Sparkling Creations

I attended an intimate press launch of Aura by Swarovski, a new perfume by everyone's favorite crystal.



It was held at M Cafe over a delicious lunch :)

It was a well-attended event, which was hosted by Ken of Midas Brand Management, and Jenny Yrasuegui and Celine Gabriel-Lim (their PR and Marketing arm)

Brand manager Mariless Villamar (an old colleague of mine) introduced the perfume to us. She's wearing a lovely Sassa Jimenez creation, BTW.

Also in attendance are the pretty ladies of Summit: Reggie Aquino, Eunice Lucero and Agoo Bengzon

Stef Cabal of Inquirer

Vicky Tensuan and Camille Sison of Blush mag

Fast forward to the rainy season: 

The city’s only perfume house, Art of Scent, welcomes another brand into its abode with the arrival of Aura by Swarovski. The world’s favorite crystal brand, Swarovski, together with Clarins Fragrance Group, has worked together in producing a special scent to crystallize the “gems” in sensual form. It is the aim of the two parties “to create a visual and olfactory aura of light, symbolizing the sparkle of a Swarovski crystal.”


Staying true to its sparkling personality, Aura by Swarovski is a fruity floral scent that certainly gives the wearer a fresh and feminine vibe. The light pink shade of the perfume is encased in a glass and chrome metal bottle that is embellished with a Swarovski crystal—what else, right? Along with the release of the perfume comes a mini collection of complementary cosmetics made up of lip gloss and highlighter that feature micronized Swarovski crystals and iridescent crystal shine powder.

A grand launch was also hosted by the distributors Midas Brand Management, with guests enjoying a private exhibit of creations made by established designers: 

Jun Escario presented a gown embellished with fine crystals sewn in linear patterns

Nicole Whisenhunt showed off a sparkling bib necklace made of crystals and semi-precious stones

Amina Aranaz-Alunan unveiled a silk-covered clutch with encrusted crystals. The bag designer shares, “I named the bag Aura after the perfume. I wanted to create something light but super feminine just like the scent. It is made of hand-twisted Philippine silk encrusted with Swarovski crystals and a mother of pearl clasp.”

Joey Mead hosted the short program, with brand manager Mariless Villamar introducing the first perfume of Swarovski and a speech, toast, and video reveal by Midas Brand Management/Art of Scent’s Ken Jeswani. An after-party followed shortly at Opus with the fashionable attendees:


*Aura by Swarovski is available at Art of Scent (Resorts World Manila) and SM Department Stores. The 75ml Aura by Swarovski bottle retails for P4,800, 50ml for P3,600, and 30ml for P2,900.

Golden Muses

This was printed last Friday in Manila Bulletin. For those who wasn't able to get a copy :)


A gilded collaboration between fashion and beauty


Philippine Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2011 kicked off the series with a show by four of the country’s well-loved designers, as handpicked by renowned beauty brand, Pond’s. Along with these creative artists, they also showcased “12 of the most beautiful and radiant women that best represents the Pond’s Gold Radiance line.” “We really selected the best of the best and so (PFW organizer) Joey Espino gladly allowed us to open PFW,” shares senior brand manager Jacqueline Yuengtian.


Starting the show was Dennis Lustico, with model Ria Bolivar in a pale gold fitted tube dress with orange-rust fringe detail. Other designs, such as Marina Benipayo’s, had a strip of gold glitter for that added dash of sparkle.

Rissa Mananquil’s wraparound sleeveless top and full skirt was no surprise to us. Designer JC Buendia, who is quite known for his well-tailored styles, has managed to put a refreshing twist to his staple designs with orchids (in the same muted gold tone as his chosen fabric) as his accessory du jour.

Model and host Joey Mead sashayed in a flowing gold lame dress that perfectly complements her sexy morena skin. Although most Pinays are still quite conservative when it comes to lame fabrics, Jun Escario’s collection proves that anyone can wear a lame dress. His creations are simple and sexy, with intricate beadwork that blends with the dresses.

The Middle East served as Rajo Laurel’s inspiration, with intricate embellishments that work well with his choice of white and beige combination. Mikaela Lagdameo Martinez’s beaded bolero was everyone’s favorite, as well as Divine Lee’s long gown, which played with the curves of the body by strategically placing the sheer fabrics along the lower abdomen.

For the finale, Pond’s Gold Radiance’s endorser was formally introduced with Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales walking out in a fully beaded, patterned, fitted, long- sleeved gown by Laurel as well.

The show was all about appreciation among the brand, the designer, and the models, with each giving credit to the other via the projector that served as part of the backdrop. It is this powerful mix of beauty and style that brings out the radiance in a woman, as demonstrated with the support of this elite group of designers and Pond’s.