The Tale of Two Soirees II

the Tale of Two Soirees part II


Venue: the Creekside Japanese Restaurant
Sheraton Creek Dubai

style GOURMET
Host: Albert Andrada- Royal Fashion Designer/Fujeirah


The inconspicuous entrance of asian-japonais modern structure in lacquered origami, imparted a sense of arrival. The restaurant name announced outside in red logo, gives a tranquil feeling, a little bit like rising up into gastronomic heaven on a Japanese bygone era.This informal Japanese restaurant combines a light and airy feel, in a casual but modern design. It offers the freshest sushi and sashimi with the Chefs in action at Teppanyaki tables , Sushi Bar and Wok station.
Let the brilliance of the interiors not distract you from the subtleties of the Creekside food haven, understated but deeply luxurious, the overall effect is one of an amazing lightness of being, vibrant cool and relaxing.. This is probably due to the expansive windows opening up, showing a new respect for the modern architectural building’s contours.

Yes, the charm of the Creekside restaurant is in the details, in the subtlety of interiors,of food indulgence translating each raw and fresh element preparation into art.…all the nuances…being designed as a ‘whole experience’.

Everyone has a piece of their heart left here, since most of the intimate dinners in the past were held in this all in one japanese food paradise, and they would not compromise on anything. We have our own favourite seats, a tapped into this positive energy and combined it with the Zen design philosophy – offering memorable experience, to create narrative dreams.

The restaurant is not all about seeing and being seen,it's all about the bountiful supply of raw materials waiting to be transformed into culinary delights, for cooked or otherwise, seafood offers a variety of tempting delicacies.And when spiced up with the diverse flavours of the Orient, it becomes a foodie's dream.


The subtle sashimi (not to be confused with the popular sushi) is a favourite in many kitchens, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and even Korean. It is often draped over a garnish and served with simple sauces. What gives this Oriental food from the depths of the sea its distinctive character is a harmony of tastes. Freshly ground herbs and subtle spices combine seamlessly to make the meals lighter and healthier.

Sashimi is my favourite cuisine. It focuses on the freshness of the ingredients. Its classical minimalism is art on the plate and seduction on the palate. Very Zen like. However, you must ensure that the sashimi is very fresh. And food done on the trepan grill is not only drama which I love but it's also flavoursome and healthy. A truly unbeatable combination.

Friends & HERMES

Luxury and style came together in an evening of sheer indulgence at the recent birthday party hosted by fashion designer and blogger Butz Fuentes. The intimate soiree, held at JUNSHUI- an Asian Fusion, was marked by a mood of soft relaxation. As sparkling wine and scrumptious hors d'oeuvres did the rounds, the select guests were treated to Junshui's savoury and mouth watering buffet,from tempura to sushi,Malaysian curry chicken to Thai's hot sumptuous array of delicious dishes...a culinary feast indeed, pampering riches in gastronomic experience.
Lending glamour to the select gathering was stunning Christina Barrientos, who was the epitome of elegance in her classy black fusion. Conversations and bubbly flowed freely throughout this intimately mellow soiree making it a memorable gathering of Dubai's " beau monde".

                                                                                                                                                         

Held at the only seven star hotel on earth, the elegant and fabulous Burj Al Arab in Dubai on March 12,2010..a day after my birthday.In this photo:L-R/ Michael Cinco, Val Taguba,Ezra Santos and Christina Barrientos,

The affair was attended by my innermost circle of friends who always been there through thick and thin.From left: Albert Andrada, Bandoix Flores, Izhcka Zeta,Angelo Estera,(standing) me,BUTZ FUENTES..then Furne One, Michael Cinco, Val Taguba, Ezra Santos and Christina Barrientos.

My friends love luxury..so what could be the best celebration on my day  than the expensive, haute and royal BURJ AL ARAB?....

                  

The limousine complimented our attire: Black Glam & Haute Sartorial.Knowing them, I was sure they won't disappoint me, and I was very happy they came up at their bests!!!...and more.

Ezra Santos- atelier owner, dubbed as a fashion czar...talented and versatile fashion designer, Santos  epitomize glamor ,and had been chosen number one  Best Dressed 2009.Well traveled, his total look resonates  subtle chic luxury with Hermes as his arm candy.

