Let’s buy Filipino for Christmas gifts

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to turn to our local designers and take a peek at a variety of luxe ideas that will certainly make your loved ones feel extra special.  Buy Filipino for your Christmas gift-giving list.  I assure you that anyone who receives any of these items will truly cherish them and I have chosen a few of my favorite things from these three lovely ladies: Kristine Dee, Angela Angeles and Joanna Preysler.

WHAT WOMEN WANT

Kristine Dee creates jewelry that is truly unique.  With her industrial design background from New York’s Pratt Institute, Kristine does not make typical and commercial pieces of fine jewelry. Her designs are industrial yet inviting, architectural but still feminine, modern but still soft, light, and airy.  She is challenged by how the manufacturing process can be pushed to the limit so that the jewelry pieces are multi-functional and engineered aesthetically — earrings may be worn as pendants, while the cuffs can be disassembled so that the centerpiece may be used as a brooch. Her talent of combining various colored stones with diamonds will tempt you into owning one of her handcrafted pieces.

Kristine Dee’s jewelry is carried by Firma Greenbelt 3 and Aum Jewels at TriNoma.

For inquiries, e-mail inquiry@kristinedee.com and visit her website: www.kristinedee.com.

JUST LIKE THE REAL THING

One does not have to break the bank to own the  handcrafted faux jewelry by architect-gemologist Angela Angeles. Educated here and in London, the soft-spoken Angela shows us how sparkly cubic zirconia crystals are made to look like dazzling diamonds in her glamorous pieces that spell old-world class and elegance in each design.  One can wear these with aplomb in any of the forthcoming holiday balls and parties since they look like the real thing. Costume jewelry never looked better.  I particularly adore her intricate and breathtaking crystal and metal maple leaf evening bag that will surely stand out in any gala event. The prices are truly affordable because Angela bases her pricing on the time and intricacy it takes to make these sparkling pieces. Prices range from P3,000 to P30,000.

Angela Angeles’ collection is available at Cura V, Power Plant Mall Rockwell.

For details, call or SMS 0917-9585217 or visit www.angelaangeles.com.

THE BAG LADY

Fashion-conscious women want an exotic crocodile bag in their closets.  Not only is it the rage, but when one factors in the durability and wearability of this exotic skin, it makes sense to own one that will last for generations.  Stylish ladies who are truly in the know understand that quality surpasses quantity.  Look at the chic Parisian women who only own one or two items for each season, yet they are able to make use of them for decades.

Joanna Preysler’s boutique carries a whole line of luxury bags and accessories that will make your mouth water with an amazing collection of exotic-skinned bags that range from crocodile to python to the pebbly ostrich skins.  Prices are reasonable considering the range of styles and the workmanship of the bags that are sourced locally and from around the world. One need not go abroad to buy these quality bags and totes since they are right here at Greenbelt 5, Makati. 

For information, visit Joanna Preysler’s website at www.joannapreysler.com, e-mail joannapreysler@gmail.com or call 0917-3217446.

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For comments and ideas, please e-mail: jacinto.fa@gmail.com