Table of contents for November 2016 - New Collections in MEGA

DENISE GO OCHOA Denise used to be a model back in her younger days, but she feels more at ease behind the camera now. While she’s busy with wedding, advertorial and commercial makeup gigs, Denise still loves making editorials where her craft and imagination can flow more freely. Her hard work and passion have taken her to places and it’s easy to see why her creations have drawn her a high-profile following. JOHN VALLE John Valle’s name will always strike a note. His collaborative personality gives him an edge in the business and has always been known as the hair genius who transforms individuals into beautiful personalities who are worthy of royalty. His notable works in the industry has made him the go-to mane stylist of Kathryn Bernardo, Solenn Heussaff,…

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO NAMES NEWEST DESIGN DIRECTOR Footwear design virtuoso Paul Andrew will soon tuck another feather on his well-festooned cap as he becomes Salvatore Ferragamo’s newest designer addition. Although he is filling up the Design Director post of women’s footwear for the luxury brand, Paul Andrew will continue to design for his eponymous brand, which won him the CFDA Fashion Fund in 2014. "I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the company in line with the demands of today’s marketplace, marrying the power of its heritage and industrial force with high design and the latest innovations in material and make,”he says of his appointment and subsequent responsibilities. BOTTEGA VENETA’S NEW CEO Fresh from celebrating the brand’s 50th anniversary during Milan Fashion week, Bottega Veneta has just named its…

THE LIST 1Gold drop earrings by TORY BURCH. 2Bronze tortoiseshell cat-eye sunglasses by BOTTEGA VENETA. 3Red and white embroidered sweater by GUCCI. 4Oxblood slim-fit trousers by JOSEPH. 5 Red leather clutch by LOEWE. 6Brown velvet two-toned flat by PRADA. 7Red multi-strapped stiletto by CHARLES & KEITH. 8Red leather clutch with zipper detail by PEDRO. 9Black waistcoat with lapel detail (P1790) by STRADIVARIUS. 10Red jogging trousers (P995) by ZARA. 11Black faceted stone earrings (P795) by MANGO. 12Heather gray oversized sweater (P1995) by MANGO STYLE TIP Take cues from Tod’s and Thakoon and amp up the volume further with trendy variations of plaid…

Hear us out when we say this: we miss the early days of local fashion blogging. Devoid of sponsorships and brimming with bright young hopefuls sharing self-styled looks for the love of simply doing so, thoughts of style blogging pioneers never fail to muster up a little nostalgia in us. Thankfully, the likes of Janeska Sibug have joined the mix. While she’s only got a few years of experience to her name, she is a living, breathing throwback to what the industry once was—and likely still is, deep beneath the gloss of picture-perfect filters and marketing that come as a side-effect of a pastime turning professional: driven, down to earth and dedicated to simply wearing and creating. “I love being able to put content out,” she shares, wistfully reflecting on…

Veejay Floresca was built to thrive in the fashion industry. In 2006, a wide-eyed Veejay received a full-scholarship in fashion design at the College of Saint Benilde. Fast forward to her graduation, Veejay finished the course Cum Laude. This undaunted dedication for her passion and contemporary vision not only in design aesthetic but also in constructing clothes, she immediately achieved star status in Philippine fashion. Magazine features left and right, socialites and fashionphiles clamoring for her creations and design awards from around the world, Veejay was on cloud 9. But with a desire to further hone her craft and expand horizons, Veejay made the decision to pack up and fly to San Francisco to take up masters in fashion design at the Academy of Art University. In San Francisco, it…

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What does he want? A man of ambition has a lot of things in his mind. There’s the challenge of climbing the corporate ladder, the guts to make grand gestures, and the strength to survive the urban jungle. He is hungry for the best things the city has to offer. Finding the address that equals to his pursuits is a major decision to consider. SMDC further elevates the sky-high lifestyle he should be aiming for with a premier property that is set to emerge in Makati City—Air Residences. The 59-storey building makes a good impression from its convenient location to its luxurious lounges. With a lineup of amenities just a few steps from his bachelor pad, life gets much grander for the frills-free alpha male. TAKE CHARGE There’s a long…

