Table of contents for September 2018 in MEGA

Take this reddish-brown hue as this season’s warmest neutral as seen on the runways of Chalayan, Anna Sui and Loewe THE LIST: 1 Long earrings by H&M. 2 Camel aztec jumper (P850) by DOROTHY PERKINS. 3 Striped dress with buttons (P3295) by ZARA. 4 Double-breasted coat (P5490) by H&M. 5 Braided waist belt (P899) by H&M. 6 White rivet detail slingback heel by CHARLES & KEITH. 7 Groucho python-effect leather ankle boot (P29,520) by JOSEPH. 8 Hammock small leather tote (P87,375) by LOEWE. 9 Constance engraved Plexiglas padlock watch (P38,945) by GUCCI. 10 Pleated wool-blend hopsack wide-legged pants (P37,155) by PRADA. 11 Leather-trimmed corduroy blazer (P44,035) by PRADA. 12 Logo leather hoop earrings (P22,360) by FENDI. 13 Cat-eye faux-pearl embellished acetate glasses (P17,895) by GUCCI BROWN REVIVAL Add a hint…

Ever since its inception in 1984, the Barcelona-born label has remained at the cutting edge of fast fashion. In the previous years, Mango has been producing several collections with over 18,000 garments and accessories each season, and has over more than 2600 stores worldwide. Aside from prominently expanding their range of street style-ready ensembles, star-studded campaigns and garments of impeccable quality, one of the brand’s primary attributes is how it uses not only internationalization, but localization to conquer the global scene. It’s not everyday that we hear of a brand so successful in a far-reaching scale that still heavily supports its textile-producing sector. More often than not, high street brands deliberately choose outsourced fabrics than their homeland’s fruits, but this isn’t the case for Mango. Much like a produce out…

Youth is the star, and the celebration of it is evident in many of A|X Armani Exchange’s campaign. Capturing the freedom, joy and enthusiasm of youth has always been one of the brands main design pushes. Launched back in 1991, the A|X brand was meant to target a younger set and become a more accessible Armani brand. The campaigns are quite provocative and reflective of the street and even dance culture of every era. This season, it’s all about the glitz and glamour of the 80s. From vibrant color blocking to chic black and white numbers, the latest collection also includes gold and silver that signal the fashion celebration the brand has been known for. The trendy pieces are balanced out with an update on wardrobe classics, as well as…

How does one build an armor out of scratch? In the early 1200s, armors were first laid out in leather and cloth, then slowly cast to iron and would be case-hardened with charcoal to form it into steel. It was designed to cover the entire body to be as indestructible as possible, protecting it against any weapon so that no puncture or crushing damage could ever be done. Much like a warrior’s armor, Kristine Ordinario fearlessly took on the challenge of creating a collection that would withstand imperilment all while empowering the female frame. Her penchant for designing clothes started in high school by making her first garment for home economics class, a Mondrian-inspired piece popularized by YSL. Using a thrifted dress in which she hand-stitched square patches of colored…

JUST LIKE THIS True luxury will always belong to a privileged few, however, it seems that the definition of luxury (and who the lucky privileged are), may be shifting now. Take The Grid for example; the upscale food hall hired some of the hottest chefs and restos in the country right now, but instead of plastering their names and logos, they’ve put them all in uniform stalls (stalls!) and discreet typography. Interested? Find out more in Food. In People, we chart the rise of celebrity stylists Rain Dagala and Em Millan together with their sparkling stable of clients. Up for a spiritual healing? We explored a traveler’s pilgrimage to the famed Camino de Santiago in Travel. Lastly, in Relationship, we ask couples who couldn’t make it work if friendship is…

All things considered, Nikki Martel proves that the true thrill of beauty lies in the desire to keep on learning and discovering “My love for PR and marketing all began when I was studying and living in New York. I fell in love with public relations after a couple internships and jobs working for PR departments of designers or PR companies that housed a multitude of fashion brands. However, being open to new experiences brought me to the world of beauty when I moved back to the Philippines and started my job with Beauty Bar, SSI,” says 31 year old Nikki Martel. “I was able to use everything I learned doing fashion PR and applied it to the world of beauty. Beauty has become so prominent in the last years…

