Cruz, Neil Carlo I. (Writing Portfolio)

Pastel Presents: A Holiday Gift Guide Based On
Pantone’s Color Picks For 2016
BY ARIANA BAGTAS, CARLO CRUZ | DECEMBER 7, 2015
Give your friends and family a colourful Christmas in the most chic way
possible.
Though we are totally against the reason behind Pantone’s choice to have two colours of
the year for 2016, we must admit that the peaceful pastel hues are lovely sans context.
Know anyone who’d go gaga over anything in Rose Quartz or Serenity? We’ve come up
with a simple little gift guide to help you shop 2016’s first official trend. From make-up
to bags to shoes and even to books, we’ve got you covered.

Coco Through Lagerfeld’s Lenses
BY CARLO CRUZ | DECEMBER 8, 2015
Kristen Stewart portrays the iconic Mademoiselle Chanel
With “film maker” added to his multi-hyphenate status, Karl Lagerfeld weaves the short
film “Once and Forever”, as a prelude to his Metiers d’art collection that will be staged in
the Cinecitta, a film studio complex in Rome. As in his previous ventures into the film
industry, Lagerfeld allows his audience a peek into the life of one of fashion’s immutable
icons—Coco Chanel. Kristen Stewart—the house’s newest muse for 2016—top-bills the
cast as the young Coco, while veteran actress Geraldine Chaplin portrays the designer in
her latter days. Lagerfeld sets euphemism aside as he takes us behind the scenes showing
both actresses in their rawest form as they interpret the designer the way they know
best—reading the script. But it is Karl Lagerfeld that has best captured the essence of the
designer through the film, the only way a man who’s been with the house for 32 years
can do. Only the “Kaiser of fashion” who can conjure a film, as well as a collection, that
breathes contemporary relevance, staying true to what the house has been doing since its
establishment in 1909, making Karl–and Coco–truly once and forever.

Festivities Through The Generations
DECEMBER 31, 2015
The holidays come with a lot of baggage: lists that need to be checked,
gifts that have to be bought, parties that have to be joined. But we do it
every year, again and again, and it never gets old. These are the things
we enjoy, and enjoy most with those we love. Family is not a choice-- it
is year-round, it is forever, it is beyond squabbles and intrigue. Together
with photographer BJ Pascual, L’Officiel Manila introduces some of our
favourite families, beautiful in and out through every generation.

Steph Kienle Gonzalez with mom Zelda, daughter
Andrea
Steph continues the re-invigoration of PHILUX– originally built by her father Max and
mother Zelda– with her sister Jess, opening up more boutiques in SM Mega Fashion Hall
and PowerPlant Mall. Andrea meanwhile inspires more and more laughter everyday.
Andi Manzano Reyes with husband GP, daughter Olivia
The Manzano Reyeses celebrate year-round. GP’s holdings in The Palace, Valkyrie,
Palace Pool Club, Revel, 71 Gramercy, Draft, Buta+Wagyu, Tides Boracay, and 12

Monkeys assure that the mood is always festive– but their highlight of 2015 is
undoubtedly the birth of Olivia.
Janine Gutierrez with mom Lotlot de Leon
Janine and Lotlot appear together in the film Buy Now Die Later, which won second best
picture at the MMFF Awards.

Lisa Macuja Elizalde with daughter Missy
Lisa and Missy take a break from the Elizalde family reunion, but there is no rest for the
wicked: Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa is busy as well with next year’s
shows. Hansel & Gretelpremieres in January, while Rebel shows in February.

Solenn Heussaff with sister Vanessa, mother Cynthia,
father Louis Paul, and brother Erwan
The Heussaffs join us right before leaving for Argentina to celebrate for a close friends
and family affair– Solenn’s wedding.

The Big Short: London College Of Fashion
BY CARLO CRUZ | JANUARY 5, 2016
With the Philippine academic calendar finally aligning with the global
schedule, there is no better time to hit your dream school, if only for a
short time. L'Officiel Manila helps you make the decision in a series
exploring first-hand experiences at some of the world's most famous
fashion schools.
ART BY MAGS OCAMPO
Seemingly overshadowed by the more known Central Saint Martins, the University of
Arts London’s other constituent design school London College of Fashion also offers the
same elite fashion education. Being the slightly more wallflower cousin of CSM doesn’t
take away from the fact that LCF delivers the same calibre of competency– if not higher,
especially in certain aspects– in developing its students’ creative potentials. The fashion
school provides its students the holistic experience of living in an artistic milieu—an
experimental hodgepodge of inspirations and sartorial references.

