Fashion Designer

Michael Cinco’s ingenuity for concocting couture fantasies that inspire one to dream is truly unparalleled, earning him and his brand consistent international acclaim; his gift, however, to fascinate the world – well, that’s just icing on the cake.  Inarguably, he is ‘the’ most notable and prolific Filipino designer on an international scale, of this generation.

Adding to an endless list of A-list celebrities and royalty who have donned his pieces in the past, Michael’s creations were once again brought to the media forefront at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival when Thai-Danish actress and model Sririta Jensen turned heads in two-tiered masterpieces from his ‘Impalpable Dream of Swan Lake’ collection. Creating another iconic red carpet moment was American actress Laverne Cox, who wore a bold orange gown from his same collection at the 2020 InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globes After-Party.

Moreover, Michael’s indelible influence on the world of fashion was recently immortalized at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Museum of Art (SCAD). The solo-exhibition in Savannah, Georgia, curated some of Michael’s most opulent signature creations worn by his star-studded clientele – of which include Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Beyonce.

While Michael continues to outdo himself in ways bigger than before through reinvention that stays true to his awe-inspiring aesthetic, he also brings our country’s creative geniuses to the forefront with him and his work, as a further consolidation of how the Filipino is a global force to be reckoned with.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Michael Cinco

Fashion Designer

Building a brand is one thing, but staying relevant and exceeding one’s greatest feats is another. Year after year, revered fashion designer Michael Cinco continues to outdo himself in remarkable ways. In 2018, his sheer gift for fashion was underlined on a global scale yet again.

Amongst the numerous celebrities that donned his creations this year were British singer Leona Lewis, opera superstar Zarina Altynbayena, Quincy Brown at the MTV Movie Awards, and Aishwarya Rai who wore a showstopping gown at the 71st Cannes Film Festival that left the media raving. In the landmark film, Crazy Rich Asians, Kris Aquino, who portrays Princess Intan, is seen wearing none other than Michael Cinco. This stands as a truly symbolic moment, as parallel to what the movie champions, the presence of Michael’s work are yet another testament to Asian excellence.

Adding to his endless list of achievements, Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong enlisted the help of Michael to recreate his grandiose Swarovski embellished royal blue ball gown for Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s wax figure.  In 2019, he is also set to present a cruise collection inside the biggest cruise ship in Asia and was invited to show his pieces for a private millionaires’ gala in Singapore.  Another gala show in Manila is also in the offing, as well as the launch of the designer’s new more affordable bridal luxe line.

With his unwavering love for art and unparalleled craftsmanship intrinsic to his brand, Michael has undoubtedly played a huge role in elevating not only the field of fashion but also our profile as a people. When asked about his advice to Filipinos, he shares:

“I have my mantra: every morning I wake up and begin each day, I think about my goals, impalpable dreams, and ambitions. I always take the time to give thanks to the people that love me and surround my life. Tell the people closest to you that you love them because words have an enormous impact as they touch the lives of others and strike a verbal contract of accountability.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Michael Cinco – Fashion Designer

Like his imagination, his career knows no limit. With a name so huge in the fashion industry and a brand so well acquainted with the world’s A-listers and royalty, Michael Cinco continues to inspire fashionistas and Filipinos alike. We asked him what his secret was – Michael voiced: “You have to stay true to yourself and design clothes that you love and want to wear. At the same time, remember that fashion is a business. Know your market.”

With his works lauded on the runway from Dubai, to Manila, New York, London, Miami, Singapore, Los Angeles, Sydney, and then Paris, the red carpets of Hollywood and Cannes, not to mention featured on TV in America, Asia and China’s Next Top Model, as well as countless glossies from pole to pole, Michael Cinco’s dream of becoming a truly global brand someday, seems inevitable.  Inching closer to that aspiration, Michael has recently collaborated with COUTURÍSSIMO – an online brand that sells luxe couture dresses for less, which now has stores in Singapore, Indonesia and now in Manila carrying his prêt-à–porter line.

Amidst of these extraordinary opportunities, Michael notes what keeps him on top of his game, “It’s all about continuously learning over the course of one’s career. I believe that it is important to keep your skills sharp.”  He also remains modest and recognizes the support that allowed him to achieve tremendous feats.  “I always treat my team with so much respect and love. The best lesson I have learned in this business is to accept that there are people who are smarter than me with more expertise with what I’m trying to achieve.  I always try to be humble, ask and learn from them.”