This month, we celebrate going beyond the norm, whether it’s hiking the monolithic glaciers and craggy cliffs of Iceland—which induced supernatural fantasies in our two beauty editorials—or trying out things that aren’t so readily accepted, even in the anything-goes beauty world. Mix cultish fantasy, the macabre and red lipstick (they go so well together) and you have Snow White Rose Red with BYS. Next, we fall into a dark romance with Revlon and Iceland’s ancient flora in It’s Oh So Quiet. For Lookbook, we celebrate Laura Mercier’s 20th anniversary by re-imagining some of cinema’s most beautiful, iconic faces. Speaking of strong women and film, check out Hot & Fresh, where we give you peek into the NARS’ collaboration with photographer Sarah Moon and Happy Skin’s latest animated partnership. While we…

OVER THE MOON The French photographer brings her dreamy aesthetic to the NARS Sarah Moon Holiday 2016 Collection. The 25-piece range highlights modern femininity with bold shades for the lips and nails, and fine, gossamer-light face products. The packaging features Moon’s moody, ethereal images against glass and frost. The photos recall the romance and decadence of a bygone era—that of Moon’s 70s fashion world where the one-time model collaborated with famed haute couture houses such as Chanel, Dior, Comme des Garçons, as well as Barbara Hulanicki of Biba fame. MOUTH OFF Oils are still enjoying their resurgence in makeup and skincare, thanks to formulations that make do without the thick texture and stickiness, while managing to nourish deeply and effectively. Following this trend, CLARINS has released three new lip oils…

SOME LIKE IT HOT "I’m not much into red lipsticks, but on days that I do reach for one, I know that I’ve got the ultimate crimson-lipped bombshell backing me up. MAX FACTOR Marilyn Monroe Lipstick Collection in Ruby Red (P595) was the actress’s personal shade updated with the Color Elixir Lipstick formula, which contains nourishing shea, aloe and avocado butters. Making a bold statement has never been easier!”—Cessi Treñas, Fashion Assistant GET IN LINE "It’s only been here for a few years, but K-Palette eye and brow pencils have already reached iconic status among editors and beauty aficionados alike. I simply adore the new formula of K-PALETTE Real Lasting Eyepencil 24H Waterproof (P795). The oil-based formula ensures against skipping when applying it. When the oil ingredients evaporate, it leaves…

DRAW ALL EYES ON YOU WITHOUT PUTTING ON TOO MUCH MAKEUP. Do as Daiana Menezes does by keeping the colors simple and highlighting the peepers with provocative vibrant eyeshadows. Recreating her evening look is easy with her favorite eb ADVANCE products. P185 OPENING ACT Keep the attention on your eyes by picking out a neutral tone for your lips. Daiana uses EB ADVANCE MATIC LIPSTICK in Sahara Sunset on her pout. This classic shade comes in a retractable twist-type body for precise application. P375 DRAMATIC TWIST To highlight her alluring gaze, Daiana puts her eyeshadow up for show. The EB ADVANCE UNCOVER 12 COLOR EYESHADOW PALETTE delivers the perfect set of hues that range from natural matte to dark shimmery finishes, making it a staple for day rendezvous and nights…

“NO JOKE, YOU’LL BE EXHAUSTED AND SORE, BUT AS THEY SAY—NO PAIN, NO GAIN” Weight training is slowly but surely luring women out of the static cardio machines and transforming them into iron maidens. But for some people, starting to lift can be pretty intimidating, so we’ve gathered a quick guide to get you started. HAVE A GOAL AND WRITE IT DOWN. This is the most basic requirement when starting a fitness journey. Having a goal can help you stay focused and committed. Make it as specific as possible as your workout and diet plans will revolve around it. It’s important to have your goal clear and concrete in your head, because there will be days when you will feel unmotivated or lost. GET EQUIPPED. The variety of equipment will…

