Luxuriously Luisa

CEBU, Philippines - Luisa de los Santos Robinson launched her atelier cum showroom at a private cocktail party to which only a very select few were invited. This occasion served also as the soft launch of her new accessories brand, aptly named LUISA.

Guests came prepared to be enchanted by individually handcrafted objets d'art, as Luisa, true to form, explored natural materials and transformed them with her innate taste, melding her contemporary sensibilites with global traditions. The result: unique creations, with each piece painstakingly brought to life by master craftsmen.

Oohs and aahs echoed around the atelier as both consistent, as well as instant fans viewed samples of Luisa's creativity. Each piece was undoubtedly classical, yet distinctively modern – designs that so obviously possessed her individual stamp. For example, there was her newly launched limited edition boxes, with carabao horn handles and mother of pearl trimmings. (A little bird even spilled the juicy morsel that this box was presented to President Barack Obama by our Commander in Chief during his last state visit). Sleek containers with sensuous forms predominates the new collection, a harbinger of great things to come from the line.

On display were also some of her previous hits, such as Starry Starry Night, a Van Gogh-inspired chair (a prized possession which had been dragged by former Cathay Pacific head, Camilla Taylor, from Cebu to Hong Kong, and onwards to New York.) There was also a Ferrari Red example of the Zac & Zoe line, a chesspiece-like side table that positively screams "Luxe." Luisa's familiarity with material manipulation and her affinity for intricate details result in a product line that is both functional, and undeniably exquisite.

Paying homage were business partners Celso Advincula and Kenneth Cobonpue. Good friend Rachel Genco made sure she caught the affair before flying out to Italy yet again, accompanied by hubby restaurateur Giussepe. Supporters from the bon ton society who came out in droves were Lani and Mimo Osmeña, Susie Borromeo Milne, Mary Ann Arculli, Janine Taylor de Padua, and Christine Pelaez.   Also spotted was Marriott First Lady Christina Winton, while plastic surgeon Dr. Fremont Base made a rare public appearance. Fellow designers also lent their support to a very talented member of the flock.

While there were plenty of pieces to admire, many more were left to be discovered, as Mrs. Robinson did not trundle out everything. For the curious, there is her website,www. luisarobinson.com, to explore. Breathtaking shots of some of her pieces like the graceful Ballerina wardrobe, or her safari worthy Tuskany table, can be viewed on this site at leisure. Check out the Hide and Teak line, which exemplifies glamour living to the fullest.

Also showcased in her site are Luisa's now iconic (and much copied) Dragon's Tail, a gorgeous crenellation of peaks and valleys (much like the Issey Miyake outfit worn by Luisa during her cocktail party.)

What to expect next from the doe-eyed designer? Surely, only design collectibles any connoisseur would kill to have. (FREEMAN)