YStyle Picks

Chic attack

MANILA, Philippines - We’re guessing Parisian designer Isabel Marant (a.k.a. the patron saint of models off-duty) has no hard feelings towards H&M for ripping off her best-selling wedge sneaker line because the Swedish retailer just announced that she will be creating a capsule collection of “must-have pieces inspired by her signature style” for women and for the first time, for men, as well. “I am flattered by this collaboration: H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honor. I aim at creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality,” says Isabel Marant in a statement. After all, as the French say, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” (Just kidding, the Americans probably said that.) The collection will be available at H&M stores worldwide and online on Nov. 14.

Power trio

SM Shoes and Bags has tapped three top celebrites to become the official brand ambassadors of their three in-house brands: KC Concepcion for Parisian, Luis Manzano for Salvatore Mann and Sam Milby for Milanos. Says KC about her new endorsement: “Parisian shoes and bags are on-trend. I love their architectural details and vibrant colors. Every girl can find something from Parisian. These are statement shoes not only because they are fashionable, but they allow one a lot of self expression. And the best part is that they are so affordable.” Luis Manzano, on the other hand, finds that Salvatore Mann’s leather slip-ons and lace-ups are a perfect complement to his lifestyle, saying, “I really have to be as comfortable as possible with my shoes. That’s quite a challenge since I have to be dressed in formal attire at times.” Sam Milby is equally enthusiastic about representing Milanos. “It’s not only for a certain age group — these can be worn by high school students and professionals alike.  I love Milanos’ classy yet youthful style in its loafers, driving shoes, and lace-up boots,” he says.

Rainy days and cheap Mondays

Born out of a DIY philosophy and propelled into popularity by unconventional ideologies, Swedish denim label Cheap Monday celebrates art and creative expression through the Cheap Monday Mall Caravan series. After purchasing a Cheap Monday canvas bag, customers are encouraged to design and personalize it, alongside prominent members of the fashion industry. On June 15 and 16 at Corte De Las Palmas in Alabang Town Center, southerners can design the day away and scribble on the Sharpie freedom wall. On June 29 to 30 on the fourth floor cinema lobby of Trinoma, participants can enjoy a whole day of tote bag designing and free digital nail art from 4 p.m. onward. The final leg of the series will be held at the Abreeza Mall in Davao. The proceeds of the series will go to Dire Husi Initiative Inc., a youth organization and creative social enterprise that also serves as an artisan collective, band of world musicians, and advocates of fair trade.

Rita x cara x Chloe green/Topshop

Newly-minted BFFs Cara Delevinge and Rita Ora have been spotted partying and sporting crop tops all over the place and now, they might have reached that point in their (best)friendship where it’s time to design a clothing line together. Just look at Katie Holmes and her BFF/stylist Jeanne Yang (for Holmes & Yang) and, um, Justin Timberlike and his childhood BFF, Trace Ayala (for William Rast). (Obviously, this stage is only reached when one or both of the friends involved are famous.) According to a talkative source who blabbed to The Sun, “Rita and Cara have been talking about the idea for weeks now. Cara has great fashion industry contacts and Rita loves her clothes and keeps up with trends.” The source says that the two also believe that their “line could compete with those released by Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss.” And it looks like the duo are open to including a third BFF in the venture: “Rita’s become increasingly matey with Chloe Green and has mentioned the idea to her in the hope that she might help get it to her dad, Topshop boss Philip.” Ah, the plot thickens.

Mulberry’s pickings

After six very successful years at the company, Mulberry creative director Emma Hill has announced that she will be leaving the company due to a conflict with management over “creative and operational strategy.” The woman behind sell-out It bags, like the Alexa, Del Rey and Willow, Hill will finalize the London Fashion Week collection, which will show on Sept. 15, before leaving the company. Rumors abound that she could be headed to American handbag label Coach, which has been looking for a suitable replacement for its former creative director Reed Krakoff. In sort-of related news (only because Mulberry sounds like Burberry and they’re both British labels), Burberry executive chief Angela Ahrendts is the highest-paid corporate person in Britain, according the latest FTSE 100 Index (a shared index of the 100 most profitable companies listed in the London Stock Exchange). It’s the first time for a woman to reach such an achievement in British business and we bet her mama must be so proud of her.