Blooming Lily

There was a time where the word basics meant khakis and blouses that covered one’s body so much that even one’s character was concealed. Fashion is an industry which is notorious (and incongruously compelling) for its ephemeral nature. One season it’s all about short hems, and the next it commands that ankles be covered. For many of its critics, fashion may very well be a laughable art. However for those who love it, it becomes an integral part of one’s lifestyle.

The inspiration of fashion led to the birth of the lifestyle store Lily. Brainchild of Wendy Puyat-Hotung, Jessica Puyat and Maan Santos, Lily has fast gained a cult following since its opening in the middle of this year. Part of Lily’s charm is that it’s totally the little store that could. Its flagship store, if we may call it that, is found underneath the escalator in Glorietta 4 in Makati. The boutique can probably hold only four people at one time but the treasures found inside are limitless.

Lily focuses on creating basic garments, which are designed by Wendy Puyat-Hotung. Of course, for Wendy basics never mean boring. From sexy shells that are embellished with lush brocades, sexy wrap-around tops that entrance day and night, silk brocade skirts that garner envious stares and accessories that complete any look to fit any mood, basic becomes basically sexy.

It’s common practice for a lot of people to spiff up their looks for special occasions and let things lie during their down time. However, I will always remember what my mother has always told me, "Style is about being aware of yourself all the time, from the time you wake up to the time you sleep, you have look good and feel good about yourself and your surroundings." True enough, this is what the Lily girls had in mind as well. Aside from delectable fashion finds, Lily also carries notebooks with jade charms (a best-seller) and home accessories such as dim sum potpourri satchels, brocade covered frames and photo albums swathed in silk brocade.

Although most of Lily’s collection have undoubtedly a strong oriental theme (Wendy lived in Shanghai briefly) with its generous use of Chinese brocade fabric, its interpretation of it is refreshing and whimsical. It’s not literal Suzy Wong, but if I may say so it’s a lot more Maggie Cheung in St. Tropez. For the holiday season, Lily eases back from the eastern flavor a little bit and has come up with a more daring selection of clothing to pay respect to the party season. Wendy describes it as having "More of an evening emphasis with rich jewel tones and a mélange of fabric textures. I wanted to create special color combinations to provide interest for party pieces."

With Lily on the block, it simply proves that the best things can indeed come from the smallest of packages!

Lily is found at Glorietta 4, Makati.