Greenbelt 4: Fashion heaven & more

To shopaholics, it is fashion heaven where all the top brands are gathered in one neatly elegant mall. Right here, right now, there’s a bit of Harrods of London, Galeries Lafayette of Paris, Rodeo Drive of LA, and Barneys of New York, so why travel so far for that object of desire?

To celebrity watchers, it is a place where you may catch glimpses of the rich and famous choosing their favorite accessories, accompanied by their must-have accessory (rich husband or boyfriend) .

And to the window shopper who can only afford lunch at the resto cum art shop nearest it, this place nonetheless is a comforting source of pride. It affirms the fact that Manila is a very global and cosmopolitan destination where tourists can find the best wares in the world.

Greenbelt 4 is all these. It is the very upscale ingredient that completes the delightful malling experience at Ayala Center. Composed of 13 shops — 11 of which carry brands exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Stores Specialists Inc. – Greenbelt 4 stands for quality and prestige products coming from the fashion capitals of the world.

We made a quick tour of Greenbelt 4’s current offerings and these are what we found:

• Gucci – Its shelves sparkle with La Pelle Guccissima, a reinterpretation of the brand’s historical themes using new production techniques while still following the artisan leather craftsmanship of Florence and Tuscany. We found the sexiest pairs of shoes, too!

• Burberry – More hip trench coats with the signature plaids. For travelers, Burberry is simply forever.

• Ferragamo – Charming bags (check out their latest bag charms and cellfone accessories) and sleek shoes. And headbands at P3,950 in delicious colors, perhaps the lowest-priced item you can buy in this mall.

• Tod’s – We love their bags with zippered pockets, as well as their flats, perhaps the most comfy shoes you can find.Lucy Torres-Gomez loves Tod’s!

• Bottega Veneta – Bags with the softest leather, carrying big bags is never cumbersome!

• Yves Saint Laurent – It’s time for metal studs , as well as sexy and very feminine beribboned shoes and bags.

• Louis Vuitton – Kris Aquino’s favorite brand never runs out of bags that have a patina of old world yet the chic of modernity.

• Bulgari – Sleek watches and jewelry that are coveted by both young and old. Look for Bulgari boss Mario Katigbak to give you good advice.

• Prada – The shop carries the reinvented version of the classic black Prada shopping bags now with braiding and lace. Bags are in bloom, too!

• Charriol – So many new watches, bangles and bracelets, so little time !

• Hugo Boss – Excellent tailoring for men at the top.

• DKNY – For men and women, the choices seem varied and interesting more than ever.

• Bally – Check out Busy B designs in hot colors. And nice messenger bags for men.

The latest buzz is that Hermes is coming soon to Manila. Will it open at Rustan’s or Greenbelt 4? And when is Chanel finally coming? Time to ponder and wonder at the nearest resto.