Forever 21 Arrives in Cebu!

CEBU, Philippines - As a graduate student in the United States several years ago, one of my favorite haunts to go shopping at was an outlet store in Geneva, Illinois.

 It was a shop always filled with the hottest fashions, as well as classic ensembles, but with a twist. For example, I would often wear this black cheongsam top that I got for a song, for night outs. It looked very Asian with red and gold piping, but it was made of stretch jersey material which gave it a more modern look and feel. This shop was interestingly called Forever 21.

Thus, imagine my delight when I chanced upon it again, this time closer to home at its flagship store in SM Megamall in Manila last year. When we heard that Forever 21 had opened in Megamall and SM Makati, my friends and I immediately came knocking on their gilded doors. As Rachel Greene said in the comedy sitcom Friends, about shopping at Bloomingdale’s, “It’s the mothership calling us home.”

Last November 18, 2011, Forever 21 moved closest to home when it officially opened its doors to the fashion savvy Cebuanos at the high-end SM Northwing. It literally opened with a bang. Kicking off with an upbeat fashion show, models on the runway showcased the store’s winter collection — a vibrant, youthful line of boho chic, glam rock, luxe appeal, pretty country, and lacy party pieces. Think New York’s Soho, mixed with the classic look, capped with Asian inspired finishing touches. Guests were treated to cocktails, and after the show, to browse through the two-floors of merchandise, from everyday outfits, work pieces, and evening ensembles. Everyone had a grand time, especially those of us who were given P1,000 worth of gift cards. 

Shoppers were informed that they could avail of the Forever 21 MasterCard, a tie up with BDO. With the card, they could get rebates, and other fashion values at the various stores. Definitely a very tempting offer, take our word for it! (FREEMAN)