Newsmakers

For your eyes only

February 10, 2009 | 12:00am

Lanvin, considered to be the oldest Parisian Maison de Couture, has finally launched its sunglasses and ophthalmic collection for men and women in Manila. The legendary brand’s 2009 Spring-Summer collection was welcomed with afternoon cocktails at Hotel Celeste, a new boutique hotel in Makati.

An exclusive group was invited to witness the event that was hosted by Daphne Oseña-Paez. At Cicou, (the restaurant run by Cyrille Soenen, which is becoming a favorite dining venue) guests were served refreshments while Lionel Magnan of LDesigns was on hand to educate everyone about the unique characteristics of the frames and sunglasses that they crafted for Lanvin. Guests were also entertained by the musical styling of Noelle Cassandra, who wowed the crowd as she sang while playing the harp to both English and French standard songs.

The afternoon was also made possible with the help of Guerlain makeup and Lanvin fragrances, which sponsored the gifts for the Lanvin Men and Women of the Day. Hotel Celeste also gave a lucky visitor an overnight stay.

Lanvin has gained renewed prominence since Alber Elbaz became artistic director of the fashion house. Lucas Ossendrivjer joined Lanvin three years ago to boost its men’s line.

Suffice to say Lanvin eyewear is, at this early stage, a definite hit in Manila.

(Lanvin is now available in all major optical shops in Metro Manila such as Vivian Sarabia Optical in Megamall and Mall of Asia, Diane Optical in Pasay Road, J Vinas in Shangri-La Mall and Sarabia Optical in Greenbelt 1.)

Manila dances to the beat of Nokia music

Nokia Music started the year with a bang as it presented to Manila party goers and music lovers the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, the phone company’s latest mid-priced, touchscreen music player that gives a totally different music experience like no other. The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic offers all the music essentials, including a graphic equalizer, 8GB memory for up to 6,000 tracks and support for all main digital music formats, and a 3.5mm jack. Built-in surround sound stereo speakers offer the industry’s most powerful sound. It has a handy drop down menu called the “Media Bar” that provides direct access to music and entertainment, including favorite tracks, videos, photos and a direct link to the Web for seamless sharing with your friends via Share on Ovi, Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.

Together with Bigfish, the mega music device set the perfect tune as HedKandi spread its infectious music with the heady tunes of world-renowned DJ Andy Daniels. Daniels has been playing to Manchester crowds for years, becoming a household name to Manchester clubbers. He will be releasing brand new tracks which include a cover version of the classic Adeva track Don’t Let It Show On Your Face, which he remixed with Lee Royle and Comac Fulton of Serial Diva.

While local pro DJs Anton Ramos and Johnboy Lee spun the turntable, femme DJs Sanya Smith, Mia Ayesa, Ornussa Cadness and DJ Badkiss weaved wicked tunes at the Nokia VIP cocktails at nearby Club Bureau.

Others seen at the event were Paolo Lorenzana, Monica Llamas, Robbie Carmona, Atom Henares, Angelo Villanueva, Joey Server, Manolet Dario, Twinky Lagdameo, Rachel Lobangco, Michael Bumgarner, Ruby Gan, Anton Barretto and Issa Litton.

All set for the traditional Vienna New Year Concert

The Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP), in cooperation with the Mandarin Oriental Manila, is presenting the traditional Vienna New Year Concert on Feb. 27 at the Ballroom, Mandarin Oriental Manila. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will start at 8 p.m. Austrian conductor Ernest Hoetzl will conduct the Manila Symphony Orchestra performing well-loved Strauss waltzes and polkas. Violinist Esther Lee will play Sarasate’s Gypsy Melody and soprano Rachelle Gerodias will be the soloist for the Voices of Spring by Johann Strauss. Joseph Haydn’s Farewell Symphony will be played in commemoration of his 200th birthday.

The Vienna New Year Concert is a traditional event during the winter months in Austria. The Ballroom at the Mandarin will be transformed into a replica of the magnificent interior of the Vienna Opera House in all its Baroque glory — its ornate ceiling and carved columns topped with fantastic flower arrangements during this event.

JSSP president and Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma leads the organizing committee. Chairman of the event is Mandarin Oriental Manila manager and JSSP-VP Helmut Gaisberger, assisted by co-chairs Olga Severino Martel (JSSP-VP) and Mila How. Other members of the committee are Maria Ellis, Cristina Belton, Agnes Huibonhoa, Virgie Lane, Maria Allgeier, Ditas Posadas and Chona Lopez. Members of the working committee are Lin Liboro, Alice Samson, Nympha Valencia, Nini Layug, Chit Gohu, Charisse Chuidian, Johnny Litton, Annabelle Adriano, Pilie Barrenechea, Maritess Pineda, Fanny Blanco, Pilar Aldanese and Tessie Amparo.