As first-hand experience is always the best, milliner and corsetiere Mich Dulce, fashion
designer Rosenthal Tee, and advertising assistant for Bench Lorenz Namalata offer their
experiences and the lessons they’ve learned from the institution that will give you even
more reasons to take up that short course you know you’ve always wanted to take.
Mich Dulce, Milliner
Short Course: Experimental Fashion Design
How has the city influenced your creative process?
London in itself is very inspiring and it encourages your creative personality. I’ve always
loved the city and it has in some ways inspired me in that it has the vintage feel to it that
I’ve always been interested in.
Given the short length of time, were there learning constraints on your part?
Time wasn’t really a problem for me as I came there with a focused mindset that I was
going to study. I guess since I knew what I wanted to do it just came natural to adjust to
the time constraint.

Time wasn’t really a problem for me as I came there with a focused mindset that I was
going to study. I guess since I knew what I wanted to do it just came natural to adjust to
the time constraint.
Were there local or international opportunities that presented themselves after
finishing your studies abroad?
I don’t want people to get the notion that studying in a prestigious institution immediately
entails that you’ll get the results you want. You still need to work hard for where you
want to be in the future. But personally, I’ve had the opportunity to work with John
Galliano, last year, for Margiela and a job for Maison Michel Paris.
What would you advise other aspirants who would want to take up a short fashion
course abroad?
Research on the school. People’s common misconception with school’s like Central Saint
Martins and London College of Arts is that it is a technical school, it is more of a creative
school. In recent years, who was the last break-out designer from Central Saint Martins?
Mary Katrantzou? So in the end, it’s still up to you to make something of that program
you enroll yourself into.

Rosenthal Tee, Designer
Short Course: Pattern Cutting
Has the school changed your perspective in fashion? How or why not?
I had the advantage of being able to train primarily at Istituto Marangoni, while at the
same time, explore other skill sets from the short courses I took up in both Central Saint
Martens and London College of Fashion. Attending the three different schools changed
the way I viewed the fashion system in that it made me appreciate the behind the scenes
aspect of conceptualizing and realizing a collection– pattern cutting and research
specifically– so much more than for example, the glitz of seeing it down the runway or in
a photoshoot presentation. Taking up these different courses helped me realize my
strengths as a designer. I learned how to be more resourceful in using what I was
generally good and to compensate for my weaknesses.
What were the challenges you faced during your experience studying abroad?
I’d say one of the most important challenges any one experiences abroad is the time apart
from the usual support group and the resources that we’re so accustomed to. I didn’t
really feel that I had much to cope with because at that stage I was much more excited to
discover myself away from the usual systems and I’d like to think that I thrived in the
English environment.
What has the whole experience taught you about your self as a creative individual?
My learnings abroad has taught me how to appreciate all the men and women behind the
scenes of the fashion industry. Creatively it’s given me a better appreciation for
introspection– to find at your own pace– the idea and inspiration, without being contrived
or being an imitation of someone else aesthetically.
What are the advantages of taking short fashion courses?
The advantage is definitely the condensed time. Realistically it’s the best option for
interested or aspiring designers to learn whether or not they can see themselves working
in the industry, as part of design or as part of the business end of the fashion system.

course abroad?
Research on the short courses. The schools offer a very comprehensive detail of the
different courses and you can definitely get in touch with them to discuss for example,
the syllabus at a better level so you know what you’re actually getting yourself into.
Lorenz Namalata, Advertising assistant for BENCH
Short Course: Fashion Business (Dual-City in Paris and London)
How has the city influenced your creative process?
I had been looking to London for design inspiration way before I even went there. It’s
amazing that they have a separate fashion week for menswear and their design direction
is always different every season. They take risks and start trends that are unique from
other fashion capitals. It’s almost impossible not to imbibe their audacity when it comes
to fashion. Studying there has helped me become more critical in terms of finding
inspiration and making sure that the things that I do are well-researched and authentic to
my nature. London, no matter how sophisticated it might appear, values grit and honest to
goodness work.