FASHION ALDO , Greenbelt 5, Shangri-la Plaza, SM Aura; ALEXANDERMCQUEEN, Shangri-la Plaza East Wing; ARIN , Art Personas Makati; BALENCIAGA , Greenbelt 5; BERSHKA , Glorietta 2, SM Aura, BOTTEGA VENETA , Shangri-la Plaza, Greenbelt 4; BURBERRY , Greenbelt 4; CHARLES & KEITH , Bonifacio High Street, SM Megamall, Power Plant Mall; CHARRIOL , Greenbelt 4, Power Plant Mall, Robinsons Midtown; CLARKS , Glorietta 3, Shangri-la East Wing, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall; ESPRIT , Glorietta 3, SM Aura, SM Megamall; FENDI , Rustan's Shangri-la; FOREVER 21 , SM Makati, SM Megamall; FURLA , Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Shangrila Plaza; GIVENCHY , Greenbelt Park Walkways; GUCCI , Greenbelt 4; H&M , SM Megamall, SM Makati; JIMMY CHOO , Rustan's Makati, Ayala Center; JOSEPH , SM Aura; LANVIN , 8…

This year we close the Making MEGA series with a bang as we showcase the beauty of Iceland: nature in its purest, most sublime form. Where else can you experience the beautiful juxtapositions of greenery and the sea—where lava is pitted against ice? A destination famed for its breathtaking views, Iceland is truly one of the places you must visit. RIGHT AT IT It was on the third day when our cover stars, Daniel and Kathryn finally arrived in Iceland. The #CelebrateMEGAwithKathniel cast was finally complete as we met them in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, where we also shot Daniel for his MEGA Man cover. Only stopping for a quick hot shower, Daniel immediately went out at the Eldhraun lava fields decked out in patchwork tailored pieces in shades of green that beautifully…

In a city as talked and sung about as the concrete jungle of New York, it’s easy—near impossible, really—to be swept off one’s feet. But instead of mindlessly falling head over heels with the electric city and forgetting about his home in the Philippines, a place with not nearly as many books and songs to its name, Rafé Totengco cultivated his love for both places he calls home, transforming them into the tangible and wearable through a capsule collection produced in collaboration with Bench. THE DESIGNER Prior to his big move to the United States (a decision brought about by his insatiable passion for fashion design), Rafé spent his days sketching away in his native Philippines. Eventually earning a degree at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, he kicked off…

“Please teach me how to pose! I don’t know how to,” Yendy Yu intimates as we begin to shoot that day. But with a svelte physique and flawless skin, she quite frankly did not need to do much because let’s face it, the camera loves her. Her physical beauty aside, she holds an equal if not greater asset in her arsenal—an entrepreneurial mind. It is soon revealed that this keen entrepreneurial spirit traces its origins from her passion for jewelry. “I was exposed to jewelry at a very young age because of my mom who loves collecting bijoux,” she shares. But it was in college when she fully pursued her passion studying gemology at the Gemological Institute of America. It was in this pursuit that Heart & Bolt was born,…

 “With every mile traveled, city ventured, stamp on your passport, your journey willreachanewdegree—it’sonly fitting that you carry a bag that reflects your movement,” begins Tumi Creative Director, Victor Sanz. “19 Degree truly represents the art of intelligent design; when concepting the collection, we approached it with the question, ‘How can we make our design less elementary and more elevated than what is already on the market?’” Keeping in mind the brand’s inherent core value to provide its customers with the most innovative and stylish products, the 19 Degree collection was crafted out of the want to further elevate the Tumi experience by way of fashion and function. “19 DEGREE TRULY REPRESENTS THE ART OF INTELLIGENT DESIGN” Almost futuristic in design, fluid natural elements in forms of waves was flawlessly incorporated…

“IT ALSO ACCORDED EVERYONE A PEEK AT THE UNGUARDED MOMENTS OF JADINE” IT TAKES TWO Cover stars James Reid and Nadine Lustre were a powerful combination in their fierce and sleek fashion choices It was a good three hours ahead of the scheduled premiere of the TV 100-produced Making MEGA in Greece documentary and we were already told that the lines outside the Samsung Hall at SM Aura Premiere were already snaking around to almost blockbuster levels. With the September issue featuring their idols tucked in one arm and the other carrying little flaglets proudly bearing the names of their OTP (one true pair), the excitement of the exponentially growing throng of eager fans could no longer be contained. Looking forward to the unveiling of the documentary that followed one…

