The Indie Circuit
June 23, 2006 | 12:00am
Big-name brands might start the fire but it’s the little chic boutiques that are keeping the embers of fashion’s flame burning. In recent years, fashionistas have been making detours during shopping trips to include small designer boutiques that have sprouted up in random addresses all throughout the city.
Started by Souk along San Miguel Avenue and Better than Bare in a small street within Makati’s posh residential area, the concept of having small boutiques independent of the (sometimes) maddening mall crowd, has become very profitable and very popular. Consumers are now hankering for a taste of limited-quantity, even one-of-a-kind, fashion pieces that are heavy on the style factor and light on your ATM outtake. These small retail boutiques satisfy on both counts.
For the sake of these style-savvy folks, these independent boutiques have now found a home. The Power Plant Mall’s Independent Lifestyles’ area saves us a trip by gathering together one-of-a-kind pieces into one-of-a-kind boutiques owned by young designers eager for a foot up in the style circuit.
Here are some of the main attractions:
Style file: Pilar tries to reconstruct the aesthetic of vintage psychedelia with pieces that your grandmother would have shaken her booty in.
Fab finds: Structured jackets and belted shirtdresses in retro prints set off elegant evening bags and seventies-style platforms.
Zone in on: A glass closet full of chunky vintage-inspired gold jewelry.
Style file: Style hound Cat Ramos’ boutique is a one-stop store for trendy clothing, playful make-up, and hip accessories.
Fab finds: Runway-worthy pieces include printed fifties-style frocks, ruffled blouses, and short, pleated skirts.
Zone in on: A set of floral luggage that’s sure to liven up any airport carousel.
Style file: Fashion merges with art to create atypical fashion from three of the country’s most promising designers. Yvonne Quisimbing-Romulo, Patty Eustaquio, and LZ Punzalan set the stage for street-savvy style with a statement.
Fab finds: Intricate, stitch-pattern dresses from Patteu (Patty Eustaquio’s brand) and funky mesh-topped camouflage tops from Yvonne’s label, Verity.
Zone in on: Quirky accessories by Yvonne and enamelled leather belts by Patty.
Style file: Mari Swa channels her love for clothing into a boutique that gives women the style high they need. The store is also named for two of her favorite female characters in the bible.
Fab finds: Feminine skirts and floral shirtdresses share rack space with delicious bikinis by Cocotini and colorful sandals that predict summer to be a year-round deal.
Zone in on: Purses painted with images of Princess Di.
Style file: Irene Pineda resurrects intact (and sometimes never worn) vintage clothing and flea market finds for her all one-of-a-kind boutique.
Fab finds: Printed structured dresses that would easily make the Harajuku scene, eye-catching head gear, and a line of heart-melting t-shirts for canines.
Zone in on: Don’t miss out on the one-of-a-kind embellished bibs Irene co-creates with makeup artist Xeng Zulueta.
Style file: Go to Ilaya if you want something that’s trendy but still retains a streak of originality. The pieces may be prêt-a-porter, but they’ll still feel as if they were made just (and only) for you.
Fab finds: A rather neutral palette make up in style and texture for what it lacks in color. Ilaya uses fabric such as brocade and lace, to inject a luxurious twist to a particular design. Complete the look with pretty footwear by Shoebox.
Zone in on: Cropped waisted jackets that pair up well with tiny shorts; the boutique has an abundance of both.
Style file: Bag designer Amina Aranaz puts together local indigenous materials and creative stylings to create inticate totes meant to wow even the snootiest Hampton gathering.
Fab finds: Beaded, embellished, and embroidered bags in all shapes and sizes. Aranaz updates the usual summery raffia tote with loads of flair.
Zone in on: Tiny embellished evening purses that would jaunty up any LBD ensemble.
Style file: Four friends try their hand at making limited-quantity shoes and bags for a style-discerning set. Success spells out when the group opens shop within less than a year of their first retail efforts.
Fab finds: Footwear and totes that display an eye for style and that detail that makes a difference (i.e. a gold charm on a black leather slouch bag, or an that extra strap on a pair of snakeskin sandals).
Zone in on: Gladiator-style sandals that will make you weep with its affordable price tag.
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