“ fashion is not about looking back. It’s always about looking forward,” professes veteran editor Anna Wintour in the seminal fashion documentary, The September Issue, as they were putting the final touches to fall’s fashion bible during the most important month in the industry’s calendar. In the zeitgeist of today’s pop culture, the September issue is the Superbowl of fashion magazines. We at MEGA uphold the standard in the same regard as we welcome the season in tip-top sartorial decision-making, as well as in all aspects and facets of life. Pulling out all the stops and energies we could possibly muster, we’ve shaken up the gender lines in I Am Who I Am, journeyed into the pastures in The Reaping, confessed our love for liquid metallics in New Frontier, raved…

Everyone goes through some form of seemingly insurmountable pain or fear at one point or another in their lives. The cause can be anything—bereavement, anger, obsession, anxiety, stress, or addiction. But have you ever wondered why some people tell you that “it gets worse before it gets better” when you tell them you’re feeling down and out or downright depressive? Do you believe that this period of helplessness and hopelessness that you feel is actually a harbinger of happier days ahead? It may be hard to believe, but it’s true. And it all has to do with how you deal with your destruction. Let’s take the installation by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama as a visual guide. The interactive piece entitled (what else?!) Obliteration Room encourages visitors to saturate an…

OPPO Even with most feature-loaded innovation, battery life will bound to be an issue—especially when data connection and actual usage come into the mix. Leveraging these all important considerations is Oppo with its latest phone, the F9. Still boasting of sensational selfie taking abilities, the F9 is equipped with a 25MP AI front camera, which works well in bright and low light. Enhanced with 4/6GB RAM+ 64GB ROM, the F9 runs smoothly with awesome features such as a multi-tasking 6.3-inch FHD+ waterdrop screen with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the F9 (which comes in Sunrise Red, Twilight Blue and Starry Purple reflective colors) boasts of the ability to offer 2 hours of talk with just a 5-minute charge. Using the highly safe VOOC Flash Charge,…

Dear MEGA, Much has been said of the many women, or #girlbosses that are not only taking over, but making their solid mark all over the world. There is no lack of girl power in the country, which is why I was very happy that you took a different route and featured my inspirations, Georgina Wilson, Jess Wilson, Bea Soriano-Dee and Martine Cajucom. More than their Insta-fame or their It-girl status, it is their keen sense for business and firm grasp of what the generation wants that really made me look up to them. Yes, they are undeniably pretty, but more importantly, they have the brains to back it up, too. I thought I already knew their lives by following them online, but your profiles on them proved that they…

The January of fashion is upon us and the trends are ready to entice you for that fall wardrobe overhaul you’ve been wanting. The trends are going extra this season—extra clean, extra big, extra bright. This month, we check on the top contenders and explore the best trends to bet on this season. First up is Best Buys with a focus chic capes, fall rusts and classic tweed, while Get Ready to Wear assumes a darker persona as black leather becomes a perfect fall trend for any age. Kristine Ordinario is this month’s New Kid on the Block with her graduation collection that exudes medieval sensibilities but executed with a modern eye. In our Designer Profile section, we kick of the 20th year celebration of Francis Libiran with his newest…

THE LIST: 1 Two-toned cat-eye acetate sunglasses (P15,145) by SAINT LAURENT. 2 Ball drop earrings (P14,703) by BALENCIAGA. 3 Round neck embellished jacket (P23,545) by TORY BURCH. 4 Rollneck wool sweater (P18,585) by JOSEPH. 5 Cropped tweed trousers (P25,125) by MSGM. 6 GG Marmont micro quilted velvet and textured-leather shoulder bag (P46,120) by GUCCI. 7 White leather ankle boot (P55,493) by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN. 8 Furry strap detail calf boot (P3850) by CHARLES & KEITH. 9 Tweed belt bag (P1795) by ZARA. 10 Tweed mini skirt (P695) by ZARA.11 Check coat with trims (P7595) by ZARA. 12 Oval sunglasses with tinted frames (P399) by SUNNIES STUDIOS. 13 Felted wool beret (P599) by H&M BAG LADY Get into the trend and opt for chic belt bags in tweed…