GLOSS OVER The liquid lipstick trend is still riding strong, thanks to its exceptional color payoff and excellent hold. BYS Velvet Lips Liquid Lipstick (P399) in Lily Vibrant is a cinch to put on thanks to the flexible applicator and its lip-hugging formula. EYE LIGHT A fringe of dark lashes will balance a bold lip. Magnify lashes by letting each coat dry for a few seconds before adding another one. Wiggle the wand at the base and then coat from root to tip with BYS Mascara Show Stopper in Black (P429). GET CHEEKY A soft wash of color balances a bold lip look. BYS Blush in Candyfloss (P249) has the perfect balance of shimmer and color without overpowering the other features. Use a brush with a small head for better…

"I’M NOT YOUNG. WHAT’S WRONG WITH THAT?”—VIVIEN LEIGH SOUTHERN GOTHIC Vivien Leigh by Anthea Bueno Thanks to her role in the iconic film epic Gone with the Wind, the English actress has perfected the look of the petulant, spoiled heiress—think Veronica Lodge in a corset. To get her classic Old Hollywood style, makeup artist Anthea Bueno used LAURA MERCIER Radiance Baked Body Bronzer (P1750) to sculpt cheekbones and add a warm glow to radiant skin. She then added Instant Ink 24HR Brusheyeliner (P1450) to define the eyes. "A WOMAN HAS TO BE INTELLIGENT, HAVE CHARM, A SENSE OF HUMOR, AND BE KIND. IT’S THE SAME QUALITIES I REQUIRE FROM A MAN.”—CATHERINE DENEUVE FRENCH FLAIR Catherine Deneuve by Anton Patdu The one-time face of France continues to be an enduring symbol…

ON POINT Ace your brow game using the BYS Oval Brow Brush (P 99). This product is suitable for both powder and cream formulations. The thin design makes it easy to create naturally sharp lines. COVER UP BYS Oval Concealer Brush (P599) promises a flawless finish. This tapered brush carries soft bristles that gently even out the concealer dots on your skin. With the right tools, no blemish shall be visible. JUST DAB IT A professional makeup finish can be achieved with the ultimate medium—BYS Oval Powder Brush (P1599). It has extremely dense bristles that glide smoothly and evenly on the skin, giving your makeup an airbrush-like effect. HANDY DANDY The BYS Oval Foundation Brush (P999) goes a long way. It has synthetic bristles adaptable to any type of foundation—liquid,…

It wasn’t the usual route into makeup artistry for MAC Senior Artist Claire Mulleady. The notoriously glamorous business, flashing lights and fashion shows didn’t catch her attention. Instead it was her background in art, plus an insatiable thirst for life that led her to this path. “I actually never went to makeup school. I taught myself through practicing on anyone I could. Because I loved to draw, I just applied the same skills but onto real faces as blending, contour, and precision are all relevant,” she says. “Any way I could learn, I would observe the information and practice. One of the best things about working for MAC is being able to work with many different top makeup artists during fashion week. You always learn new things and gain new…

DIGITAL MEDIA It is by far your best cover ever! Maine’s smoldering look says it all. This girl can transform into the goddess that the nation has adored—the AlDub Nation. You did not disappoint, MEGA! Bravo!—MAXINE CLARENCE on MEGA October 2016 cover via Alden never disappoints! He could be a model if he’s not an actor. He’s the ultimate cover man!—ANDREA MILLS on MEGA Man October 2016 cover via Done downloading Magzter for this copy! I will definitely buy the print copies too once they hit the shelves! I love AlDub!—@ROCKETEER1991 on MEGA October 2016 cover via Superb, classy and beautiful! Congratulations, team MEGA! —@ASMARZO on MEGA October 2016 cover via MEGA ON DIGITAL For those living abroad or who don’t have time to go to newsstands, MEGA is…

November marks the beginning of MEGA’s 25th anniversary celebration. And what better way to ring in the festivities than by giving you the liveliest trends in fashion, beauty and culture. For Best Buys we give you the coolest jumpsuits, bright scarlets and striking metallic hardware. Meanwhile, we travel far and wide with Tumi’s innovative 19 degree collection. Back on home turf, we take it to the streets in New Kids on the Block as Tong Bautista gives new meaning to utilitarian dressing, while we celebrate new beginnings with Veejay Floresca’s evolved feminine aesthetics in Designer Profile. Let us take your hand and together let’s all welcome MEGA’s 25th anniversary. Exciting times are ahead. And believe us when we say, this is just the beginning of even greater things. Cheers!…

