CEBU, Philippines - Known for designs that accentuate and complement the beauty of the face – as opposed to gowns that succeed only in stealing a woman's thunder – homegrown Cebuano fashion designer Jun Escario has pursued a much-awaited return to Cebu after years of making waves among Manila's A-list. And what a fitting home he's found at the lobby of the Cebu City Marriott Hotel to house and showcase his sartorial masterpieces.
Cebu's glitterati trooped recently to Marriott for a bienvenido of sorts to welcome back a pride of the islands, and of course, to celebrate and formally open a worthy and luxurious addition to the Marriott Hotel's featured facilities and services.
Escario assures his fellow Cebuanos that despite his massive success in the capital, he has not forgotten his roots and his new boutique at the Marriott is proof of this. "I've been concentrating my work in Makati for the past decade and I want people to know that I still accept clients in Cebu and that's where they can see me from Mondays to Wednesdays. The rest of the week I'm in Makati." I'm sure Cebu-based fashionistas, as well as international clientele and guests visiting the hotel, are delighted by this exciting development in the local fashion scene.
Like Escario's shop at the posh Greenbelt 5 mall in Makati, an ingenious collaboration with VERO by Gladys Young is also featured at the Marriott boutique. Vero's luxurious one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces complement Jun Escario's distinct, elegant collection-producing the perfect ensemble for those who subscribe to seamless and sophisticated fashion.
Escario adds, "The ready-to-wear pieces you will find in Marriott also have a more relaxed, resort feel. Not as formal as the ones you'll find in my Greenbelt 5 boutique." While the pieces at the Marriott respond to the laidback Cebuano lifestyle, Escario is thrilled to have on display a new collection now in the works, catering to brides who've always wanted to say 'I do' in a Jun Escario. His ready-to-wear bridal collections will be launched by the end of the year.
Visit Jun Escario + Vero boutique at the Level 1, Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Cardinal Rosales Avenue from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. (FREEMAN)