'Modern Mythologies' at Firma
MANILA, Philippines - Firma, in cooperation with Ayala Malls, presents established jewelry designers Nicole Whisenhunt, Michelline Syjuco and Joyce Makitalo who have teamed up to create a collection that celebrates the well-loved comic book heroines of Philippine culture. This talented new breed of designers has zeroed in on three feisty females in particular — the mighty warrior Darna, the enchanting mermaid Dyesebel and the half-snake vixen Galema — for a show aptly coined “Modern Mythologies.”
The designers individually dissected these superhero muses to unearth their most striking characteristics and interpret them in art form. Each designer’s unique vision comes to life.
Nicole emerges from the recesses of her untamed imagination with new techniques and a fresh perspective in tow. Choosing to work with familiar materials, Nicole focused on allowing her envisioned personas to translate through her specific color choices.
Michelline’s raw, edgy aesthetic is granted an organic touch as she toys with an assortment of stones, rough crystals and freshwater pearls. This cuff-centric collection explores the idea of Darna, Dyesebel and Galema as superwomen known for donning accessories that double as power objects. These power objects are reincarnated in Michelline’s provoking jewelry.
Joyce dares to go dark as she channels Darna’s mysterious talisman for this particular set. She employs black rhodium with yellow gold, and rare asteroid bits to achieve a supernatural, paranormal feel. In keeping with the lore of the Filipino talisman, Joyce incorporates religious symbols in some pieces, yet she manages to keep her signature style by bringing semi-precious stones into the equation.
“Modern Mythologies” honors much more than just fictional heroines plucked from the pages of a comic book. At its core, it commemorates the Filipino woman — her strength, her courage and her dedication to excellence; it celebrates the superhero in every modern-day Filipina.
“Modern Mythologies” will be launched at an invitational cocktail on Sept. 30, 6 p.m. at Firma, ground floor, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City. For information, call 757-4009, fax 757-4010 or e-mail firma2@vasia.com.