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Photography by: Rozen Antonio

Illustrado 100 was made possible by sponsors: Giordano, Liali Jewellery, Mitsubishi UAE- Al Habtoor Motors, Michael Cinco Couture, Mapúa Institute of Technology, Centro – Amwaj Rotana Hotel , Max’s Restaurant Middle East and GVER – Your Friendly MarketPlace for Sharing

Co-Sponsors: Herschel Supply Co., Rove Hotels, The Medical City – Dubai , Filipino Institute UAE, MPQ Tourism, JAMES Travel and Tours Dubai, Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant, The Original Barrio Fiesta Restaurant – Dubai and Tapa King UAE. 

Read more Illustrado 100 on www.illustradolife.com

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Pour home ou pour femme? Who gives a damn?

Photography: Glenn Peter Perez and Filbert Kung of Blackfox Photography

Model: Valerie Clacio Weigmann

Hair and Make-up: Georgina Desuasido

Styling: Ryuji Shiomitsu

Black cropped jacket by Tyler; black and white checkered polo shirt by Sam Kho; bow tie by Ryuji Shiomitsu; black stretch trousers by Seven For All Mankind; chunky heart stud earrings inlaid with brilliant cut diamonds by Naomi; layered silver chain necklace from AC +632; leather belt by Seven For All Mankind

Dotted fitted shirt from Barba by Vittorio Barba; single button jacket by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy at ADORA; striped sailor shorts from Barba by Vittorio Barba; stockings from Tinsels by Christine Lam; wide rimmed Postillion Hat from AC+632; vintage Bausch & Lomb Sunglasses from AC+632; leather belt by Seven For All Mankind; leather umbrella by Jean Paul Gaultier from AC+632; lace pendant set in white gold, drop earrings in smoky topaz with brilliant cut and baguette diamonds and pear shape black diamond, and round cut black diamond ring with white brilliant cut diamonds set in white gold, all from Naomi.

Shopping Guide:

AC+632 – 2/F Greenbelt 5 Makati City. Email: ac632@pldtdsl.net

Aranaz – Rockwell Powerplant Mall and Greenbelt 5, Makati City

Adora – Greenbelt 5, Makati City

Christine Lam – email:caspe_tin@yahoo.com

Michael Antonio Shoes – SM Annex North EDSA, Anthem Rockwell Powerplant Mall and Anthem Greenbelt 5. Website: www.michaelantoniophils.multiply.com

Naomi Jewelry – 2/F Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Tel. (+63 2) 636-0446 or 632-9615. Email: naomijewelry@yahoo.com Website: www.naomi.com.ph

Sam Kho – 50^th Avenue Robinson’s Galleria.Website: www.urbanity.ph/scotts.html

Seven For All Mankind – Greenbelt 5 and Robinson’s Ermita.

Vittorio Barba – Barba, Greenbelt 5. www.vittorio.com.ph

Zxander Tan – Email: zxandertan@yahoo.com.ph

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Public Speaker

Rowena Niduaza discovered the beauty and power of public speaking when she joined Toastmasters International in 2004, and through this group, she was able to bring out her other strengths and provide a voice to the Filipino community in the speaker’s circuit. This led to a slew of titles she has won for the country: the Division (UAE) championship and the District Championship (Middle East). In 2013, she won the Middle East Championship, becoming the first regional representative to reach the semi-finals of the Toastmasters International World Championship in Public Speaking in Canada.

Rowena also utilized her communication prowess and unique brand of humor and charisma to speak on female empowerment at conferences such as the Dubai Women’s Summit in 2017 and 2018, sharing the stage with other women leaders from the UK, France, Canada, etc. – inspiring audiences to bring out the best in themselves.

Originally from a creative background, heading the design department of a regional furniture retailer, she is currently looking to return back to fashion – her original calling.  She is set to launch her fashion line in the Philippines this 2020 and focus the project until she eventually retires from the emirates.

