MANILA, Philippines - Most people, which means anyone other than Victoria Beckham, put a premium on comfort when picking out outfits for traveling. But comfort isn’t the sole territory of nondescript sweatpants, droopy cotton shirts, and other clothing items frequently featured in the website People of Walmart, though that is what a surprising number of people you’ll find at airports seem to believe. A little shopping around can go a long way if you’re looking for photogenic clothes that keep you cool and calm no matter what logistical travel snafu you encounter.
Local clothing brand Regatta has been a subtle presence on the RTW scene for over 20 years, but it has also maintained a certain classic and even expensive-looking standing among other brands. Despite a multiple change of hands (it was founded by entrepreneurs Lizzie Zobel and Mia Borromeo in 1989 then bought in 2003 by Melissa Dragon-Florendo and three other friends before finally becoming part of the Golden ABC umbrella of RTW brands in 2008), Regatta has kept its clean, athletic, and nautical-inspired designs that have garnered the label a loyal if quiet following in the market.
This season, the brand adds another dimension to its sporty prep aesthetic with the Traveluxe Campaign. “This campaign is meant to strengthen Regatta’s standing as the local go-to brand for chic, elegant and classic leisure apparel, regardless of one’s travel destination,” remarks Carlo Rufino, Regatta’s brand manager. Drawing inspiration from travel and luxury, the brand’s current collection is easily comparable to the country club appeal of international brand Ralph Lauren, but they come at a fraction of the American label’s prices: crisp-looking but soft pique polos, bright flat-front shorts, gauzy shirt-dresses, and vividly striped shirts.
There are also the lightweight chambray shorts, slouchy heather gray long shirts, and shirts and dresses featuring nautical prints, all of which feel and fall great on the body. “Regatta is always introducing new items to the market every few months,” Rufino says. “We want to offer shoppers more quality clothing options to choose from at really affordable prices.” Cute chambray tube dresses with gathered waists are priced at just a little over P1,000 and for less than P700, a girl can buy a cropped shirt with a matching complementary colored tank top. Regatta is also conscientious about providing business to local manufacturers. “Ninety percent of our clothes are made in the Philippines,” Rufino discloses.
An Escape To The South
Driving the travel and luxury theme home was Regatta’s recently concluded Escape to Luxury promo, which ran from April 13 to May 6. Twenty shoppers received P2,000-worth of Regatta gift certificates while two other lucky winners got the grand prize of a three-day-two-night stay at the prestigious Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa in Mactan, Cebu, the pinnacle of luxury for any traveler. Katrina Feliciano and Tessie Mortejo, the grand prize winners, each brought two other friends for their all-expense-paid Cebu jaunt last May 24 to 26.
Their first stop at the Queen City of the South, though, was at the Regatta store in SM City Cebu, where a travel wardrobe worth P5,000 was waiting for each winner and her group of friends. Cebuano designers and stylists Dexter Alazas and Yves Camingue (who was also a contender in the current season of Project Runway Philippines) were on hand to help the ladies find the most flattering and comfortable items they can wear during their trip and incorporate into their existing wardrobes: layered casual separates, striped shirt dresses, color-blocked tops, soft cardigans. “I’ve always shopped at Regatta,” Raselle Tolentino, one of Feliciano’s friends, admitted. “So I like all the pieces that the designers picked out for me.” For the group of moms, the shirt dresses and A-line frocks were instant hits, proof that Regatta is stylish and appropriate for any age. “The clothes are really nice; I just tell the stylists that I want to show off my legs,” Montejo said. “My friends and I can share the items with our daughters.”
Accompanied by TV host/VJ and Regatta brand ambassador Cliff Ho, the ladies enjoyed their late summer mini-break with great views and even greater Cebuano cooking. And from the sprawling grounds of Shangri-La Mactan to the old-world charm of downtown Cebu City, they looked preppy fresh throughout the day despite the intense Cebu sun; indeed, every vibrant photo is postcard-worthy, no small thanks to their stylish Regatta threads.
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To learn more about Regatta, visit www.facebook.com/Regatta.Clothing and follow them on Twitter@regatta_ph.