Forever 21 is now open in Robinsons Magnolia
Recharge after shopping in the al fresco area with dining options for families, groups of friends, as well as couples overlooking The Plaza, a landscaped open space with a lit fountain as well as an area for live entertainment.
The holy trinity is complete,” one millennial daughter heaves a sigh of satisfaction during the ribbon cutting event of California-based fast fashion giant Forever 21’s Robinsons Magnolia branch in April 6.
She’s referring to the fast-fashion trifecta lined up in the upscale mall’s upper ground floor: First it was the Swedish brand H&M’s fashion and home line, minimalist Japanese brand Uniqlo, and now, “at long last,” as the New Manila stylish set were saying while shopping, “we have Forever 21!”
Robinsons Magnolia holds a special place in the heart of Robinsons Land director for corporate public relations Roseann Villegas, mother of the thrilled millennial quoted above, who has been with the company for 29 years. “It has a special and warm ambience,” she says. “The selection of shops and restaurants is well-curated. Forever 21 is a suitable addition as it is not only a popular brand but also offers a colorful selection.”
Robinsons Magnolia stands where Magnolia Ice Cream House once did, a stand-alone ice cream parlor set amid an outdoor children’s playground. Just its name conjures up so fond memories among children of the ’70s to the early 90s, when recreation choices were limited and enjoying ice cream concoctions, ice cream cakes, milkshakes and sandwiches with friends and family was a novelty.
In honor of this memory, Robinson’s Magnolia attempts to fill the gap it left behind when it opened in August of 2012 by being a lifestyle venue for New Manila residents (it is directly connected to The Magnolia Residences, also a Robinsons Land property) who used to brave Edsa just to shop. Unlike those in the Greenhills side, they didn’t have a selection of neighborhood malls. The students of St. Paul University, just across the street, had to take a train to the next mall and nearby Gilmore’s retail area was mostly for computer parts shopping.
You can tell Magnolia was intended to be enjoyed more leisurely just by its interiors. Among all Robinsons malls, Magnolia is the most sleek and spacious. It has a grand entrance lobby, windows that allow natural light in during the day and once the sun sets, the lighting is ambient. Its hallways are wider, all leading to a four-level al fresco area where most of the restaurants and cafes are. They overlook The Plaza, a landscaped open space with a lit fountain as well as an area for live entertainment and a mini-train for kids. The Plaza is also where the new Ice Cream House can be found, still serving items from its original menu for a sweet taste of nostalgia.
A new wing is (discreetly) in the works to make room for more dining options, but until then, the food court (that you’ll actually want to eat in!) located in the lower ground area has favorites like La Lola Churreria, Pepper Lunch and Yabu. For all your chores, the service centers are all on the top floor along with the cinema, home stores like Dimensione and Gourdo’s, and beauty and health services by Bench Fix and GAOC, among others. Magnolia is only the third mall in Quezon City, but it is number one according to TripAdvisor reviews.
“We had in mind the people who want the good things in life,” Robinsons Malls vice president for Lease Ditas Taleon says of the selection of fashion and lifestyle stores.
On-trend and pocket-friendly Forever 21 is the perfect fashion fix for Magnolia’s collective market, rounding up its roster of high-to mid-range brands that the New Manila “A and upper B market” identify with. On the same floor are brands like Fred Perry and so is Muji as well as beauty essentials Shiseido, Mac, Clinique, and beauty care chain store Beauty Bar. There’s a jewelry lane with brands like Swarovski and TechnoMarine. Upstairs are local favorite clothing brands Bench, Bayo, and Penshoppe.
“This is our 14th store since we opened in 2010. We are being true to our commitment to bring the latest trends to as many people in the Philippines as possible,” Forever 21 senior regional manager Vicky Tanchanco says of the 840-square-meter hub for men, women, girls, and (the very underrated, I must say) plus size line.
Is the selection of items in this branch any different? “Yes. The selection in Robinson’s Magnolia is very contemporary,” Tanchanco answers, referring to a designer aesthetic at accessible price points. “Here, we have something the teens and the more mature members of the family would like.”
Together with Tanchanco during the ribbon cutting were the guests of honor, blogger, author and stylist Jenni Epperson and her daughter, MTV VJ and blogger Aryanna. Both did some serious damage — shopping, that is — right after.
Forever 21 also launched its spring/summer 2017 collection which drew inspiration from music festival season but beyond Coachella clichés of flower crowns and skimpy boho. A highlight is their take on ‘90s street style featuring Brooklyn-based chanteuse Justin Skye. On the campaign images and mannequins are metallic body suits, slinky tops, and boots and graphic statement cropped tees and jackets. North girls, you know where to get your fix.
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Forever 21 is located at the upper ground floor of Robinsons Magnolia, Doña Hemady Street corner Aurora Boulevard, Cubao.