London College of Fashion gave me a different perspective by providing lecturers that
are legitimately working in the international scene. They gave us their invaluable tips and
tricks of the trade, exposed us to exhibits, trade fairs and functions that otherwise we
didn’t have access to and helped us understand how the global fashion industry works.
I had anxiety issues before going to London because it was going to be my first time
living abroad. But fortunately, I got to go there first as a tourist so I covered everything
that I wanted to see. The second time I went, I was just pretty much focused on studying
and I had become familiar with their public transport system by that time. (The tube was
intimidating at first but I actually really miss it now!!)
To maximize the resources that are available to you, to open yourself to other people, to
keep an open mind, to make calculated risks, and to make sure that you’re informed
about the past.
It really reinforces everything you want and need to know about fashion. It’s very
refreshing to be in a foreign city, surrounded by people your age coming from different
cultures and backgrounds. It widens your perspective, keeps your childlike curiosity
alive, and makes you a better person afterwards.
course abroad?
As with my entry for the program, I had to submit a portfolio so it’s essential that you
keep an updated collection of the things or projects that you have made during your
study. I had also planned this for a long time and I had to keep myself motivated to
submit all the requirements as it’s very easy to lose the drive. Overall, you just really
have to want it and make it happen for yourself.

The Big Short: Central Saint Martins
fashion schools.
ART BY MAGS OCAMPO
Different people have different reasons for travelling to London; some for leisure, some
for work, and for a selected few, to take their first step towards a career in fashion by
taking up a short course on the industry. And when one conjures the idea of studying
fashion in London, that idea necessitates only one name: Central Saint Martins. The list
of industry luminaries—Galliano, McQueen, Kane, and Tisci among others—that have
been under the institution’s tutelage proves testament to its withstanding tradition of
creative excellence. Having had the privilege to call Granary Building their second home

for a couple of months, stylists Maita Baello and Cath Sobrevega, and budding fashion
blogger Kiana Valenciano share their experiences living and studying in the London
institution
Maita Baello, Stylistfor Qurator Studio
Short Course: Fashion Styling; Cool Hunting
What was your experience like studying in a foreign city?
I studied 2 short courses in Central Saint Martins in London and stayed there for three
weeks and got to see fashion icons like Valentino Garavani, Alexa Chung and Phoebe
Philo. It was a really fun learning experience and I got to meet new friends whom I still
keep in touch with until now.
It changed in the sense that it strengthened my love for everything related to fashion. It

was more about the holistic experience, not the school per se. Learning about their
fashion industry and how there are so many jobs available in fashion made me realize
how much they take fashion seriously.
Cath (my co-stylist) and I have been invited to do talks on some events here in Manila to
share our experience in fashion styling as well as in studying abroad.
What has the whole experience taught you about yourself as a creative individual?
I learned that I really don’t want to stop learning and exposing myself to fashion. I love
visiting museums, fashion and art exhibits, seeing good architecture because they all
inspire me.
You learn a lot even if you don’t spend 6 months to a year in a different country. It’s
perfect for those who are already working or those who are still trying to decide what
career they want to pursue. I had some classmates who were in a completely different line
of work but they were interested in fashion, that’s why they enrolled in short fashion
courses.
course abroad?
Aside from attending your classes, make sure to check out the school library, visit
museums, on-going exhibits and soak up the culture.

Cath Sobrevega, Stylistfor Qurator Studio
Short Course: Fashion Styling; Cool Hunting
If anything it made me appreciate it more. It made me realize that there is always
something more I can do or learn. Today, fashion is knowledge and talent that you can
cultivate.
Even if the time was really short, I think they were able to squeeze in as much knowledge
and experience to students. Aside from classroom discussions and presentations, we were
also able to visit museums, exhibits, and we were also able to produce shoots in a short
span of time.
I did not have any fashion background at all when I entered this field, all I had was an eye
for fashion. Taking that short fashion course backed my career up because now I can say
i did study in one of the best fashion schools in the world.