THE LIST 1White ruffle bib top by MISS SELFRIDGE. 2Pewter oversized sunglasses by CHARLES & KEITH. 3Navy ribbed culotte jumpsuit (P1195) by BERSHKA. 4Multi-colored lightning detail minaudière (P3495) by ZARA. 5Navy patent heeled loafer (P2995) by MANGO. 6Black pointed-toe lace-up heel by SALVATORE FERRAGAMO. 7Black and nude studded mini crossbody by FURLA. 8Black peplum-sleeved ribbed jumper by ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. 9Black lace jumpsuit by MICHAEL KORS. 10Nude round-framed sunglasses by JIMMY CHOO STYLE TIP Sometimes, it’s all about what’s underneath. Prep your suit up with a ribbed sweater or dip towards the delicate side with lace and frills…

A few months short of 2017, curation is still a buzzword. For a word that landed its way to countless online lists branding it the most annoying, overused or overrated jargon of the years past, we admit we’re impressed. Instead of fading to the background and becoming one of the buzzwords associated with a sense of delayed humiliation, curation is on fire—a word hot on the tongues of those both on and off the web. Now connoting more than just a uniform Instagram feed, it seems that editing—be it content, clothing or otherwise—has seeped its way into every facet of modern life. We own up to it; we’re obsessed with this meticulosity, too. Our favorite manifestation as of late? Boutiques. Housing collections from brands culled across the world to build…

Unlike most people his age, Tong Bautista is throwing caution to the wind. Not quite identifying with the army of post-college kids who dread the possibility of impending unemployment and existential crises behind their accomplished smiles and toga-festooned Instagram posts, the designer refuses to be weighed down by anything: rules, expectations or the pressure to kick start his career, millennial woes be damned. Tong has an affinity for the bold and unapologetic. He drips with personality even across e-mail correspondence, spewing dauntless statements without second thought. For instance, his thoughts on animation, the degree he dropped in favor of fashion? “It was really boring.” His single guiding theme when designing? No rules. The young designer thrives off his inclination for the unflinching, keeping his aesthetic in check by asking himself,…

WARMED OVER Forever stainless steel rosegold PVD ring, Celtic stainless steel bicolor bronze and rosegold PVD cable, Celtic stainless steel bicolor rosegold PVD cable, Forever rosegold PVD and steel with white mother of pearl dial and Celtic stainless steel bicolor black and rosegold PVD cable all by CHARRIOL OUT OF THE BLUE Forever stainless steel ring, Celtic stainless steel black gun PVD bangle, Celtic stainless steel bicolor black and dark blue PVD cable, Forever Colors stainless steel necklace in turquoise, Forever Colors stainless steel necklace in Snow White, Engagement silver ring with diamond, Celtic stainless steel bangle and Celtic stainless steel bicolor blue PVD and steel cable all by CHARRIOL WRISTY BUSINESS Forever Colors stainless steel bangle in Sweet Lavender, Forever Colors stainless steel bangle in Turquoise, Forever Colors stainless…

“ We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” – T.S. Eliot Well, we’ve certainly had our share of exploring this year. MEGA has been all over the world, and while we love the experience of the new—whether it be people, food, sights, sounds, food and more food, there is something comforting about coming back home, eyes refreshed and spirits lifted. In Travel, Associate Fashion Editor Jeb Fronda recounts her adventures in breathtaking Iceland. Locally, we whet our appetites with, not one, but two of the most talked about dining places in the metro: Raging Bull and Hey Handsome in Food. (Consider our hunger sated—for now.) Meanwhile, in Forvm, an…

