A prettier Kashieca

She has been around for quite some time, but very recently, this reliable girlfriend quietly went through a blushing makeover. Now, not only does she come across prettier, she also has the tools to make every lady from 15 to 50 look pulled together in a feminine yet laidback, almost effortless, way.

I’m talking about Kashieca, the boutique that was the brainchild of three sisters by the names of Karen, Shiela, and Camille, whose line of knitwear easily became a staple in every girl’s boudoir. While business went on as usual in Manila’s ready-to-wear fashion landscape, Suyen Corporation (the company behind such retail giants as Bench and Human) worked on acquiring Kashieca in its trademark quiet and unassuming manner. When people eventually got wind of the fact that Ben Chan was at it again, weaving his legendary Midas touch on an old favorite, everyone sat up and took a closer look. He says that aside from believing in the brand and sensing its obvious potential for growth, what also appealed to him is the price-point. At Kashieca, Ben can indulge some more on his penchant for fine details, adding the extra in ordinary – and that is something he always does so well. As such, fans of the original Kashieca now have even more reasons to love the brand, while those who have yet to own their first piece are slowly but surely being seduced into becoming instant converts. And as many ladies have been saying over and over again, there just seems to be no looking back.

The interiors, done in fresh, sweet shades, have a cozy, rosy feel to it. The clean lines are dotted with personal touches that evoke images of everything you love about being a girl. The first time I was there, I carefully went through each and every rack, relishing the way each item was showcased. Styles and colors were grouped together in a way that allowed them to stand on their own yet seamlessly blend together to create a soft yet cohesive picture.

The pretty ensembles are altogether another story. Fact is, each piece is a love affair waiting to happen. I saw a lemon yellow spaghetti-strapped top that otherwise would look ordinary, except that it hangs on the body so elegantly when worn, and one side of it boasts floppy satin patches clustered together to suggest a bloom. It would be perfect to wear on a lunch date, and with just a change of accessories could even be worn on a special night out. I also came across this black halter knit top, its neckline tastefully sprinkled with hundreds of tiny, sparkly beads, a printed skirt in neutral shades that sports a color coordinated waistband fashioned out of striped garter, a white T-shirt that has three sparkly brooches in different sizes sewn on them, a woven, leather silver bag with a patchwork of leather silver flowers that always gets mistaken for a pricey designer bag, matte long-sleeved knit shirts with satin details, cardigans with a perfect fit, belted cotton blouses, pleated tops, sporty jackets with unexpected feminine touches, sleeveless gold-studded tops softened with chiffon panels and trimmings, cap-sleeved shirts that have thin ribbons loosely tied on one sleeve like an afterthought – the list goes on and on.

And I guess that is the charm of Kashieca.

The clothes inspire images of happy times with girlfriends, tousled hair, lounging on Saturday mornings, coffee breaks, fresh showers, crisp scents, bicycle rides, trips to the deli, a rendezvous with your loved one, quiet dinner dates, a walk by the beach, holding hands as the sun sets, picnics. And even if you’re done with your summer escape, in Kashieca you will find plenty of reasons to plan your next one. After all, fashion should never be just about function but beauty, never just about clothes but stories.

Kashieca has a charming spark not every other store can claim to have. The clothes have a certain quality that, though you cannot quite put your finger on, makes each piece more than just a fresh find. At the very least, it becomes a personal, almost sentimental one.

The time is ripe to get some color into your wardrobe and ensure that, come what may, you will always look becoming.

Fall in love with Kashieca at its outlets at the Alabang Town Center, SM Bicutan, SM Centerpoint, SM North Edsa, Glorietta, Galleria, Gateway, Robinson’s Ermita.