A clutch bag or two should be welcome staples in a well-dressed woman’s closet. For a simple day affair, one needs a purse to hold a few personal items — cell phone, lipstick, cash or credit card.
For formal events, a minaudiere is a must. Leave that bulky purse behind when going to a chichi event no matter how tempted you are to show off that large expensive purchase from a top luxe fashion house. Remember, the smaller the size, the more polished you will look for dressy evening socials.
Stylish Filipinas have displayed their passion for beautiful things by designing clutch bags that are proudly Philippine made.
Ann Ong’s sculptural works of art
A three-time Manila FAME Katha awardee, Ann ong has exhibited and sold her bags in top international stores and world exhibits.
“ I want to show the world that Filipino accessory designers are at par with the best in the world and my accessories have a lot of Filipino elements in it,†Ong enthuses.
A self-taught designer, Ong uses materials as diverse as tree barks, twigs, banig (woven mats) and python skin accented with vari-sized baroque pearls and roughly cut semi-precious stones. Her bags look like sculptural works of art.
Prices: P15,000-P30,000. Available at House of Laurel, Makati and Religioso, Greenbelt 5. Her flagship store will open in March at the new Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas. For details, call 672-1839 or SMS 0946-572441(Eden Joaquin).
A consistent Manila FAME exhibitor, Carissa Cruz Evangelista of Beatriz Accessories takes pride in her acrylic clutches that stand out for their sleek look and need minimal care yet dress up one’s attire.
“A daytime and a nighttime clutch are important essentials in a lady’s wardrobe. For evening, a clutch with an interesting architectural or bejewelled detail can pop an outfit,†Evangelista says.
The Atlantis evening clutch, for instance, has coral-like details in finely worked gold plated brass. Its clasp features semi-precious stones in candy colors.
Beatriz Accessories’ 2014 summer collection comes in neutral shades of black and white as well as royal blue and emerald green.
Prices: P15,000-P38,000. Available at Firma, Makati and Beatriz showroom in Kapitolyo, Pasig.
For inquiries, call 654-3502, SMS 0918-9630-252, 0917-896-8905 or visit http://beatrizph.com.
Cristina Gomez and the House of Serafina is born out of Cristina’s love for heirloom jewelry. Her minaudieres are inspired by the jewelry of Manila’s high society back in the 1950s to ‘60s.
“Clutches are minimal in size but big on style. An elegant clutch is also a very versatile piece of accessory — it can carry you from a simple trouser ensemble, to a cocktail dress, and even to formal wear,†she says.
The collection reflects varying shades of gold — from vintage to the brighter yellow gold. The filligree theme sets it apart from what is currently available. Something classic with a twist is at the heart of this artistic brand.
Prices: P8,000-P30,0000. Available at Myth and Firma.
For information, visit houseofserafina.com
A second generation bag manufacturer, Lally Dizon’s forte is well-made exotic python and crocodile clutches that come in fab hues. A faceted semi-precious stone always adorns the gold-plated clasp. These chic bags can easily transform from daytime to evening.
“The clutch is a must-have accessory for any fashionable woman. A fashion statement that will instantly take an outfit to the next level,†says the chic Lally.
Prices: P20,000-P45,000. Available at Cura V in Power Plant, Rockwell; The Podium, Ortigas as well as the Vintage Restore stores in Bel Air Village, Makati; Katipunan Road, QC.
For information, visit www.lallydizon.com.
* * *
For comments and ideas, e-mail: jacinto.fa@gmail.com.