Twinkle Samson-Marcelo targets the young and fashionable

MANILA, Philippines - Young women who would like to make a difference in this world begin with their wardrobes.

 Passionate, expressive, and full of ideas about better living, they believe that fashion should be an expression of one’s point of view, a matter of individual style. They build a wardrobe that reflects their willfulness and strong personalities, full of one-of-a-kind items that signal their individuality.

These are the women who have found a style sanctuary in Twinky, the one-stop fashion shop for keen, highly individual females ages 21 and up poised to make their mark on society.

Fun, flirty, feminine, and always fashionable, Twinky carries statement pieces that create those extraordinary looks that spell individuality. The latest collection, for summer 2012, is a colorful medley of beautifully adorned shoes, from dreamy ballerina flats with floral appliqués, to elegant wedges topped with intricate embellishments, to sexy, strappy sandals perfect for summer peek-a-boo. Sunny, cheery flipflops in a variety of colors are also summer specials at Twinky.

It’s in the details: There is always a twist to Twinky’s footwear, in details that make each style subtly distinctive.

There is always a twist to Twinky’s footwear, in details that make each style subtly distinctive. A polished, gunmetal gray, big-buckled booty turns punkish with frayed edging. Cozy driving shoes in deep brown have ultra-feminine, button-flap detailing for a different take on dainty. Colored stones and metalwork run along the T straps of thong slippers, making for dressy casual choices.

Bags at Twinky also offer great opportunities for individual flair. Softly structured hobo bags, totes and handbags in deep scarlet, sleek black and aged leather have details like scalloped panels, textured weaves, charms and tassels and are as stylish as they are utilitarian.

Twinky also carries fun dresses that bring out the flirtatiously feminine in every young woman. With easy, fluid draping, ruching, lacey shoulders and individualist touches such as one-shoulders, zip-up fronts and multi-folded fronts, they are versatile day-to-night numbers that garner much fashion mileage.

The accessories complement likewise seems made for high-flying girls who like to dazzle and shine. Beautiful drop necklaces and earrings in various colored stones are this season’s favored pieces.

Animal appeal: Twinky also carries tops and dresses that bring out the flirtatiously feminine in every young woman.

Twinky is the creation of young entrepreneur Twinkle Samson-Marcelo, a fourth-generation shoemaker whose father, Manuel Samson, is the man behind the classic Otto shoe brand. Twinkle saw a gap in the retail market for fashionable footwear for young women like herself. She conceptualized Twinky as a business case for her master’s in entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management. Her idea was a one-stop shop “where you can find one-of-a-kind items used from head to toe,” to cater to women who “freely express themselves on what they wear.”

“These are young, passionate individuals who have their own identity and would want to make their own mark in society. Their individualism is reflected in their choice of footwear and accessories,” Twinkle says.

Key inspirations for Twinky come from Twinkle’s curious, searching mind and spirit. A keen traveler, she is drawn to a beautiful piece of art during a museum visit or a magnificent concept she comes across. These then become central themes for Twinky’s collections, which are then synced with the next season’s trends.

As a fourth-generation shoemaker, Twinkle certainly has the expertise and experience to give women choice footwear. She also studied an intensive footwear course at the Ars Sutoria International in Milan. Her knowledge of her target market is reflected in the fact that six out of 10 customers go back to Twinky at least once a month.

As a retailer, Twinkle makes sure that Twinky’s customers have an enjoyable and fun shopping experience at the store. She makes sure that customers are treated like close acquaintances and given the best service. The merchandise is also always up-to-date and exciting. “I love your store,” enthuses one shopper. “There’s always something new to buy!”

At present there are six Twinky stores, at Glorietta 5, Alabang Town Center, Festival Supermall, SM Center Muntinlupa and SM Molino, Robinsons Calasiao, Pangasinan. 2 more stores is set to open this year in Ayala Marquee Mall and Ayala Harbour Point, Subic Freeport Zone. You may also visit the website www.twinkyfashion.com.