Born in the breathtaking islands of El Nido Palawan, Isadora cannot recall a moment in her lifetime when she never loved fashion. At 15, she would religiously watch her ultimate style icon Gwen Stefani on MTV and obsess on how she finessed every punk outfit during the band’s No Doubt era. Soon after, she persuaded her mom into letting her take sewing classes and thought to herself, “I want to make clothes when I grow up.” And yes, she did. Isadora paved her way in Manila in the bespoke industry after studying Fashion Design, creating clothes according to each client’s liking but realized that she didn’t enjoy it that much. Thus, she assembled her own label. But it wasn’t until she decided to move to the US where her career…

The Longchamp Le Pliage is easily one of the most popular bags in the world. With its leather handle, coated canvas body and foldable feature, the bag might be straightforward in design, but as they say, the simple ones are usually the best. This is the principle that guided Longchamp CEO Jean Cassegrain in creating this iconic bag. “The Le Pliage bag is an important part of our history and our future, and has contributed to our rapid growth over the past two decades. It brings together all that is best about our brand—French craftsmanship, quality, modernity, style and elegance,” he shares. In fact, Jean intended to create a foldable bag, which eventually evolved into the popular Le Pliage in 1993. Since then, the piece has become a worldwide bestseller…

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FADING OUT Instead of simply applying your lipstick right away, a fresh way to wear it is through an ombré lip. Makeup artist Patrick Alcober achieved this look using the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Lip Blush in 201 and 202. RED VELVET Go for a classic look and line your lips before finishing off with a matte lipstick. Make this a ravishing reality with MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rogue Lipstick in 407 and the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip Liner in 11C. JUST A SMUDGE As people have been more forgiving with imperfections, dare to blur out the lip line. Get in on the loop by moisturizing the lips with MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Lip Booster then applying MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rogue Lipstick…

Dr. Javellana has been in the aesthetic business for almost 25 years. Always learning new techniques and cutting edge technology is a must for all doctors to level up. But that is not the only secret to her success. What sets her apart from other doctors is her heart—she managed to build strong relationships with her patients who became friends and now are like her family. With a flourishing aesthetic medical practice such as hers you would expect a number branches and even franchises all over the metro, but Dr. Javellana wants to keep it small so she can focus on quality and offer her patients her personal care and attention. By keeping only three branches, she is able to give them her most precious asset—her time. NOT JUST A…

In beauty, many people are obsessed with gold. One can find it in skincare, in makeup and in the many, many frothy descriptions of everything within those two spheres. Rose gold might be the trend, and silver slips in time and time again as a popular alternative, but gold remains the standard. Gold looks good on anyone. It warms the skin and adds a glow that seems heavenly, sexy and glamorous all at the same time. In almost every “nude” eye shadow palette that comes out, gold is almost always guaranteed to show up, right along with soft taupes and sheer browns. “I think gold suits almost any skin tone, and if you are not the type to experiment on makeup with crazy colors but you want to be a…

The first time I met Fons Martinez was when he was still a junior in high school at the Ateneo de Manila. I remember that day so clearly. This 16-year-old boy was sitting across from me, front row at Philippine Fashion Week when it was still being held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. He caught my eye because he was a gentleman that was unbelievably well put together. Then, Fons was wearing dark ultra-skinny trousers with micro-patterns, Cole Haan loafers, a crewneck shirt and a current collection navy-blue suede military jacket from H&M. The fast fashion giant wasn’t even in Manila, yet he already had its premium line. “How did he even access that when he was still in high school?” I thought to myself. You see, it…

STYLE TIP Up your texture game with tufts of shearling on supple hides such as suede…

