutter is just
“We are not purists in the design sense,� declare the occupants of this modern abode. “We like to mix, match,
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In the family room, Tatong RechetaTorres’ diptych,“Blame It On The Mirror,� provides backdrop for tablescape on Philippe Starck Gelly coffee table
clutter and should be avoided at all cost.� For those eager to explore home styles other than
swirl, and come up with something familiar yet bold,
the predictable, they suggest you go by the wise
different, and new. Certainly not conventional, but still
words of Swiss art auctioneer and collector Simon
tasteful.� Heavily influenced by the designs of the ‘60s,
de Pury: Be Bold! Be Different! Be Amazing! “Keep
‘70s, and ‘80s, the homeowners describe their decorating
your mind open to new and diverse ideas and do not
style as “organic,� a constant process of editing and
feel constrained by the supposed dictates of your
re-editing to reflect not only their personal tastes but
‘established’ design aesthetic,� says the man of the
individual and shared histories as well. Drawn to little
house. “Question the textbook limitations and push
one-of-a-kind shops at Le Marais in Paris, they insist
the envelope without overstepping the line of good
their treasures come from everywhere: while some
taste. It is at that exact boundary that the avant-garde
centuries-old books are among their oldest acquisitions,
challenges but does not overstep the boundary of good
a painting from a favorite female artist’s recent
taste where the best, uncommon, and most innovative
exhibition is among their newest finds.
design aesthetic lies.�
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“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” — Coco Chanel Beaded bomber jacket, Dennis Lustico (0926) 756-0494
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“Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself. Fashion is not just beauty, it’s about good attitude. You have to believe in yourself and be strong.” — Adriana Lima Modern two-tone blazer, Gian Romano (0927) 485-6478
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admiRED
Shining Through BY MELANIE CUEVAS
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY LILEN UY
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Bag and jewelry designer BEA VALDES got the world’s attention with her timeless, intuitive creations. Now motherhood is inspiring her to make more meaningful work, something her children can be proud of With embellished designs that resemble precious sculp-
Scheherazade, with 1,001 tales stitched by a contem-
tures of a long-forgotten age, designer Bea Valdes’
porary hand in hybrid materials that sway between
bags made their debut in US Vogue; not long after-
future polish and the past’s patina. She is a modern
ward, other international magazines and major retail-
nomad tracing the horizon of craft across the urban
ers have come calling. The success of her bags saw
labyrinth, leaving a dazzling slipstream in her wake.
her creating bib necklaces, and recently, she expanded her line to vests that are just as stunning as her bag
What was your inspiration for some of your clutches’
designs.
unusual shapes, such as the Sappho clutch?
With a new baby, another editorial feature in a recent
The shapes of some of my asymmetrical bags really
issue of British Vogue, and an invitation to be part of
came about when I was designing a collection that was
the exhibit “Accessories that have Marked the History
contemplating how we live in a virtual world—one
of Fashion” at the Jardin Des Tuileries this month, Bea
connecting ideas and people through wires, and the
seems to show no signs of stopping. Before flying off
strips of metal that connect us in this new way. I often
to Paris for her brand’s Spring/Summer 2013 presen-
go back to the concept of balance but not symmetry. It
tation, Bea talks to RED about her current collection,
is reflective of our multi-tasking lives, filled with vari-
motherhood, and her design inspirations.
ous aspects—sometimes polar or seemingly conflicting, and yet it makes so much sense. For example,
You’ve mentioned in previous interviews that your in-
how people are now reconnecting using the computer.
spiration for your designs tends to be outside fashion,
It was such a novel idea 20 years ago—then the same
such as bedtime stories. Your current collection on
people wanting to go back to having organic and local
www.couturelab.com has a tribal feel. What was your
produce—something that was the norm a hundred
inspiration for your F/W 2012 collection?
years ago. So there is always an idea of combining
It’s perhaps because my background is outside of
technology with the organic. We make things that are
fashion itself and more steeped in design and creative
crafted by hand but we also apply these on shapes that
writing, so it is more authentic for me to be influenced
seem to be quite modern. It is always about bringing
by those same landscapes. I also find that there is a
the past forward.
breadth in those stories that allows me to craft very deeply. This gives me a fuller context from which to
A lot of bag and accessory brands have been recently
imagine designing from.
