It's been almost 7 months since I last had a decent stroll around a mall in Manila, and knowing that the turnover of shops here isn't as fast as the ones in Hong Kong, I was pretty confident to see the same old brand occupying the same old stalls.
Since SM was the most convenient place to visit from where I was staying, I decided to meander around that area eventhough it's common knowledge that SM becomes a bee hive come Christmas.
Being accustomed to the HK crowd, this shouldn't be too hard to handle.
SM is becoming an expert in coming up with surprises, so much that it often leaves me in awe after I step out of its hallowed halls.
First surprise was coming up with an excellent advertising campaign with Charlene Gonzalez. As I've told Lyli, her friends in New Directions have done an awesome job in bringing in class and fashion to this often scoffed upon "masa" department store. The art direction, styling, photography and clothes have succeeded in bringing it a notch higher.
Another surprise greeted me today, and this came in the form of some chic finds that one wouldn't automatically associate with SM. Upon checking out their teens and young adult sections, there was a plethora of trend staples - all nicely executed and ridiculously cheap.
Among the fab finds were the following items:
1. Silk gaucho pants in bronze, brown, black and pink.
2. An embroidered tank (similar to the one I bought for my sister in Zara a couple of months ago.)
3. Bubble skirts in tweed, with lengths varying from mini to above the knee.
4. Embellished empire tops with beaded details.
5. Slides that are a mix of Chinese and Indian.
What's surprising here is that i'd expect to find these in their Boutique Square section, but it was just in their regular line. Of course, after seeing how they've "upgraded" their teen/young adult section, I was curious to see if there were any additions in their "high end" line.
Again, they didn't disappoint.
SM Makati carries Cesar Gaupo and Avel Bacudio, both very skilled designers in their own fashion realm. Cesar's dainty dresses that channel the 50s and 60s were really nice, particularly the crepe silk shift with a velvet ribbon, plus the shantung dress with a refreshing combination of blue and orange, plus a punch of red.
On the other hand, Avel's graphic prints would go well with plains to create a look that's both classic yet edgy.
Comparing department stores, I think SM is really leading the pack in terms of fashion innovation and really bringing good clothes to the hoi polloi.
I just hope that the hoi polloi can appreciate good fashion and start dressing well like the Hong Kongers do.
After this little visit, my belief in the SM jingle is slowly being solidified. Indeed, "we've got it all for you."
