Designer gowns show off new jewelry collection

By Raoul J. Chee Kee
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TROPICS necklace from Jewelmer—16mmgolden South Sea pearl set with 15 carat diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold

Pearl collars, chokers and cuffs were all on display recently when Jewelmer Joaillerie launched its spring-summer 2013 collection. That evening, many of the women who attended the event at NBC Tent at the Fort had freshly scrubbed, lightly powdered necks—the better to display their jewels.
Three designers were tapped to design evening wear that was then paired with pieces from the new collection. Rhett Eala, Patrice Ramos-Diaz and Randy Ortiz presented beautifully distinct gowns.
Eala had his trademark layers of fabric that resembled the multiple pages of a huge book. These were paired with ropes of pearls and gold plate. Pearls were also dotted or scattered sparingly across the waist.
For her set, Diaz used shiny jersey and daring cutouts that revealed portions of creamy skin. Her unforgiving, body-con pieces were partnered with tricolor pearl strands or lariats that were left to dangle from the shoulder or were cinched tightly around the waist.

DOLCE Rosa collection

Ortiz, a known romantic came up with evening gowns with red lace appliques, sexy halter tops with billowing sleeves, and skirts embellished with black curlicues. For more drama, his models were sent out wearing an assortment of pearl brooches, multi-strand cuffs and chokers.
“The three designers each possess a very strong, distinct aesthetic that, while different, came together beautifully when they were asked to come up with designs inspired by the spring-summer 2013 collection,” creative and collection director Gaelle Branellec told Inquirer Lifestyle.
Not one, but three
That evening, the designers came up with not one, but three collections. Aside from evening wear that clung to a neutral palette, they also presented a five-piece cobalt set as well as an all-black suite.
“We formally launched Jewelmer Joaillerie’s signature cobalt blue as it signifies the sea, the origin of the exquisite South Sea pearls. This precious shade of blue is vibrant like the sea,” Branellec said. “There is also a certain fragility, like that of the state of our seas, that evokes emotion which is difficult to translate into words. It is truly an exceptional color to complement the exceptional golden South Sea pearls,” she added.

EARRINGS, ring and necklace from Jewelmer’s Via Rosa collection. Open petals allow light and air to pass through.

The spring-summer 2013 collection from Jewelmer Joaillerie is wide and varied, but when she was asked to identify the big-ticket items, Branellec chose the Grand Tropics necklace from the Tropics collection and the Pelagia Ring from the Lautitia collection.
“The other ranges include Dolce Rosa, Via Rosa and the Vitta Rings. We also have some new extensions of the Petite Fleur collection that have garnered quite a lot of attention in recent weeks,” she added.
Credit card launched
Incidentally, a new credit card timed its launch to coincide with that of Jewelmer’s. The Jewelmer Platinum MasterCard powered by PNB and Allied Bank is the first ever jewelry co-branded card in the world. This luxury card is for the discerning individual with an appreciation for the finer things in life.

PELAGIA ring

With premium benefits like points redemptions with Jewelmer, reward programs, special gifts, an exclusive concierge, dual currency conversion, Mabuhay Miles, and more, the card should be available before the end of the year.
“The Jewelmer Platinum MasterCard also supports the Save Palawan Seas Foundation, which is a philanthropic conservation effort very close to the hearts of the Jewelmer family,” Branellec said.
Jewelmer Joaillerie’s spring-summer 2013 collection should be available in stores now, although Branellec said some of the more elaborate pieces will first be brought to a number of international

What ‘ultimate giver’ Cris Albert likes to wear for Christmas

By Larry Leviste
Philippine Daily Inquirer 6:55 am | Friday, December 14th, 2012 Auggie Cordero creates the best gowns for Christmas partying. “His taste is elegant, his designs are classic yet youthful,” said Cris Albert in her Yuletide festooned flat.
Everyone knows it was Wanda Louwallien, the beautiful mom of Cris, who introduced her daughter to the world of haute couture. Wanda was Auggie’s favorite model in the ’80s.
The best part of owning a made-to-measure dress is that it is specially molded to every contour of your body, usually perfected after two fittings at Cordero’s atelier in Malate.
Made-to-order assures the wearer of looking impeccable, and whether she loses a few pounds or gains a bit, especially this Christmas, it will never show. That’s what separates ready-to-wear from haute couture. You are sure the outfit exists only for you, and you never have to fear that you will enter an event venue and face someone wearing the same thing.

HALTER High tea dress, creme anglaise silk jersey column with a black silk sash and Swarovski belt, Escada shoes

And so today we learn about the outstanding style and hopes and goals of Cris Albert. Cris earned her college degree in advertising at the Assumption College. Then she finished a post-grad three-year course in Management at Harvard University, then another course at Insead in France, plus a Masters in entrepreneurship at AIM.
“I have a passion to make a difference, and I start by helping people in our company find their purposes and bring out their gifts,” said Cris, CEO of Fila, a local sports-minded shoe line. “We have five brands now, and I own three, which are international. We have 350 outlets, growing by 100 stores next year and three new product lines, as well.
Perseverance
“As an entrepreneur, I am driven by creativity and intuition, coupled with scientific measures,” she added. “My work ethic is perseverance.”
Such stellar priorities and principles come from a great loving family, bonded with mutual respect and admiration as well as encouragement and support for each member of Cris’ family.

2013 BALLGOWN Perfect for the New Year’s Ball at the Manila Peninsula, Cordero channels Marie Antoinette’s youth in this cotton candy-pink formal
festooned with silk cabbage roses.

“I am my Papa’s one great love, and I’m proud to be from the Abad Santos clan. My father Antonio is a businessman and is my knight in shining armor,” Cris said. “My great grandfather, Jose Abad Santos, is truly a hero. My favorite quote from him is ‘It’s an honor to die for one’s country.’ He is truly an inspiration to me. I live by this principle of loving people all around me.”
Then there are Cris’ advocacy and dedication.
“I love the Philippines, and there’s no better way to glorify God than to give back to our fellow countrymen in need. My advocacy for children is driven by my belief that every child deserves a home and a proper Christian education.”
Cofounding Operation Compassion, a nongovernment organization that builds ministries for the less fortunate, Cris has found her real happiness and contentment. “My cause is first for the people in the company to realize all their gifts, and maximize them to its highest potential.

ROYAL PURPLE Auggie Cordero’s signature strapless bubble dress in violet silk taffeta. Google his address and make an appointment.

“Through this, we are able to build several ministries for the poor. Operation Compassion is a beautiful expression of God’s law on love: selflessness. And there is nothing more beautiful than the fact that we are God’s children.
“I am obsessed with my son’s education,” she added. Having two beautiful kids, Carlo and Isabela, makes Cris Albert the ultimate giver that she is. “My true loves are my husband and my children.” Blessed with 19 years of a happy marriage to business man Butch Albert, Cris enjoys the dual worlds of generous spirituality and fine living, which is the recipe for harmony and joy.
What made this shoot unforgettable was the disco music that played loud and endless popping bottles of Moët & Chandon, which made the whole cast giddy as we got into the Christmas spirit.