Kiana Valenciano, Blogger on kianavee.com
Short Course: Fabric Awareness; Fashion Marketing; Fashion Business; Fashion
Design
Studying abroad, even just for a month, was the most thrilling experience I’ve ever had in
my life. Everything from living alone, to the new friends I made, and the new
perspectives and new opportunities I faced, all worked together to give me the most
amazing time of my life.
Oh, definitely. One of my favourite things that I learned is that fashion is much more
interesting when it’s telling a story. I love it when collections have a story behind them,
when you see how far they have come from their main inspiration point. My favourite
tutor, Ian Scott Kettle, started and ended our time together with great advice – “Bad lines
are better than no lines at all.” and “It’s always about the journey, not the destination.”
The only challenge I had was learning how to be independent. I was living alone in a new

city and started off with no friends in school. To move past the challenge of being
independent, I just had to push myself to realise that the whole situation was the best way
for me to grow up and mature. And of course, making new friends is great, so I let down
my walls, introduced myself and got to know a bunch of awesome people.
Taking a short course is great because it’s like going through a whole semester in a week
or a month. You don’t feel the pressure of having to “pass the class” because really,
you’re just there to learn something new and have fun. It is great because that way, you
aren’t afraid of experimenting and making mistakes, which you later on learn from
anyway.
course abroad?
Do it! And don’t just sign up for one, mix it up and take as many as you can. Take classes
in cities you’ve never been to and embrace that city’s culture. My classes lasted a month
but I extended another month and a half to explore London and it was the best decision
ever!

The Big Short: Parsons School Of Design
fashion schools.
New York has always been synonymous to fashion—being the home to fashion week, the
Conde Nast headquarters, and the MET Gala—and that’s what gives Parsons that
significant advantage over other fashion schools all over the world. It also helps to have
contemporary fashion revolutionaries like Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford– to
name a few– on their roster of graduates. Those who aspire to learn more about certain
disciplines of the fashion industry more often than not default to Parsons School of
Design, as did illustrator and college instructor Aya Ng, retailer Keri Zamora, and
Harlan+Holden head designer Jessica Gomez.

Aya Ng, Illustrator/college professor
Short Course: Product Design
Has the school changed your perspective in design? Why or why not?
In one of our school trips we went to this design studio in Brooklyn called Playlab. They
had the craziest projects like a floating pool in the middle of a river, a logo design that’s
just sound, and an experimental pie project. They had piles of sketches drawn on tissue
paper and they talked about parties, travel and failed projects. Their ideas are really
different, some might even call them silly but they were also genius and brave. Before
meeting them I thought design always had to make sense. I’m so used to following an
organized step by step process in design-making. I would have crazy ideas once in a
while but the lack of resources and wanting to please the client taught me to compromise
and put limits to my creative thinking. This whole experience showed me that there are
no rules and no limits to what you can do.
For my project, I decided to work with sustainable fibers and organic materials. Sourcing
in New York was a bit of a challenge for me. These materials are abundant and cheap in

the Philippines but are a little difficult to find in NYC. I had to purchase them online 100
times higher than how much it would cost if I would get them locally. Everything is a lot
more expensive there and that pushes you to get creative and find ways to make things
work.
Being away made me appreciate my home and my culture even more. Where you come
from is part of who you are and it will manifest in your work. New York City is so
diverse and I felt that it’s really important to maintain my roots and never lose sight of
my sense of self. When you come from a place where chaos and poverty is everywhere,
you tend to appreciate every single thing. You appreciate the sights, the culture, the
events, the materials, the tools and every small detail because you had no access to them
before.
Keri Zamora, Retailer/blogger
Short Course: Fashion Trends; Fashion Marketing
It was exciting. I really learned a lot from my teachers at Parsons. We would visit

designers, image consultants, research centers, etc. There was really so much to absorb
and I was really looking forward to each class/lesson.
It definitely broadened my mind especially in understanding the aesthetic of a designer. I
remember describing Calvin Klein’s designs as boring and I , sort of, got reprimanded by
my teacher (Mr. Anthony Muto, who is my most favorite teacher) because Calvin Klein’s
designs are known to be minimalist and he has achieved that look- so a better word for
describing his design would’ve been “simple/simplicity.”
Working for a big department store like Barneys was always my dream but I was able to
fulfill another dream after taking short courses at Parsons and FIT which was to open my
own retail store.
course abroad?
Go for it. Apart from learning from the school, travelling in itself is learning.