TOM FORD F***ing Fabulous At this point, we know very well that anything that Tom Ford does is bold, in-your-face and downright unapologetic. Whether it be his sartorial choices, his fine and fanged foray into film, or even his orchestrations in beauty and grooming, every flick of his baton will reveal something memorable. This holds true with the latest fragrance that is so good; part of its name is bleeped out in some segments of the globe. A seductive sillage by all accounts, F***ing Fabulous opens up with a foreplay of lavender and clary sage, before building up to a delicious swirl of bitter almond, vanilla and leather heart. The final plunge is a warm and thick coalescing of amber and white woods making it one hell of an addictive…

Let’s face it, no one quite does fashion like the Italians. Well-referenced in the lexicon of style and design (it is a fashion capital after all), the European gem and cultural stronghold has held a premium for the finer things in life. But instead of fanning the flames of their own hype, they take to simple gestures that tell a story of personality and innate taste, evoking an unabashed elegance that speaks of ease. Even in the rigors of tailoring and precise construction, there is an effortlessness that speaks through the seams. This is why no one can knock off Tod’s as a true classic and heritage brand. Incorporating time-trusted tenets of excellence in quality and craftsmanship in primarily leather goods; the brand continues to permeate the consciousness and functions…

You guys are my inspiration! I am looking up to you as my mentors in this girl boss life.—@lilydoll17 on MEGA August 2018 via I can’t wait for what you have planned for next month, because international fashion magazines are making quite a noise about their September issue. I’m excited to see your fashion surprise, too! #BigFashionIssue —@jbrian_benitoon MEGA August 2018 via My favorite #GirlBosses! So happy for you guys. —@tellemaywhy on MEGA August 2018 via The clothes and background complements the eyes —@AteMoIsang on MEGA Man August 2018 via Going to grab much of those! Wil you nailed it man! @wil_dasovich —@AteMoIsang on MEGA Man August 2018 via…

THE LIST: 1 Faux leather nautical cap (P695) by BERSHKA. 2 Maxi earrings (P495) by BERSHKA. 3 Cape coat with scarf (P7595) by ZARA. 4 Faux suede belt (P1495) by ZARA. 5 Knitted flared trousers (P1695) by STRADIVARIUS. 6 City box bag (P1995) by ZARA. 7 Zip-up ankle boot (P2995) by ZARA. 8 Original Achilles leather sneaker (P21,685) by COMMON PROJECTS. 9 Tailored high-waisted trousers (P42,390) by BURBERRY. 10 Double-breasted cape (P34,285) by MSGM. 11 Smocked checked jersey turtleneck top by MM6 MAISON MARGIELA. 12 Oversized square-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses (P18,245) by GUCCI. 13 Mismatched gold-plated link drop earrings (P20,025) by BURBERRY EYE SEE YOU Big sunglasses give your caped look a vintage feel…

20s BLACK SHEEP Wear leather with texture such as velvet and patent, which will give you all the feels 30s BUTTERFLY EFFECT A biker chic look gets an update with the season's hot ticket items 40s NEO NOIR Tailored pieces and strong shoulders say power STYLE TIP Studs add a dose of edginess to leather pieces STYLE TIP Soften your all-black ensemble with a bright-colored scarf for that ladylike feel STYLE TIP Break the monochromatic streak with a classic bag in bright hues…

Entering Roxanne Ang-Farillas’ home is like stepping into her creative mind. From the wooden beams to the multiple gold and contemporary décor, one would think the different combinations wouldn’t go together, but it’s Roxanne’s level of taste that fuse all these elements into a striking modern home. This taste level is especially evident with her beloved brand, Plains & Prints. What is now one of the biggest fashion retailers in the country, Plains & Prints started out as a humble brand that has upheld the values of craftsmanship and style to this day. “We started way back in 1994 at a small shop in Shoppesville Plus Greenhills. Our marketing efforts only started in 2002 when we launched Gretchen Barretto as our endorser. It was a big leap to bring our…

