Islands And More

MANILA, Philippines - What would a resort wear launch be without models with gorgeous bods in comfy and cool outfits? Just as I was saying how Bohol is such a happening place that concept shop Islands and More opened in Island City Mall in Tagbilaran, now it’s time to make way for Island Souvenirs, Billabong, Ipanema and more. For the launch of Islands and More, M.A.C. mannequins were up there on the centre stage, striking pretend-swimming, pretend-lounging poses to the delight of the enthralled audience, in stylized but breezy outfits from the abovementioned brands.

Naïvely colorful and quite obviously unserious in its sporting intentions, the new Billabong line is a combination of dark hues and colorific palate. With its red-and-black striped board shorts, printed handkerchief tops, topped with Island Souvenirs cotton tees in multi-colors, the line looked more reminiscent of eighties calendar girls than hardcore swimmers. Soft and even more comfy flip flops from Ipanema boost the lounge look.

That, said spokesperson Anthony Jimenez, was exactly the point. “We had a free rein, and we thought we’d leave the technical sportswear to people who can do it properly,” he said. “So Islands and More caters to the worshippers of style whose main objective is R and R. It meant seeing happy shining faces, or sunny girls and boys in good and very comfortable clothes!”

Bravissimo!