HOMAGE TO GASTOWN

Gastown. I used to go every weekday morning for school for a year. I didn’t know how much I missed it! In my last trip to Vancouver, I think I must have spent the most time in Gastown of all the other places I went to visit. It can’t be helped, the old downtown is vibrant with old-but-new energy, supporting fresh local art and businesses in interior design, fashion retail, hair services, coffee, food, drinks, while encased by the gorgeous historic architecture that’s been maintained from the 1960s.

To pay my own little respect for Gastown, here’s the second and last look Llana photographed for me. I miss Vancity already.

 

 

Crop Knit: Vintage / Sunnies & chain lanyard: H&M / Gingham Flannel: MUJI / Black Skirt: Y-3 / Fishnet Socks: American Apparel / Sandal Boots: ASOS 

Photos by Llana Ledesma

OLD FASHIONED LESSONS

Some film photos of the outfit I wore this to the Les Misérables Broadway tour.

 

 

 

Coat (borrowed from gf Kiks): two-one-two / Dress (worn as top): ZOO shop / Jeans: Mens Acne Studios / Spike Lace Heels: ZARA / Clear sunnies + lanyard: H&M 

Photos by Eddie Lee 

BFN VANCITY

So I am finally back from my vacation in Vancouver, my other home, and boy do I miss it already. I was fortunate enough to experience lovely weather, the beginning of summer where Vancouver really shines. All its beauty isn’t drenched in rain as per usual, but instead replaced by sun to show off the gorgeous scenery and the streets where walking is really not a burden. Of course it rained the day we took photos, but that’s okay, it’s still pretty damn pretty out there.

I got to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, visit my favourite shops and food joints, and discover new places too. I stayed with some of my closest friends, which in itself hit home for me. It is an understatement to say I had fun. I had way too much fun, and I know it will be a little struggle to go back to my daily grind in Manila.

I was lucky to meet up with a photographer friend for these photos before she left for Europe. Thank you so much Llana!

 

Hat: CottonOn / Sunnies & Mesh shirt: H&M / Crop top (modified) & High Waist pants: ASOS / Sneakers: Converse Chuck Taylors

Two more things:

1- I have new hair! Kara, a very good friend of mine, did the most awesome colour job I have ever seen on my head. If you live in Vancouver, you MUST see her. Here is her Facebook page.

2- I brought some film for this trip and I will be posting them as soon as they are developed (I mean, if they are any good). Look out!

Love lots, black soul xx

MISS YOU LONG TIME

Hi hello!

It has been ages since my last post, I am terrible! I am currently in Vancouver my second home and favourite city in the world. It has been the greatest distraction and I am working on a new post so I can show some outfits with the gorgeous Vancouver background. I haven't been good with photos except for Instagram and those are the ones I am sharing today. A little roundup --

It has been so good to see my amazing friends and catch up and eat the way I have been eating and visiting all the newest cafe's just having a great time. I am just in love and hope to come back soon again.

Til my next post-
Love lots, black soul xx

MONOCLE IN MANILA

Monocle magazine was in the works of planning an Asia-Pacific tour. One person referred another, and in terms of location, Univers was chosen in a dash with no questions asked. Well, I can’t blame him (by 'him' I mean Monocle's editor-in-chief and chairman Tyler Brûlé)- it is an absolutely gorgeous store.

For the first time in Univers history, while maintaining normal store operations, I saw it transform into a party. There was catering, re-allocation of fixtures into furniture inside the store for Monocle’s shop-in-shop and some for cocktail tables; the outside became an attraction for the event attendees, where the bar stood, and where the DJ played sick tunes. The event was held last Wednesday, the 22nd of May.

Here are some photos from my Instagram, and Erik's

 I must admit I had a silly fangirl mission that night. It was simple: photo with Tyler Brûlé.  Once I got that, I could mingle and actually enjoy the party.  It was a really great event!

Goal achieved (insert happy dance here)

Monocle's Ethan Hawkes-Pippen  

Freebies!

Pop-up shop

DJ Doc Gerard Henson in the house!

In his speech, he talked about the importance of print media and how it is a profitable franchise despite the rise of non-paper options such as the iPad or the Kindle. I could see the benefits of using these gadgets, I read a lot of news and articles online as well, but when it comes to books and magazines that are really special such as Monocle, Apartamento, Self Service, The Gentlewoman, Fantastic Man, Acne Paper, and the like- they are really worth the space not only in terms of content but to touch them and doggy-ear the pages to remember, to appreciate the type of paper they used, layout design and such; these publications are for keeps and look good to have lying around anyway.

The genius behind everything H&F Jappy Gonzalez and Peter Pilotto's Lucia Restelli (photo from Chuvaness)

Denim lovers: Fred Perry's Elaine Domingo, Dr. Tere Henson, H&F's Tadi de Leon, Model/Photographer Jo-Ann Bitagcol and I (photo from Chuvaness)

I wasn’t always a huge Monocle fan. My first couple of memories of the magazine was back in 2009-2010 when I was living in Vancouver and my dad would ask me to find him a copy. It was nowhere to be found, not in any bookstore! It was only ever sold in Roots (a very Canadian retail store) as discovered later by my sister Karyn. Now he finally has a subscription and I don’t need one for myself just yet! 

Monsieur Brûlé was signing issues too-

Signed to my dad Oscar and me

Yes I was star struck and so giddy when Mr. Brûlé remembered my name as we said our goodbyes. The Monocle team extended such vibrancy both on and off duty; they are truly an inspiring group. Yes I am really happy to have made new friends that evening. Yes, the photos are blurry thanks very much to the irresistibly delicious mango bellinis served in the course of the event. And yes, I shamelessly took home a freebie tote with a CD, notebook, and their June 2013 Issue. Overall, an unbelievable night! Thank you, Monocle—you made my month!

Love lots, black soul xx