When Meghan Markle alighted from her bridal car at the Windsor Castle, she wore a pristine white long-sleeved gown with a boat neck detail by Givenchy artistic director Clare Waight Keller. While the immaculate gown received mixed reactions, many people ultimately loved the creation of Keller. Since May 19, 2018, both Keller and Duchess of Sussex have set a standard for feminine dressing. This minimalist yet sophisticated manner of dressing is not new, but in true sartorial cyclical fashion, female minimalism is back at the French house of Givenchy. There is a new air of femininity at Givenchy, one that we haven’t seen in a while, it is apparent with a female helming the maison—the first for the luxury brand in its 43-year history. When you think of the brand…

FLOWER GIRLS Fall florals bloom this season with designers creating pieces for the woman. Christian Dior goes for sexy classics with sheer dresses and patchwork techniques while Dolce & Gabbana and Richard Quinn go full glamour with couture embroidery and metallic fabrics. CLEAN SLATE Immaculate white season is upon us and we’re ready to be just as chic as these frocks. Boss’s clean jumpsuits easily balances out the feminine fit and design of Valentino’s extra soft whites. Take cues from Cushnie et Ochs for a sexier turn or opt for Emilia Wickstead’s take on monastic trench dressing. BACK TO THE FUTURE It’s a future perfect world as reflective surfaces take to the frontlines of style this season. It is no Jetson-type of future, but it is a far-off timeline we…

Food halls can get a little overwhelming. With Instagramfamous food trends left to right, choosing a meal can prove to be a time-consuming challenge, with thoughts such as “Is this meal pretty enough to post?” floating around our minds. But at The Grid, Power Plant Mall’s new food hall, you are taken back to your proper senses. Sometimes, you simply have to tune in to discover what it is you really want for the day. Upon entering The Grid, the first thing you will notice is its clean layout, which gives you the basic information you need. Rather than having huge signs of each brand’s logo, the stalls are uniform, simply providing you with 1.) the stall number, 2.) the type of food being served, and 3.) the restaurant or…

GO FOR GOLD Rose gold or bronze, is lovely, and so is the cool flash of silver, but when it comes to metals, gold reigns supreme. It’s flashy, yes, but it’s also the most complementing on the skin—warming it up and giving it a glow, whether worn a wash on the lids or dusted in a fine shimmer along the clavicles. We discover more about this fabulous metal in Counter Intelligence. Then, we meet go-getter Nikki Martel, the head honcho of Beauty Bar. Intelligent and classy, this beauty insider talks about what gets her up and going in the morning in Beauty Blog. Read about these golden girls and boys, and more, this month.…

Many older women admit to starting skincare only in their late twenties. While Millennials and younger have taken to the masks, BB creams and the ten-step Korean skincare routine, those in their 30s and older tend to start late, buoyed by a misplaced sense of immortality and layers and layers of concealer. “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty, you get the face you deserve,” so says Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the illustrious founder of her namesake brand. Yes, it’s ridiculously easy to look wonderful when your skin is taut, plump and gleaming with youth. My infant daughter literally wakes up looking like an angel, but what about her harried, chronically sleep-deprived mother? Not so much. In fact,…

Tom Ford is an iconoclast. A true Renaissance Man, the Texas-born artist is able to create beautiful, often provocative, but always original works. From his movies to his clothes and his ludicrously popular beauty line, his impeccable taste, eye for beauty and unyielding desire for perfection are ever present. This is why every new collection from the Tom Ford Beauty line is hotly anticipated, and like the coolest people in the room, they arrive on the scene just when they’re needed the most. In a market inundated with new brands and new products on a daily basis, it’s hard to muster up excitement—except when it comes to Tom Ford. His brand new clutch-sized lipsticks, named after close friends, cohorts and collaborators are the latest to join the Tom Ford Boys…

Makeup artist Tamara Pineda shares her tips for wearing gold—without looking like C3PO. EYES. Definitely try a fun gold eyeliner. It can be subtle or as bold as you want it to be. LIPS. This can be a little trickier to pull off. But you can always add a hint of gold to your lip by using a gold speckled lipgloss or highlight just the center of your lips with a gold shimmer. SKIN. FENTY BEAUTY Killawatt Highlighter in Trophy Wife (P1950) definitely comes to mind when I think of gold highlighter. The intensity of this really depends on your application, but definitely use a light hand. 1 PETER THOMAS ROTH 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask (P4270). 2 GUERLAIN L’Or Radiance Concentrate (P3749). 3 PIXI 24K…