Nevertheless, even with her mic parked, for now, she will always be one of those rare people who successfully promoted the Filipino voice and wit, out there into the world, providing exceptional representation of our people on the global stage.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Rowena Niduaza

Public Speaker & Comedian

Public speaking powerhouse, Illustrado Woman of Substance Honoree and all-around lovable comedic personality, Rowena Niduaza occupies a unique position among many of Dubai’s charismatic personas. Well-known in the speaker circuit in the region, Rowena was a keynote speaker at the Dubai Women’s Summit 2017, and once again in 2018, sharing the stage with His Excellency Zulfiquar Z. Ghadiyali, CEO at the private office of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, as well as other women leaders from the UK, France, Canada, etc. In 2019, She is slated to be a part of another Women Empowerment Summit, this time in Manila.

Away from the gravitas of the female empowerment summits, Rowena is also a comedic talent, performing stand-up at the wildly successful “Comedy Cocktails” with well-known personalities from India, and Saudi Arabia.  Her comic routine centers on the humor of the mundane, the amusing points of motherhood and family – something Rowena relishes talking about.

Always grounded and comfortable in her skin own skin, Rowena swears by honesty and faith as her guiding light in life.  “If we can be honest with ourselves about who we are, our relationship with others will be deeper and stronger.  Then we seal it with faith. The same goes for improving ourselves; we need to be honest about what we can and cannot do because it’s only through this process we can take in the right learnings to improve ourselves. After that, all we need is the faith that we can do it.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Rowena Niduaza – The Storyteller

Rowena Niduaza has gained the respect and admiration of the Filipino community in the UAE for her magnificent strides with Toastmasters International – a non-profit organization that conducts communication and leadership training worldwide. After winning the Toastmasters Competition in the UAE in 2005, she won the regional leg of the competition and subsequently became the first Middle East representative to the 2005 Toastmasters International Convention for World Championship in Public Speaking held in Toronto, Canada. She is heralded as a master communicator, debator, and public speaker, and community leader, but there is one other title that gives her immense pride: survivor.

Rowena was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005, but in a twist of fate that could only be described as “miraculous,” she was eventually declared cancer-free by her doctors. This event led to a new awakening for Rowena Niduaza. “It was like a fresh new canvass but this time instead of using my brush right away and paint the colours directly on the canvass, I learned that it’s worthwhile to sketch my thoughts first before the final touch of colours and signatures,” she says. “I learned to look at life at a different angle. If one angle doesn’t satisfy my questions then I will try looking at it at another angle until I find the right answer and purpose in the situations around me. Life after cancer is like living with a better view finder.”

She felt a great desire to present her testimony to the world, and Toastmasters International gave her the perfect platform. For her, it wasn’t only about winning anymore, but also letting everyone know that hope can still thrive in the face of such a debilitating disease. “My speech was all about my life with cancer and I just kept on revising it in every level of the contest, but the story and the message were always the same,” she says. “We don’t need to wait until we experience the fear of dying before we appreciate living because we should fear what is dying inside us while we are still living.”

Despite the accolades that she has acquired through the years, Rowena Niduaza considers her family her greatest achievement. “I am proud of how my three kids have grown and how they have achieved much,” she says. “It’s not only about their success in their field but how they both treat people and animals with great care.”

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Filmmaker

Over the last 5 years, Kamil Roxas has created short films and documentaries that were screened and have won awards at festivals including the Dubai International Film Festival, Singapore World International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. He has also been honing his craft on the commercial front directing commercial spots and creating regional advertising campaigns for Tiffany & Co, Paco Rabanne, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Jeep, Vivo and more, under his own production company, Hello Project Space.

Known as one of the slickest storytellers of Dubai, Kamil is known to employ a strong cinematic approach to storytelling that creates visually striking and emotionally engaging work.  As one of the leading creatives in the community Kamil who has worked with multicultural teams and clients to great success, he attests to the abundance of Filipino talent in the country.  He says, “The Filipino community in the UAE is no short of talented artists in every creative field.” Advising future filmmakers, the artist recommends, “Surround yourself with people who are more creative than you.  Find time to collaborate with everyone. We are in a country that has over 200 nationalities. It is a missed opportunity if you only stick to a demographic that you are most familiar with. Don’t stop learning and try to veer away from the mindless telenovela and ‘noon-time show’ aesthetic. Think more globally.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Kamil Roxas – Hipster Film Maker

A self-confessed movie junkie, Kamil Roxas has been drawn to the world of film-making even at a young age. His interest in films like Pulp Fiction has influenced him to pursue the art, and with stars aligning to his fate, he has been offered a scholarship to attend a the New York Film Academy after he won the Best Director award for ‘Celebrate Life’ at the first Middle East International Film Festival. And, that has signaled the beginning of a growing list of achievements that Kamil Roxas gained in the craft he so loves.