Jessica Gomez, Head designer at Harlan+Holden
Short Course: Summer Intensive Program in Fashion Design
Has the school changed your perspective in fashion?
Parsons has definitely changed my perspective in fashion. Having studied fashion both in
Manila and in New York gave me two very different perspectives on how the industry
runs. While my fashion school in Manila focused more on technicalities of design and
construction, Parsons education is more directed towards research and development of
collections, and gaining a deeper understanding of cultural trends rather than fashion
trends. Manila is where I learned how to make quality garments, but it was in New York
that I finally realized the impact of fashion, as both an art form and a cultural necessity,
on society. It was also in New York that I learned about the inner workings of a design
house, and how being a designer doesn’t only require one to appreciate and create art, but
also develop skills in all aspects of the fashion business.
If you showcase exceptional talent, your own instructors recommend you for a
scholarship in Parsons. Although that was enticing to me, the plan was to come home and
find work as a pret-a-porter designer, and having an international background in my CV
definitely helped me bag just that. I would say that the edge I have over other young
designers is that I’ve developed thick skin from studying fashion in a highly competitive
and critical environment, and I acknowledge the fact that being a designer doesn’t exempt
one from understanding and contributing to other departments such as merchandising and
production. This definitely helps me in my current position as Head Designer for a local
brand that prides itself in living up to international standards.
In my experience, a short fashion course, if taken in an exceptional and reputable school,
is just as effective–if not more–as taking a degree in fashion. Short courses are as
comprehensive as full degrees, but they allow you to personalize your curriculum based
on your interest, and eliminate classes that will lead you away from your goal. However,
it still depends on what type of student you are. If, like me, you are a no-nonsense type of

student who works well under pressure, a short course is right for you. But if you prefer
to pace yourself or have other priorities to attend to, it would be difficult to reap the
benefits of a short course. I believe a short course not only teaches a complete
curriculum, but it also exposes students to the reality of the fast-paced fashion industry by
international standards.

The Big Short: Istituto Marangoni
fashion schools.
As far as short courses go, Istituto Marangoni has got that covered with campuses in
Milan, Paris, London, and Shanghai, all offering a number of courses that thoroughly
introduce its students to the industry’s different facets of design, business, and styling,
among others.
With Marangoni located in cities that are– in their own right– the center of aesthetic
development of their respective countries, students who take up short fashion courses
from Marangoni get the best of both worlds—nurturing their creative potentials and
basking in the city’s chic ambience. Listing Domenico Dolce and Franco Moschino as
some of its notable alumni, the school takes pride on its students’ creative and technical
competence upon exiting its doors.

Montreal-based Accessories and Handbag Buyer Katrina Dy offers her take-away from
the experience, as she fulfills her creative persuasions at the school’s Milan campus;
while Marketing Manager for Sfera-Philippines Ella Fortun allows a peek into her life as
a foreign student in The City of Lights at the city’s campus.
Katrina Dy
Short Course: Fashion Design
When I went to Milan on a scholarship for Istituto Marangoni’s summer course in
Fashion Design in Milan, it was the first time I had traveled outside the country by
myself. Everything was new, foreign and incredible. On my first night, I went to bed
hungry because I did not know that everything closed early in Europe! I remember
gawking at classmates who went out for lunch breaks and came back toting designer
shopping bags, while I could barely pay seven euros for a sidewalk sandwich. I remember
marveling at the city’s architecture, the sophisticated shops, and my strange classmates
who came from all over the world, each with their own unique way of dressing.