CLEAN AND SIMPLE The award-winning Simple skincare line is popular among women who suffer from the effects of having sensitive skin. SIMPLE Micellar Cleanser Water (P799/400 ml) gently yet effectively removes makeup and dirt thanks to /micelle cleansing bubbles” that also help increase skin hydration up to 90%. FUNGUS AMONG US The cult-popular ORIGINS Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Collection is a 7-product range that includes the Advanced Face Serum (P4550), Soothing Treatment Lotion (P2000) and Face Mask (P3200). Aimed to calm skin’s protective skin barrier, the line harnesses the power of mushrooms to treat and protect sensitive skin. CLEAN UP Makeup removal used to be a chore thanks to heavy oil cleansers and greasy makeup removers. Enter BIORÉ Uru-Uru 2-in-1 Instant Foam (P299), which contains cleansing water and oil in a…

MAKE A WISH Created by noted perfumer Mathieu Nardin, ANNA SUI Lucky Wish (P4350é75ml) is a fairytale in a bottle. The woody citrus scent contains uplifting lemon, tangerine and pomelo, with a dry down of creamy sandalwood, amber and musk. LIGHT UP Indulge yourself with some limited edition candles from A Night At Dyptique, the brand’s holiday collection. The trio, which are housed in beautifully elegant metallic containers, include Un Encens étoilé (sparkling incense), épices et Délices (delicious spices) and Le Roi Sapin (the festive fir tree). Ranging from spicy warmth to mouthwatering gourmand and bracing pine, these scents will more than light up your home. JUICY FRUITS A splash of cologne always perks up our day—especially if the bottle comes from HERMÈS. The luxury brand features artisanal scents such…

DARK PINING The enigmatic Pomegranate Noir gets a Christmas makeover. Discover its famous pomegranate, raspberry, plum and pink pepper concoction in a new, boldly striped bottle adorned with opulent gold. WINTER COCKTAIL Regale in the sprightly mix of citrus brightness, juicy sweet orange and fresh mandarin found in the Orange Bitters Collection. Drizzles of luscious prune, sandalwood and amber close the scent on a sensual note. FABULOUS FANTASIES Jo Malone London’s Christmas Collection is truly a merry bunch—especially with its harlequin pattern, golden trimmings and different forms.…

“BEING A MOTHER AND ENTREPRENEUR IS A JUGGLING ACT” Aiza Diuco is the center of calm amidst the flurry of activity in the studio dressing room. Several people are buzzing about, including assistants prepping clothes and accessories, and a glam team fussing over every errant strand on Aiza’s head. Someone cranks up the volume of the portable speakers spewing high-energy pop songs, amplifying the conversation din along with it. Despite all this, Aiza manages to make eye contact and answer questions thoughtfully, her hands often weaving to make a point, like a conductor orchestrating a cacophonous symphony. Clearly, she’s in charge. Even though it’s our first meeting, Aiza strikes an easy conversation about Manila traffic and soon we are commiserating on our similarly packed daily schedules. Even when she’s describing…

“OUR SOCIETY IS BECOMING MORE OPEN TO THE SO-CALLED ‘COP-OUT’” Nowadays, when local celebrities take to social media to talk about their weight struggles, we tend to respond with loving messages of support, unlike before when derisive comments where the norm. Perhaps we can thank reality shows that feature people having to earn their way to the body they want (read: Biggest Loser) for showing us how difficult it is, with and without help. As more people turn to professionals—personal trainers, nutritionist and doctors—for help, our society is becoming more open to the so-called “cop-out”. Dr. Ariel Torres, Marie France’s resident doctor, breaks down barriers even more as he gets candid with the best way to tackle weight loss. He begins by answering the question on everyone’s minds, “It’s totally…

“ always thought the currency of I the fashion world was in the new,” says Lucinda Chambers, long-serving Fashion Director of British Vogue in the BBC-helmed scrutiny, Absolute Fashion: Inside British Vogue. Striking a dissonant chord within the jaded fashion folk, she is caught in an unguarded rumination during the title’s shoot with Kate Moss, forcing her into a realization of sorts. “But Kate Moss’ enduring success seems to be built more on extolling the virtues of the familiar,” she says. In an accordance of parallelism, MEGA finds itself at a similar crossroads as we begin a year-long celebration of the magazine’s 25th year. No mean feat, we wracked our brains to no end on how to go about this issue and of course, who is worthy of kick starting…