Shady Deal

Sharing photos of GL Urdaba's photoshoot for her finals in Fashion Styling at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines!

Photographed by Louie Parinas

Styling by GL Udarbe

Hair and Makeup by Tong Ecat

Models: Ali Cedula and Jerome Geronimo

Fashion Accessories: Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

The Reign of Costume Jewelry

The last five years has seen a democratization of sorts of fashion.  Bloggers have invaded the front rows of fashion week, as well as the list of most coveted wardrobes.  Ordinary but oh so stylish civilians have been captured on the streets and their photos published in high fashion magazines.  Heck, even a Japanese hobo has become a fashion icon! Then there is the DIY movement that allows even the stylish paupers to wear their own versions of Proenza Schouler or Burberry!  In short, shallow pockets has never been less of a detriment to great style as it is now.  And jewelry is not an exception.

Welcome the REIGN of costume jewelry.

In the Academy Award-nominated film, Black Swan, there is a scene where Nina's (Natalie Portman) mother asks her where she got her earrings.  She answers that it's fake, and her mom reacts by saying, "You could've fooled me."

The truth is, it hardly matters anymore whether a piece of jewelry is authentic or costume (unless if it's an engagement ring).  There are so many reasons to patronize costume jewelry--not only is it more affordable, but you also have more options.  There are a variety of styles and levels of craftsmanship that will suit your needs--just check out the department store, bazaars, and even handicraft collections such as that of Palamuti. And if you fall in love with ten different necklaces, why, YOU CAN BUY THEM ALL!!!  You can mix and match the real with the costume jewelry, or you can even dare to layer all your costume jewelry at once.  The trick is really choosing great design and good quality.  Extra points for costume jewelry because you don't have to be on your guard all the time, counting your diamonds and checking if both earrings are still in place.  This is great for traveling too

If you need further proof, here's an excerpt from Celine Lopez' article "Costume Jewelry is the New Icing".

"The Duchess of Windsor and Coco Chanel never made pretentious claims when it came to their baubles. The more ornate, the more bijoux it is, thus the pieces once reserved for circus acts have entered hallowed moneyed circles. Even Jackie Kennedy-Onassis admitted that her trademark triple strand pearls didn’t really come from the ocean....

At the end, bijoux is all about having fun. It need not be of the overly ornate fashions of yesteryear. Discreet jewelry design is back and the more dainty the better. "

So go ahead, indulge in a little bit of Palamuti.  Your inner style icon, and your wallet, will thank you.

Why go Bridal?

Doing a Bridal Collection for Palamuti was a concept pitched by my friend Shiela Dugan- Pascua, the first bride, who ordered a neckpiece from me. According to Shiela, when she and now husband, James, were looking for suppliers by attending several wedding expos, she only saw one exhibitor showing off costume jewelry for brides. I said to myself, “Hmmmmm, why not?”. Plus, doing wedding pieces would be so much more fun! Oh yes, like every other girl, I have my own fairytale wedding… and yes, I’d like to be part of making others’ fairytale come true.

Shiela wearing Palamuti Necklace made of mother of pearls and german crystals.

True enough, most wedding accessories are limited to hair pieces, bags and shoes. Rare do you find suppliers offering costume jewelry to complete the whole ensemble; and jewelries are confined to wedding bands. As Katrina Martin mentioned in a previous blog, In the Neck of It, wedding trends are changing, gearing away from the traditional. More and more brides have the freedom to make their dream wedding into reality! If in the past, black or red gowns were out of the question, behold today. And if you choose a white gown, you can add more glamour without spending much on fine jewelry!
My bridal collection for 2011 is called Songs to Satine inspired by the fictional character Satine of Moulin Rouge which I will displaying at the 18th Wedding Expo Philippines by Themes and Motifs on March 12 and 13, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. We are giving a special discount to brides who will book on the mentioned dates. Freebies wait soon to weds so do visit our booth in Hall 4, J28.

Valerie Tan, TV Correspondent for GMA 7 models for Palamuti. Make-up by sister, Donna Valenciano. Valerie is also using Glambox Airbrush Cosmetics' Mink Lash

To all brides to be, I encourage you to think out of the box!

P.S. I will be sharing the booth with my sister Donna Valenciano, a make- up artist who will be offering traditional and airbrush make up for brides so do check her work as well. Palamuti and Tala Bridal Packages are now available, email pjvalenciano@palamutishop.com or talabydonna@gmail.com.

Hair Accessory by PJ Valenciano, Make up using Airbrush by Donna Valenciano

Heritage

My sense of fashion has always been rooted to simplicity accenting my get up with a piece of jewelry. I have always been fascinated as how a single piece of fashion jewelry can turn a simple outfit into a statement. This perhaps urged and inspired me to focus on designing fashion accessories, and eventually, in the future, fine jewelry.

My vision is to use homegrown materials in my pieces leading to my interest in Philippine Jewelry History. I have been dying to get hold of books and copies of paper about jewelry in the Philippines especially during the pre-colonial period, my search is unending.

What I have learned so far…

Accounts say that prior to colonial period, early Filipinos already ornamented themselves with jewelry out of gold, silver, copper and iron, much of the colonizers surprise. “Jewels, gold ingots, chains, calombigas and earrings were handed down from antiquity and inherited from their ancestors, ” according to De Morga.

Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian scholar and traveler who joined Ferdinand Magellan to the voyages of the Indies, remarked that “the people of Mindoro possessed great skill in mixing gold with other metals and gave it a natural and perfect appearance that could deceive even the best of silversmiths.” House of kings were said to be adorned with gold plates and other settings extending outside of the houses.

Among other treasures found in the island used by early Filipinos are carnelian, agate and pearl which they turned into “Palamuti” such as necklaces, belts, armlets and rings.

Book on Philippine Jewelry by Ramon N. Villegas

Natives of pre-colonial period were of no doubt true artisans who used homegrown treasures inherent to the island. Filipinos need not to look elsewhere.