The sweet escape
Getaways are fun, relaxing and all, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you leave your good fashion sense behind along with your full inbox tray at work as you sprint to the nearest beach. As tempting as it is to don your loosest, breeziest coveralls and shorts during vacation, there are better options that are just as comfortable and not as incriminating. Besides, nothing dampens a pleasure trip like photos so unflattering you’d rather keep them to yourself.
Being camera-ready from sunrise to sunset is now easy breezy. Open since August 2007, resort/island wear store Moana is fast becoming the one-stop shop for stylish jetsetters who want to keep their island fashion beachy keen. Catering to a carefree and sun-loving lifestyle, Moana, which in Hawaiian means “open ocean” and refers to the deep blue part of the ocean, brings brands from different parts of the world — Brazil, Los Angeles, Hawaii and, of course, the Philippines — for sun worshippers to choose their holiday wardrobe from.
“Everyone can find everything here,” emphasizes Mirabelle Villanueva, general manager of Moana. “From cover-ups to beach bags to towels and flip-flops, anything you might need for a trip to the beach is here.”
Of course, in any island getaway, swimwear will always be the main attraction. Moana introduces the Brazilian brand CIA Maritima, the hottest and most sought-after swimwear brand from the land of the long-legged and curvy. Featuring superior fabric technology and fine details and designs, CIA Maritima pieces already have a growing fan base locally for the support and flattering fit that they give to Filipina curves. “We know that Brazilian women are tall, lean and shapely, which are quite different from the smaller physical stature of Filipinas. However, CIA Maritima has two lines that cater to different body types, not to mention bikini tastes.” The Brazilian Cut line features more daring string bikini cuts that are perfect for the confident set, while the Export Cut line provides more coverage without compromising style. “People have been very receptive to the brand,” shares Villanueva, adding, “They like the prints, the cuts and the materials of the bikinis that we have, which are fashionable but not too daring.”
No one can get by on simply living in a bikini 24/7, however. To add more flair to any tropical holiday is the brand Fighting Eel, a line of flirty and sexy tops and dresses from Hawaii created by designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung in 2003. Perfect with either heeled shoes or über-casual sandals, Fighting Eel dresses exude a subtly sexy vibe without being too skimpy, too tight or too short. Layering also becomes beach-appropriate with brand LA Made’s tanks and tees. Worn alone, on top of each other or under strappy dresses, their interesting details such as reverse seams, sheared necklines and trapeze bodices keep the casual look fresh and interesting without being too fussy.
Of course, beach couture wouldn’t be complete without the eternal footwear of choice: Havaianas. An instant and consistent favorite among the tropical party crowd, the brand is known for its 42-year-old secret rubber formula that makes their flip-flops butter-soft, bouncy, flexible and durable. Coming with eye-catching colors and designs, it is no big wonder that Havaianas has become a fashion staple on the beach and even beyond.
Moana will be adding to its growing collections of beach wear as Lisa Goodwin, a new jewelry line, will be available starting September. Getaway essentials such as beach towels and skincare products will also soon be on the store shelves. You don’t have to wait that long to dress up for a romp and a swim, though. Just grab your kind of laidback beach chic as you head off to a distant shore and you’ll be as good as sun-kissed gold.
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Moana is located at Level R1 of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati.