expanding into furniture and home accessories. Do
The current BEAVALDES collection in stores now was inspired by Philippine tribal tattoos and celebrates
you see your brand expanding in a similar direction? I actually studied industrial design and interior
the use of indigenous materials. For this season, we
design at university and practiced for a few years in
find Future Eve, a techno tribal heroine fused in myth
London before I began the accessories workshop in
and metaphor. These are accessories for a 21st century
Manila. My main reason for deciding on industrial
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‘We make things that are crafted by hand but we also apply these on shapes that seem to be quite modern. It is always about bringing the past forward’
Luna in navy design was because I did so love furniture and objects
good books that are 40 pages long and great books
and then found that I enjoyed designing entire rooms
that are 400 pages long. What matters is the writ-
as well, and therefore went into interiors. It remains
ing and the story. It’s not really the length, but the
something that I sincerely love doing and perhaps I
experience. As a workshop, I find that we are so very
feel my strength lies more in this orchestrating of dif-
fortunate to be able to spend that time learning, in
ferent interior aspects than perhaps making just the
trying to perfect something, to focus on the qual-
one element.
ity of our story. We strive to create pieces that span seasons, decades, and even generations and we have
Some of your designs have been reported to have taken
been fortunate to find partners in this business who
up to 400 hours to create. Are there any disadvantages
have successfully kept the global traditions of crafts-
to having such time-consuming designs?
manship alive and they continue to help us redefine
Creating something that takes that much time really
and preserve this experience on a global scale.
benefits me as a designer—to have that level of com-
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mitment and to be able to learn from it, many missteps
The fashion industry lately has been all about mar-
included, has been invaluable. Put it this way, there are
keting and fast fashion—what is your take on this?
PRODUCT PHOTOS BY ISA LORENZO AND RACHEL RILLO OF SILVERLENS/SLAB GALLERY
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Arbiter of Beauty Rhoda Campos–Aldenese names four beauty products we can’t live without
ESTEE LAUDER Estee Lauder made history by shifting the focus of skin care to skin repair. Inspired by groundbreaking research which showed that DNA damage is the root cause of all signs of visible aging, the brand came up with its Advance Night Repair (ANR), now a staple found in women’s cosmetics around the world. Everything about the original product was unique—from its texture and formula, to its technology and iconic “little brown bottle” with the apothecary dropper—and remains so to this very day. Formulated to help skin fight environmental assaults, repair past visible damage, and prevent future ones, ANR is one of the best-selling, best-performing skincare products in Estée Lauder history with 20 patents worldwide. Eight bottles are sold per minute around the globe, making this one beauty product no woman should live without.
LAB SERIES Always ahead of its time, Aramis created the Master Plan for Grooming, providing the first complete grooming line for men in the 1960s. Over 20 years later, it spawned the revolutionary Lab Series, a full line of laboratory-created, high-tech, performance-driven grooming solutions for men formulated by an elite team of doctors, scientists, and skincare specialists from the Lab Series Research Center. Last year saw the release of the hero product MAX LS, a face cream that activates the skin’s sirtuins, or “longevity genes.” Designed specifically for men, the advanced technology product holds back the hands of time by preventing, or at best, repairing any signs of aging. Skin cells’ life is prolonged, promising both immediate and long-term benefits.
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Perfume Preservation Three ways to save your favorite scents t 4UPSF UIFN JO B DPPM QMBDF BOE BXBZ GSPN OBUVSBM MJHIU )FBU DBO BMUFS UIF TDFOU PG QFSGVNF t 1VSDIBTF QFSGVNF JO B TQSBZ CPUUMF 4QSBZ CPUUMFT QSFWFOU UIF TDFOU GSPN CFJOH FYQPTFE UP oxygen and other elements. t (P GPS B NJMEFS WFSTJPO PG ZPVS TDFOU &V EF UPJMFUUF NBZ OPU IBWF BT TUSPOH B TDFOU BT QVSF perfume, but it boasts a longer shelf life and is less expensive.
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PHOTOGRAPH BY WESLEY VILLARICA FOR PARALLAX STUDIO STYLED BY RIA PRIETO
32
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MAC Dazzle Lash in Black Dazzle and MAC Brow Set, Clear
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Sepia Ink
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
PHOTOGRAPHS BY WESLEY VILLARICA OF PARALLAX STUDIO ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEPHANIE BRAVO
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation
Natural Selection
MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow in Keep Your Cool
Try all the makeup trends you want. In the end, we all fall back on products that make us look like who we really are—only better. Here, RED recommends beauty items whose job is simply to enhance
Estee Lauder PureColor Lip Gloss Bobbi Brown Precise Eye Lash Curler Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink
MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Pinwheel in Pink Sensibilities
Bobbi Brown Caviar & Oyster Mini Brush Set
MAC Eye Brows in Stud
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Timeless Treasures
34
Keep your look sharp in the years to come with IDVKLRQ ÀQGV WKDW RXWOLYH WUHQGV
Ocean Dual Time Zone Watch, Harry Winston
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