Freedom of Expression

Summer is here! The heat is on and the season of the sun unfolds a world of luxury fashion.

The massive exodus of holiday seekers to must-go destinations has begun and fashion is all set to make a big splash this season. So, pack your bags with the latest fashion must-haves as style is moving from the city to the islands and into its captivating luxurious trappings.

Escape to an iconic island where paradise unfolds. Powder-like sand, private beachfront and five-star accommodations await in the country’s new luxe setting — Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay. This season, Rustan’s Department Store presents its trendsetting Spring/Summer 2018 collections in this paradise, a soon-to-be habitué of Manila’s A-listers, trendsetters, lifestyle influencers and the like.

Fashion is hitting the shores with a spectrum of bold and bright neons equaled by a display of pretty pastels. The look of ultra-resort chic is relaxed in soft structured pieces, flouncy and billowing silhouettes displayed in infinite possibilities.

A play on prints explodes this summer. Whether monochromatic or print-on-print, there’s no stopping the mix of the season for the perfect style fix. There is no formula — botanicals, florals, stripes and graphics can be combined to create a distinct and noteworthy personal style statement. It’s all about celebrating individuality.

Fashion is still high on embroidery and artisanal pieces that can range as detail element in clothing or accessories. Spotlighting the premium on made-by-hand pieces has created a wardrobe range of beach-worthy ensembles. From caftans and tunics, hats and shoes; to seaside bag essentials such as day clutches, totes and bucket bags — anything handmade is definitely high on the style radar.

(Left)Printed dress from Jill by Jojie Lloren, linen pants from Onia, sunglasses from Fin, clutch from Aranaz and slipon sneakers from U by Ricardo Preto. (Right)One-piece printed swimsuit from Onia, aviator sunglasses from Fin and round beach towel from Quiver Roundies.

Summer’s tapestry is a mix of fabrics, for example,   brocade with cotton. The total mood and feel this season is very relaxed. Well-thought-of and put-together looks are consciously broken down with an understated and liberating feel of self-expression in luxury. Effortless is the new cool and key in this fun exposition of modern dressing. 

Make the most of the season with the perfect summer ensemble. Express your aesthetic by celebrating colors, prints, textures and handmade pieces and creating a look that’s all about you. The fun in fashion is in the freedom to communicate the things you love in what you wear. *

(Rustans Department Store celebrates summer shopping with great possibilities of unforgettable travel experience through a treasure of prizes. Get a chance to win one of eight 3D/2N dream vacations to Boracay with luxurious accommodations at Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay. For every purchase worth P3,000, you earn one electronic raffle entry. Triple your chances of winning when you use your HSBC Credit or Debit Card. To join, register your raffle entries at the customer service until May 13. This promo runs until May 15 at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Gateway, Alabang and Cebu.)

Photography by Mau Aguasin • Creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Makeup and hairstyling by Ria Aquino • Associate stylists: Rudolph Leonor and Bang Martinez • Model: Jasmine Maierhofer of Mercator • Clothes and accessories from Rustan’s Department Store • Shot on location at Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay • Special thanks to Crimson Resort & Spa general manager Laurent Bourgeois, Chroma Hospitality VP of sales and marketing Carmela Bocanegra, Marcomm and PR corporate director Mawi de Ocampo and Crimson Boracay Marcomm and PR assistant manager Jennifer Rivera

Floral bikini from Seafolly, abstract printed kimono with tassel details from Lilly Pulitzer and sunglasses from Fin.