Not that they presented themselves, but I took it upon myself to “create” the opportunity.
Upon my return and with the help of a couple of friends, I put together a styling portfolio
which I submitted to Summit Media. That was the impetus that launched my styling
career.
-What has the whole experience taught you about yourself as a creative individual?
Studying with and just being in the presence of other highly creative and passionate
individuals opened my eyes to the multi-dimensionality of fashion. It gave me a better
appreciation of “personal style,” and its many expressions, not just what I saw in the
glossy magazines.
Pursuing a degree abroad can be very expensive, in terms of tuition and living expenses.
Another challenge is obtaining a visa. You will need to provide proof that you can
support yourself independently even without employment. From my understanding,
applying for short courses that run from one to three months are not as difficult and
prohibitive to get into. Also, it is a great way to get a sampling of the experience for a
fraction of the investment.
course abroad?
Research is key! Find out which schools have the best offerings for the field of study you
want to pursue. Network and talk to people who have studied abroad. They might be able
to refer you to other people or resources that can help you (it was actually Pam who
encouraged me to apply for the Istituto summer scholarship program—she found out
about it because she was already planning to study there for her Fashion Marketing
degree). Liaise with the cultural affairs departments of various embassies that can give
you leads on scholarships or educational fairs that you can attend to gather more
information.

Ella Fortun
Short Course: Fashion Business; Brand Management
Has the school changed your perspective in fashion?
Not only the school, but also the city and European culture as a whole changed my
perspective on fashion completely. I used to think fashion was one thing, but learned that
it is a wonderful hodgepodge of all skills and industries burned into one. My take on
fashion became more global: I learned things not just in school but also by the people I
was in class with. I worked for 6 months after Marangoni at a Fashion PR company in
Paris, which allowed me to work on 2 different Paris Fashion Week seasons: Haute
Couture (F/W14) and RTW (S/S 15). It made me realize how big the fashion industry is
in the world and who the specific people are that I should be getting inspiration from in
fashion–from designers, photographers, stylists, and PR managers.
My challenges were more towards appearance and language. I didn’t want to be left
behind, I never do! So I always challenged myself. I told myself that 2 years is not
enough and that I shouldn’t waste a day. So to learn the language and be at the
conversational level, I would say yes to everything–to meeting new people, to job

interviews, to parties and random gatherings. It was the best exercise I did in the city:
saying yes.
Yes there were, internationally. I became close with my colleagues at Karla Otto Paris (a
fashion PR agency) and they offered me interviews with certain brands I love. It was nice
to be acknowledged in that way, for working hard at something and realizing in the end
that it wasn’t for nothing.
What has the whole experience taught you about yourself as a creative individual?
It has taught me how to be kind. Living in a strange city isn’t easy, and you don’t get
what you want by being snooty. But kindness is key, I firmly believe in that now. The
experience taught me that I can be independent and gain new experiences my own way,
not necessarily by being influenced by my peers to do everything a certain way.
course abroad?
Take the lead in your classes and show them how Filipinos can be great thinkers and
doers. Just because we aren’t tall, blonde and European does not mean that we are
unskilled. I think we are the most talented people, but that won’t ever be recognized if we
are always afraid.

Vacheron Constantin’s Piece La Resistance
Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin exhumes antiquated aesthetics,
and revamps the pocket watch with contemporary features
Timeless luxury that faultlessly transgresses form and function is realized in the Ref.
57260, the nine year project of Swiss timepiece maestro Vacheron Constantin’s
resurrected Atelier Cabinotiers—the brand’s division for bespoke timepieces—and
dubbed as “the world’s most complicated watch” with 57 complications—features that
are far complex than basic details like: hours and minutes. A play on significant
numerical details relating to the watch—57 intricately designed complications and 260
years of brand existence—is how the name is formed. Commissioned by an anonymous

watch collector, the two-faced timepiece that was once coded as Project Tivoli boasts an
18 karat white gold body adorned with glazed bezels on either side, and for its display,
the timepiece offers rotating discs sculpted from lightweight aluminum.
Twin faces, both made of silver, encase the complications that diminutive timepiece
possesses. On one hand, the front face displays basic time functions accompanied by: the
timepiece’s chronograph, a Hebrew perpetual calendars, and indicators for chiming
functions. While, on the other hand, the back face allots itself to the astrological functions
of the timepiece such as: two Gregorian perpetual calendars, world time and a triple axis
tourbillion.
The 98 mm diameter of the timepiece consummately houses, arguably, its revolutionary
feature: a double retrograde rattrapante chronograph. Described by the brand as a
“detached split-seconds chronograph”, this specific one’s two co-axial seconds hand