He has won the Best Documentary from the Commission on Overseas Filipino Media Awards for the film ‘The Filipina on Top’ that was produced in collaboration with Illustrado’s Women of Substance advocacy. He has also bagged awards from the Dubai 48 Film Project and Nikon Film and Video Festival, and last year, his short film ‘Shadows’ won the Best Cinematography category at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

His latest achievement is the grand prize award at The Reel Dubai Short Film Competition organized by the Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Tourism and Samsung. Mentored by renowned local filmmakers Nayla Al Khaja, Mohammad Saeed Harib and Ali F Mostafa, Kamil Roxas’ entry of ‘Hello World’ has gained the critics’ nods to the poetic narrative of the rise of Dubai shown in his film. This winning short film has been screened at the 68^th Cannes Film Festival this year.

Now, Kamil Roxas continues to enjoy writing and directing for documentary work, commercial campaigns, TV series and occasional films and music videos. His most recognized commercial project would be the 30 episodes for a television series on Abu Dhabi TV documenting the work of Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE.

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Fashion Designer

Ryan Pacioles’ creations, achievements, and work as a designer speak for themselves – and they speak volumes. Humble and fiercely dedicated, Ryan has gone from strength to strength, bringing his brand Atelier Zuhra to grandiose couture heights. Through putting his own unique stamp on the world of fashion, he has veritably proven what an eminent creative he is in the local and international scenes.

Known for his modern ethereal aesthetic and couture masterpieces that exemplify amazing intricacy, Ryan’s scene-stealing gowns have graced runways in prestigious shows across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Moscow, Paris, and London. With his first foray into London Fashion Week in 2018, Ryan has come back for a second and third season for February 2019 and 2020, garnering overwhelmingly positive feedback from major fashion media outlets for each collection shown. In the modest pursuit of elevating global perceptions of the Filipino through design, Ryan, has cemented his presence among industry giants at shows in the world’s fashion capitals. Furthermore, Ryan’s pieces were recently worn by celebrities like Lady Victoria Hervey, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, as well as entertainment personality Giuliana Rancic.

Amidst the success, Ryan has kept his feet firmly planted. Behind his work exists the advocacy to inspire fellow Filipinos to go against the grain and elevate the standards within creative fields. Ryan attests: “As a Filipino designer in the Middle East, I want to push creative boundaries and be a true inspiration to other new designers, especially in the Philippines.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Ryan Pacioles

Fashion Designer

Just a hop and a skip away from his brand Atelier Zuhra’s debut at Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) in October 2017, designer Ryan Pacioles has wasted no time accomplishing win-after-win in the last year, not only making his presence felt in Dubai and the region, but also working his way into the international market.

In the UAE, Ryan’s pieces shone on the runway at the 1st Bride Dubai in February 2018 at World Trade Center Dubai, and The Bride Abu Dhabi in May 2018 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center Aside.  Most significantly, he also presented his collections twice in Paris, at the Caftan Art Defile Haute Couture show held in Marriott Champs Elysees in March and at the J’Autumn Fashion Show by Jessica Minh Anh SS19 at the Sienne River in September.  Atelier Zuhra also marked its first foray at the London Fashion Week in Sept as part of the showcase ‘Stories from Arabia,’ as well as in Moscow at the Al Arabia Fashion Days, where the brand won as Best Arab Designer at the show.

Looking back breathless at his packed but exhilarating year, Ryan remarks, “Success is like a rose, you must endure the sting of its thorns before you can relish the beauty of its flower.”