Celebrity Designer Michael Cinco always creates controversial collection.... film stars, divas and socialites are clamoring to be seen and be photographed  on parties, balls and red carpets  in a Cinco gown...which denotes highly created and skillfully work of arts. Participated the Miami and Dubai Fashion Week 2010 and always on top watch lists......

Bandoix Flores is a constant lover of Haute Couture and good life, his eclectic sense of fashion reflects his flamboyant lifestyle and sense.....uniquely his own.

             

Val Taguba creates feminine form and finely crafted well embellished gowns .Highly work oriented , his new atelier is always abuzz with workloads in glitzy and chic collections.                                                                                                                                                                    

Izhcka Zeta

BUTZ FUENTES

Albert Andrada had been working for ruling royalty for a decade, his works are fresh and elegant fit for princesses and queens.Well traveled and highly educated, his love for fashion and style complimented his urge for luxury and branded toys...like his limited edition Louis Vuitton.

Angelo Estera's edgy yet beautiful pieces of fashion designs, made every piece a much sought after "must wear".Clients love his works, more on young, hip and trendy.

ALBERT ANDRADA: Kohinoor Collection PFW S/S 2011

                        
Albert Andrada, Dubai based Filipino designer, carved out a distinctly original niche with a sharply sensuous and deceptively edgy collection at the recent Spring/Summer PFW Week2011-Grand Allure segment.

The show started with the interesting fashion inspirations from exotic India, where Andrada's state of mind reflected, in his gorgeous clothes. It was the mystical Kohinoor-which was the title of his show, that featured exotic creations from his drawing board to runway.

 With mirror work tops in nude stretched tulle and Swarovski diamants and brilliants,  tasseled with  degrade synthetic goat hair, silk satin  panelled  jodphurs and embroidered bodices that caught the attention on the ramp and made his first runway show at Philippine Fashion Week , a success.

Interspersed  with cascading flower origami in long tailed gown attached at the back, the mystic of Indian Maharanis echoed luxe and elegance in diaphanous mask  that left the audience spellbound.

 The stunning impact of intricate jewelry set of embroidery from the sub-continental artisans of Jaipur, resonated the audacity of Andrada's work in the Gulf where exuberant and exquisite gowns are the normal order of the day.

 The runway was  filled with  style, glamour and drama, and will surely be remembered long after Albert Andrada's will join the Holiday Collection 2012 next year.

PHOTO CREDITS: PAUL CORTES

Albert Andrada/ PRESS KIT

for Philippine Fashion Week 2011 Spring/Summer
text by the STYLEMONGER-Butz Fuentes

Albert Andrada's works reveal poetry and imagination.
His lines are solid and elegant in precious fabrics vamped with extravagant detailing.High in level of creativity, Andrada never forsakes quality for mass appeal and commercalism." My client is a woman with attitude, she is strong with clear point of view.In other words, they wear the dress, the dress does not wear them", he says.

Andrada has established his signature style, sculpted body shapes that define femininity.
Winning the Swarovski Awards for the Best Designer in Professional Category 2002, established his reputation and worked harder to hone his craft. A fashion design graduate from Slim's, he cut his fashion teeth in the Emirates, where he learned the nuances of structures and embellishments.


Albert Andrada combines the old- school techniques in approach to tailoring and designs wih contemporary touches of trends and style. His 10 piece collection at the Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 is inspired by the rich culture of India. Titled "KOHINOOR", the precious gem will bring the audience to the inner sanctum of the royalties- the Maharajas and Maharanis. The colors are beige, off white ,silver and gold.


The silhouettes are mixed Indian-contemporary like jodphur pants  with edgy twists. Embellishments are in Swarovski crytals and elements with zardozi embroidery from the ethnic artisans of Udaipur and Rajasthan.
His first at the Philippine Fashion Week, Albert Andrada's global appeal will surely bring excitement to the event.


ALBERT ANDRADA- KOHINOOR
SMX Mall of Asia Oct.31,2011
GRAND ALLURE 4:00PM
MANILA

METROWEAR 2011: FILIPINIANA NOW.......