autonomously rotates on a vertical semicircular retrograde scale from the dial’s polar
edges, which forces the hands to never meet. Its 55 mm height lends space to more than
2800 internal components including five gong striking mechanism, which includes modes
like: silent (complete silence), night-time silence (silent from 10 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.), and
striking (chimes every hour). With a total of 31 hands from either face, a couple of hands
are assigned to two Gregorian calendars and a Hebrew one. A striking feature of the
timepiece is its “Armillary” tourbillon cage, named after the architectural masterpiece
that is the Armillary sphere, made from aluminum sculpted into the brand’s logo: the
Maltese cross.
Long gone are the days steam engine trains carried leather trunks stacked on top of each
other, and those times when ladies wore petticoats and carried parasols, and men adorned
their heads with top hats and fancied monocles. But as much as time has taken its course,
the pristine aesthetics of early centuries have left an indelible mark in contemporary
technological advancements; enter, Vacheron Constantin.

The Future Of Beauty Pageants Includes
Robot Judges
Well, it's a possibility, at least.
The expert team of Youth Laboratories has decided to come up with a brand new kind of
beauty contest — one judged by robots. This dedicated group of scientists have recently
developed the mobile app Beauty.AI, also known as “The First Beauty Contest Judged by
an Artificial Intelligence Jury”, which pretty much anyone can be a part of. After
downloading the app, you are required to submit a photo of just your face—no need to
worry about that beach body (or lack thereof) —and wait for “the jury” to examine your
photo. Men and women (no robot contestants allowed!) from all age groups and
ethnicities are welcome to join the pageant. So, to those who have yet to realize their
beauty queen or king potentials, it’s time to take your shot.

Just in case it hasn’t sunken in, yes, your “selfies” will be judged by artificial
intelligence. And part of the artificial intelligence jury is yet another brainchild of the
team: the RYNKL app. In life, you have two voices in your head when you start seeing
fine lines on your face: one is the empowering euphemistic voice that says “You don’t
look a day over (insert your age)”, and another is your inner Gordon Ramsay that yells
“Those fine lines and wrinkles on your face make a Shar Pei look botoxed!” Thankfully,
the RYNKL app is closer to the former while giving you the honesty you expect from the
latter. The app will judge you with sheer objectivity based on parametric algorithms that
analyze every crease that has formed on your face. But the app doesn’t stop at evaluating
your face, it also tells you if certain lifestyle interventions (i.e. weight loss/gain, drug and
supplement regimens, and cosmetic products) contribute to the appearance of wrinkles on
your skin. And the best part is, it’s handy! Being a mobile application, the RYNKL is
accessible whenever and wherever you need that “personalized wrinkle doctor”.
We are, in one way or another, obsessed with knowing we still have “it” — that allure
that some have been blessed with relatively more than others. And as we age, admit it or
not, we become ruthless in critiquing our own aesthetics. From a quick glance at
ourselves in the mirror, we immediately spot those creases in the corners of our eyes, or
those furrows that form on our forehead; and for a lot of us we use those as indicators of
ageing. And Beauty.AI is that one reminder that we can do something about ageing—
even if it means getting judged by R2D2 and C3PO from Star Wars.

Pearls Of The Orient For Those With A
Strong Streak Of Pinoy Pride
BY CARLO CRUZ | JUNE 24, 2016
A new age, a new pride.
Because pearl is the birthstone for June (which also happens to be the month when the
Philippines celebrates its independence), the gem is highlighted in nationalistic fashion
through Jewelmer’s latest offering, the “Pamana” collection. An homage to the golden
South Sea pearl found in our shores, the pieces reference recognizable elements—like the
flag and archipelago—against the backdrop of the golden, dewy orb. Think of them as a
way of carrying a piece of the country with you wherever you may be.

JEWELMER IS AVAILABLE AT GREENBELT 5.

Cruz, Neil Carlo I. (Writing Portfolio)

Cruz, Neil Carlo I. (Writing Portfolio)

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