He adds, “I have worked very hard to bring my full gear to the front to show to people and the world that fashion is my passion and through this craft I can serve as an inspiration to others and the world that fashion is life and that fashion is like a light illuminating every shadowy corner of the world. Holding this dearly in my heart, I am more positive and delighted having that resolve to use my talent and craft to showcase creativity, artistry, industry, distinctiveness, elegance, and uniqueness – these special attributes that make Filipinos truly special and different in the world.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

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www.nichemodels.co

Since: 2017 

Founder: Glitzy Robles

Despite being entirely new in the UAE’s fashion industry, Niche Modeling team has quickly acquired several strengths and feats, making it a top-ranked modeling and talent management firm, as well as an events and media production agency. The team has racked up projects from startups and global brands alike and has worked for well-known names including Louis Vuitton, Aldo, Ounass, Bambah, Hia Magazine, Illustrado, Jute Magazine, Amato Couture, Vero Moda, Dubai Mall, ShoeExpress, Red Tag, Sharjah Bridal Fair, Anotah, Namshi, Iconic, Wojooh, and Samsung, among others.   The agency also collaborates with the top international modeling agencies established in France, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, Canada, Ukraine, Spain, Poland, and many more.

ANNA MODELS

www.annamodels.com

Since: 2016

Founder: Anna Llagas

A boutique agency providing modeling and production services to UAE and other GCC clients, Anna Models plays a crucial role in discovering new talents and bringing them to success.  The agency was founded by Anna Llagas, a well-known and experienced fashion model in the country who is well-experienced in managing the commercial side of the industry.  Representing ethnically diverse models for the runway, as well as editorial and commercial campaigns, the agency aims to produce new talents and represent them internationally.

Read the full edition of Illustrado Work & Play 2019 on www.issuu.com

Previous Article – Filipino Businesses in the Middle East and Beyond: Events

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All photos captured by Bethoven Filomeno (@caughtbybetongslens)

Michael Cinco

michaelcinco.com

Ezra Santos

ezracouture.co

Furne Amato

amatocouture.com

Ryan Pacioles

Atelier Zuhra

Read more on these designers: 

100MIFG – Michael Cinco

100MIFG – Ezra Santos

100MIFG – Furne One 

100MIFG – Ryan Pacioles 

Read more about Filipino Fashion on www.illustradolife.com

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www.stylegenie.ph

Established Since: 2016

 Founders: Abbie Victorino, Minrie Macapugay and Rione Palacios

Due to its unrivaled practicality, online shopping is quickly surpassing the need for its traditional counterpart. When it comes to buying fashion, e-commerce is one thing. However, platforms that provide you with specialized styling from the comfort of your own home is a whole other ballgame.

With FashionTech company StyleGenie, customers are sent an expertly curated collection of clothes that caters to their style preferences. From this, people can try before they buy. The StyleGenie team expresses: “Our mission is to grant style wishes and boost our customer’s confidence through smart and sustainable fashion choices.” How it all works: after signing up on their website and creating a Style Profile, you get to choose a Style Box that has been curated just for you. StyleGenie then delivers the clothes to your doorstep – from the collection, you get to keep and buy what you like, and they’ll pick up the rest.

StyleGenie was co-founded by CEO Abbie Victorino, Minrie Macapugay (Chief Tech Officer), and Rione Palacios (Chief Curation Officer). Branding expert Rione is a skilled retail executive with strengths in brand management, marketing communications, and fashion styling, while all-round tech expert Minrie is an IT consultant, front end JavaScript developer, and product development head. Together with Abbie, an experienced leader with a proven track record in international fashion buying and e-commerce solutions, the StyleGenie team endeavors to innovate the online shopping experience: “Through Style Genie and its services, we do not only sell clothes, but instead offer styling solutions so people can discover their true personal style, become conscious shoppers, and actively support the sustainable fashion movement. On the other hand, our platform offers our partner brands, especially the local ones, a way to sell their products with the use of data-driven technologies and personalized style-matching.”

Established in 2016, StyleGenie now has an active client-base of over 30,000 users and 2500 paying customers. Initially starting in the Philippines, the business seeks to expand to Singapore, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur later this year. As a company, they have even bagged a couple of awards along the way – StyleGenie received the title of best e-commerce startup from the Philippines at the 2018 ASEAN RiceBowl Startup Awards and was chosen as one of the top 32 Asian startups at the 2019 Jumpstarter startup competition in Hong Kong.

Seizing every opportunity for growth, this business has been a part of many startup programs. StyleGenie was incubated by the Ideaspace Foundation in 2017, and then the Asian Institute of Management in 2018. It was also accelerated by the 2018 UNCTAD (United Nations Conference of Trade and Development) x Alibaba E-Founder Fellowship Program, as well as the 2019 Simona Accelerator for APAC Women Founders (a collaboration between Digitaraya – a startup accelerator in Jakarta – and Google for startups in Indonesia). Through all these endeavors, Abbie has huge aspirations for StyleGenie: “My vision is to become the first female-founded style tech unicorn from the Philippines.”

