Soul craft and other fresh trends for 2015

January is always a crucial month, as the positive energy of a new year is the catalyst for even more positive change. We make resolutions, we make goals and overall we use this time to better ourselves.

Our last two episodes of Modern Living TV were all about what exciting décor and fashion trends we can expect for 2015 and more importantly, how can we apply them to update our home and our style. As January comes to an end, we bring you the ultimate guide to embracing a fresh new look!

BRING SOME SOUL INTO YOUR LIFE!

“It is all about soul craft,” exclaims top designer Budji Layug. “People are not just looking for good design or manufacturing, but they want a product that tells a story. A product that has soul.”

At CITEM’s prestigious ManilaFame Expo, MLTV previewed all the latest items from the Philippines’ top designers and manufacturers for the spring/summer 2015 collections and the overall trend was products that were handmade and reflect our heritage. 

When updating your bedroom or living room, choose accents like hand-embroidered throw pillows or traditionally woven Inabel blankets to add coziness and style. Accent lighting is also an easy way to update your décor and local designers like Jude Tiotuico of Industria Home and Schema by Kalikasan Crafts are using metals and pairing it with traditional woven techniques or inspiration from heritage to come up with some outstanding designs.

Nowadays even local fashion designers are coming up with fresh new takes on tradition, like the stylish accessories of SC Vizcarra or the modern take on a feminine barong like I was wearing in a segment made by local designer Anne Marie Saguil for Amarie.

BLACK AND WHITE

Whether it’s for clothing or your home, black and white remains a strong trend. Used as an accent piece or an anchor, this classic color combination never goes out of style. Rather than simple color blocking, try to choose graphic patterns that really stand out.

In the Manila Fame segment we featured a stunning cabinet by Stanley Ruiz with a black and white labyrinth-inspired pattern but framed in a light and clean shape. For clothing, black lace on white is also still a chic and timeless look.

PANTONE’S COLOR OF THE YEAR: MARSALA

In her interview with my co-host Bianca Gonzalez, stylist Liz Uy looked stunning in a marsala-colored dress. This mélange of wine, peach and rose tones is the perfect hue to add warmth and softness to any look.

“We will start seeing the return of the reds this year for hair color!” says Alex Carbonell. “It’s because of the color of the year, marsala.” The easiest way for women to embrace it is by adding it to your lipstick palette. It is bolder than pink but softer than red and can be easily used from day to night. At home you can paint an accent wall, perhaps, in your foyer or dining room, or purchase small tabletop accessories such as placemats or napkins with this rich hue.

EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE

Whether it’s in your home or reflecting in your personal style, “fuss” is out and “effortless” is in. “It’s all about having lighter, easier-to-manage hair” shares hair guru Alex Carbonell. “We’re seeing women return to shorter mid lengths, slightly tousled waves.”

Makeup is also all about looking like the best version of yourself. “This year it’s still about the natural, dewy look,” says makeup artist Iris Lee. So it’s best to buy some good cream blush or multipurpose stains in peachy or pinkish tones and pair it with a very strict moisturizing skin regimen. Those with oily skin may use mattifying solutions and top off with mineral powders. No cake faces, please!

As per your wardrobe, top celebrity stylist Liz Uy says that the relaxed yet stylish chic of the ’70s is coming back. In your home, it’s no longer about the “showroom” look but decorating for your lifestyle — being able to plop on a chair and really put your feet up. Buy pieces that are made with quality, luxurious materials but are meant for everyday use. “Everyday Luxury” was one of the main themes at ManilaFame this year.

Which, aptly, was also the theme of this weekend’s episode of Modern Living TV! Watch us tonight at 6 p.m. on ANC with a replay on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as we showcase the most luxurious furniture available on the market and some stunning fine jewelry while trying to figure out what luxury truly means and how we can embrace it in our everyday lives!

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Watch the full segments of our Trend Forecast and New Year, New Look episodes on Philippine STAR’s YouTube channel. Look for Modern Living TV Season 2 Episodes 17 and 18.