It can prove quite the challenge and excite the superseding Millennial generation these days. What with a proliferation of visuals saturating typically fired up timelines, and communications of all shape, slant and form targeted at their every whim, latching on to whatever the overriding intention is daunting to say the least. Add the fact that the well-meaning purpose of it all is a brimming and bursting of nationalistic pride, on Independence day no less, everyone at MEGA definitely was on edge. Over the course of the past few years, MEGA has successfully staged the Pinoy Pride Ball, one that has seen many incarnations, naturally. Last year, the focus was fittingly aimed at the Millennials, a risk that reaped many rewards—selfies, OOTDs and video stories included. “FROM THE SCINTILLATING AND SENSUAL,…

It is innately human to pass judgment on just about everything and anyone; especially in this day and age where wit, aesthetic and clout coalesce into an aspiration everyone aspires to. It isn’t so much as an I-am-better-than-you type of one-up, but rather, it is a failure to extend a chance for someone to prove themselves to you or some inane standard set by society. Young actor and rising matinee idol Ruru Madrid is no stranger to being subjected to judgments, which is invariably part and parcel of the job he signed up for. Not that he is all too concerned about it, actually. In fact, he is too cool and chill to be bothered by whatever the public makes of him. He knows himself all too well, and this…

STYLE TIP Dare to go beyond the heritage and wear varying patterns together, but keeping in mind to tie it together with a unifying color scheme…

At this point, it is arguably hard to imagine someone else as the fictional hammer-wielding Norse god, Thor; let alone separate the Marvel universe mainstay from the man that has taken on the persona of the superhero from the get-go. True to canon, Chris Hemsworth has the physical likeness down pat—from the formidable frame (read: intimidating) to the big, booming echo of a voice. (The long golden locks are an on and off thing, in real life as in the films.) However, it is the transition from cannot-be-messed with and hubristic Asgardian deity to a relatable, down-to-Earth (well, literally) avenger that really grips the audience. And that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, to be completely honest about it. This uncanny parallel to Hemsworth in his journey from being an Australian…

Okay, unpopular opinion: I am not a fan of the much-hyped and celebrated first outing of Virgil Abloh as Men’s Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton. Now, before you start throwing stones (or fine, Supreme-stamped bricks) or casting side-eyes at me, know that I was one of those who looked forward to what he had to offer for the men’s segment of the revered Parisian luxury house, especially since he was following the footsteps of Kim Jones. (His storied tenure is one for the books, truly.) From industry and internet whispers to the actual announcement, I felt that it was not only a brilliant choice, but a necessary precursor for the LVMH-owned brand in this day and age of the streetwear-obsessed. Abloh, with his firm grip on the pulse of the…

Decked out in nonchalance: a faded denim jacket over a white shirt, khaki chinos, white sneakers, a newsboy cap, and classic Ray-Ban aviators, Ruru Madrid walks in looking every bit like a Hollywood actor incognito. I compliment his look, to which he candidly responds, “Actually ngayon lang ako nag-explore ng ganitong style,” pertaining to the preppy chinos and cap. “My usual style includes boots and a leather jacket, kasi halos lagi akong naka-motor.” He takes a bite out of his cheeseburger in between, before continuing, “Which I couldn’t use today since umuulan, kaya iniba ko naman get-up ko.” With his prominent mestizo features, impressively buffed-up physique, and sleek dark man-locks, it’s easy to see why Ruru is often hailed as a matinée idol-in-the-making. Throughout the shoot, he cracks a joke…

STYLE TIP Don’t take this trend as an excuse to dress up like a grade-A douchebag. Instead, use it as an opportunity to show off another popular trend, piled on jewelry DARE TO BARE Barring personal modesties, go beyond the norm and unfasten those buttons further down…