GVER

www.gver.net

Established Since: 2017

Founders: Lalaine & Mon Benitez

As climate change and the world’s waste problems come to the fore, businesses that provide sustainable solutions lessening people’s environmental impact become more and more important.  Enter Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing.  Founded in 2017 Gver presents a novel mode of consumption built on top of sharing.  With the brand pitch – “get stuff for free, just pay for delivery and give away what you don’t need,” the startup differentiates itself from other marketplaces in that the business model is give and take, not buy, sell or trade.

Founder Lalaine Chu-Benitez shares, “Billions worth of useful goods end up in landfills around the world, while billions more are lying in our closets at home. But while so many of us have too much stuff, more and more are finding it harder to afford things.   By facilitating sharing and removing the pains of the secondhand markets – no selling/negotiating, no meetups and no having to arrange for transport, we give people amazingly cheap, easy and safe access to goods.”

The platform has currently over 4,000 members and has facilitated the give-away of thousands of items ranging from clothes to books, household items, even entire furniture sets.  2018 marks a new milestone as the brand started collaborating on CSR initiatives with companies to give away old furniture, equipment, and materials. Recent corporate partnership projects include the redistribution of over 150 pcs of second-hand hotel furniture worth an estimated AED25,000 from Jebel Ali Resorts and Hotels to the community, and the release of thousands of ceramicware to benefit restaurants across the city.  Such exercises prove that sharing is a win-win situation for both the companies where storage and disposal of old materials are both time-consuming and costly and for the receiving parties that are able to acquire useful goods conveniently delivered to their doorstep at the most minimal costs.

Lalaine adds, “In the future, we see Gver side by side the world’s largest marketplaces, not only because it is a great idea whose time has come, but because the world needs this.  We as humans need this type of business to succeed.”

Read the full edition of Illustrado Work & Play 2019 on www.issuu.com

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It’s our 12th year anniversary and what’s a more fitting way to celebrate than asking the fabulous fashion circle of UAE to come party with us in their own interpretation of our theme for the evening: “Dark Seduction”.

Spoiler alert? They did not disappoint! One thing we love about our parties is our attendees; because they don’t just show up — they come through in the most stylish way. So expect nothing but darkly seductive looks!

Set in the ultra Insta-worthy naughty Barbary Deli + Cocktail, people took advantage of the 1930’s vibe of the place to pose, snap and dance the night away! Headlining our guest list are fashion industry’s iconic “Holy Trinity” Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, and Furne One Amato and since it’s also our Big Fashion Issue, top designers in the UAE were also present at the party! Statuesque Phio Enaje came in his mysterious version of the dandy look, Yen AB showcased his impressive signature stone studded cap. Casting Director of Fashion Forward Dubai, the svelte Michael Amazona was present along with Dubai’s fashionphiles. Notable fashion photographers Rozen Antonio and Jef Anog also did not miss out while make-up maven Valentino Montuerto and dazzlingly skilled stylists Joe Dark and The Style Curators Dubai served us with some fashion extravaganza!

Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes also clocked in with his wife Madame Yasmin Balajadia – Cortes who stunned everyone with her elegant beaded black dress. CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle East Ishwar Chugani also joined us as well as remarkable personalities from the business industry like Philippine Business Council Dubai Chairman Bobbie Carella.

We can go on with the name dropping but we think we should just show you:

https://www.facebook.com/illustradomagazine/photos/ms.c.eJxlk8ltBUAMQjuKvIy3~;huL8g9R8rgiBozNuHm7xZsZs7LyL~;9FeoiM~_1~_kotbK~_CqAVDwgzw7KZSVe5KzLhJfkBHUqE~_5xVE4jJ83JCXqlM3u~_IeJLJASpJpJMmi~_Yqzhzic4E59kkUiWcJ8pD9~_3jq2Wulkbl59D~;lFc4Jd04es0zmVBucbzgPHYjRzZW7Gobsz~;pxjQ7v9KxXm61gzOvzix77uSeZ5FrzRycWya9pvvVg~;slX7X8pktmv~_KVf5bBvyxeT7JrW~;JznW9T~;e70.bps.a.10161024772900051/10161024777005051/?type=3&theater

Take a peek at our livestream before the event:

So for those of us who have fun in fashion, it’s a Monday night that is worth remembering – not only because of the music, the naughty vibe and everybody’s love for dressing up, but most importantly, it was an occasion when we all came together to celebrate a community overflowing with so much talent, passion and respect for one another.