 NOW, Filipiniana. The collections were directional, 100 designers created 100 parts, evoking mixed styles that promote the psyche, the vision of one nation, one dress. While the brigade crumbled to present their platform and identity, sense and sensibilities focused on their skills. Metrowear melted the best in the crop to sashay its way onto the national fashion map to celebrate our identity as fashionably Filipino in Filipiniana.

The show was a surprise, few dramatized and  rendered their interpretation of the national garment on the runway with utmost care. Innovations failed to make the deserved impact. There were more variations in shape and silhouettes....but to execute the venerable Filipiniana, a "complete designer"- GLORIOUSLY DIVINE CREATORS, who can give justice and life to clothes, not necessarily old-schooled, BUT have the artistic prowess to reinvent, to recreate the "NOW FILIPINIANA"....fierce, global and glamorous. Over all...the show did not leave a lasting aftertaste, too many clothes with less breathing spaces.

THE 10 FABULOUS, FILIPINIANA COLLECTIONS ARE:

1. EZRA SANTOS

   

EZRA, in his early outings as a fashion designer in the Philippines, was so enamoured by the butterfly sleeves, so aptly immortalized by the social butterfly of her own era, the legendary Imelda Marcos. It is stiff and protrudes where the shoulder blades end. The fabric is often made of pineapple fiber indigenous to the Philippines, and lined with "cana maso" for the standing effect. The complete ensemble is usually cut empire to achieve a soft, voluminous draping in the bodice, perhaps to contradict the sharpness of the sleeves. It became de riguer for the flamboyant erstwhile Filipino First Lady to wear to state dinners and official foreign visits in her more than two decades of rule that it became her trademark look. Needless to say, it is reminiscent of the halcyon days of a not so distant past, of pomp and pageantry, of an almost mythical era that exuded sinful decadence, and excesses and intrigues. 

     And in true renaissance form, EZRA takes pride as he reprises the iconic sleeves, albeit subtly. In his trademark masterful cutting and precision tailoring, he has done away with the cumbersome pleats that stiffen and form the semi oval sleeves and make it appear seamless. He adroitly softens the look and gives it a much more feminine edge and a universal look. 

And yet again, EZRA never disappoints. He has truly mastered his craft. He is a purveyor of good taste and all things beautiful and elegant. He creates. He trailblazes. He invents and reinvents. And no wonder, he revolutionizes the butterfly sleeves. And in the bigger scheme of fashion, imagine what else EZRA is truly capable of. 

words by VAL TAGUBA

2. FERDIE ABUEL

3. LOUIS MAGALONA CLAPAROLS

4. JAMES REYES

5. VEEJAY FLORESCA

6. FRANCIS LIBIRAN

 

7. ALBERT ANDRADA

 

8. PHILIP RODRIGUEZ

9. CARY SANTIAGO

 

10. RAJO LAUREL

 

PHOTO CREDITS: ENRICO DC II

STYLEMONGER'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, got my landmark birthday last March 11, 2011 at an exclusive hotel by designer Giorgio Armani.

                                                          BURJ AL KHALIFA
Living it up the Armani dream. The Italian couturier's first foray into the world of luxury living, includes upscale design walls decorated with handmade Florentine leather, Japanese tatami on the floors and bathrooms featuring green Brazilian marble.

Fashionably chic, Armani's luxury does not come cheap, the minimalist signature of the hotel offers exuberance not only on fabulous interiors but also on its haute cuisine. Ristorante- the most uber chic in gastronomic tradition of Tuscany culinary delights was our ultimate choice, very private and very exclusive intimate dinner at Enoteca, the Wine Room.

EZRA SANTOS

MICHAEL CINCO

BANDOIX FLORES

ALBERT ANDRADA

RENE SANTOS

                                                                BUTZ FUENTES
Our Menu:

Starter :Terrina di foie gras e datteri pere e riduzione di espresso

Main Course:Rena pescatrice informata, cannellini, spinacci e pancetta di maiale

Dessert:Tortino di choccolato caldo I pecan caramellati e sorbello alla pera

My closest close knitted friends shared the fabulousness of the evening:
EZRA SANTOS
MICHAEL CINCO
BANDOIX FLORES
ALBERT ANDRADA
RENE SANTOS