Special thanks to: Emirates Airline and Barbary Deli + Cocktail

The post WHO WORE WHAT?! ‘Dark Seduction’ at Illustrado’s Intimate 12th Anniversary Fashion Bash appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Fashion stands at the core of our very Pinoy priorities in this modern day and age. We love to look good, and we love to feel good! These are the fashion kababayans love, that not only guarantee a splash of style, but also Instragam likes!

HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. 

In the early 1900s, Peter Alexander Cormack, a barrel maker by trade, and his wife Annie made the journey from Wick, Scotland, to Canada. The couple settled in the small town of Herschel, whose population today is a mere 30 residents. Three generations later, brothers Jamie and Lyndon Cormack adopted their town name, founding Herschel Supply Co. in 2009, an in fashion leading business specializing in trendy back packs. Never did the founders once think that the brand and its products would become such a global fad in the world of fashion today.

A prominent style statement in the region, Herschel Supply Co. provides the everyday traveler with bags and accessories that have been thoughtfully designed to include details that aid in daily journeys. Featuring timeless silhouettes inspired by the world around us, each piece evokes a bit of nostalgia yet offers modern functionality.

Galvanized by today’s love of everything beachy, their newest Spring 2018 Travel Collection is inspired by the lush islands of Hawaii. In this release, the Winslow garment bag was crafted to keep clothing in pristine condition while in transit. An integrated hanger bracket and garment cover makes it easy to pack and unfold upon arrival. The Winslow’s convenient trolley sleeve — also featured on the Bowen travel duffle — allows it to attach to Herschel Supply’s range of wheeled luggage styles, including the soft shell Highland carry-on, Campaign, and Parcel.

The popular hard shell Trade luggage series is now offered in more colorways than ever before, with Iceberg Green and Woodland Camo as the new additions. Returning favorites such as the Chapter travel kit — in regular and carry-on sizes — feature a range of seasonal tones and prints, including Silver Birch Palm and Black Pineapple.

GIORDANO: Trusted classics.  You can’t go wrong with Giordano’s versatile pieces that go from sporty to work basics, as well as casuals.

AEROPOSTALE: Who doesn’t love a good hoodie or stylish graphic tee? Aeropostale’s hip and vibrant pop colored apparel is perfect for all the teenagers and youths out there!

H&M: Trendy, affordable and diverse, H&M is every Filipino’s go to store for all things from basic to eccentric. Their colors pop, and their styles are fit for everyone!

SPLASH: Their sales are jaw dropping, and they always stay on top of the latest trends, all the more reason for Pinoys to love it!

FOREVER 21: Forever 21’s transforming seasonal and chic apparel is always at the top of its game. This label is also the hot stuff among many Pinoy Instagrammers and beauty vloggers!

CROCS: The number one footwear brand for comfort! Crocs ensure comfort wherever you go, perfect for long commutes, work hauls and casual hangouts.   Pinoys just love these!

SKECHERS: Where fashion becomes fun and style meets comfort! Skechers blends athletic and casual shoe styles together with functionality and vibrance, fit for anyone’s wardrobe.

SHOE MART: All shoe styles in one store for men, women and children. This Centerpoint brand is your one stop family shopping destination for all things footwear.

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Illustrado 100 was made possible by sponsors: Giordano, Liali Jewellery, Mitsubishi UAE- Al Habtoor Motors, Michael Cinco Couture, Mapúa Institute of Technology, Centro – Amwaj Rotana Hotel , Max’s Restaurant Middle East and GVER – Your Friendly MarketPlace for Sharing

Co-Sponsors: Herschel Supply Co., Rove Hotels, The Medical City – Dubai , Filipino Institute UAE, MPQ Tourism, JAMES Travel and Tours Dubai, Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant, The Original Barrio Fiesta Restaurant – Dubai and Tapa King UAE.

Read more Illustrado 100 on www.illustradolife.com

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