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.

THE POWER OF ELEGANCE

She made her fitting at Roberto Cavalli 's high end atelier at Rue de Faubourg. Monsieur Cavalli designed her bridal gown in Milan and was sent to Paris for her to fit. With her svelte figure and stunningly exotique looks, she was glamour at its best. Seamstresses were busy adjusting her gown, while curious passers -by stopped at the vetrine and mesmerized at her oriental charm. She loved her Cavalli dress....and loved her wedding moments.

Not one to have a prejudice even in fashion, she likes to globalized her look, she can go with the list of her favourite designers, Gucci for its classic and ideal wear for business meetings, Prada, Lanvin, Valentino, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Halston, Pucci, Missoni, Iceberg, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce&Gabanna, Christian Dior, Fendi, Gucci, La Perla and YSL.... mostly the high brands ended up in her closets. She is enthralled by the originality and the workmanship with surprise elements in buying those top of the line covetable pieces of luxury.

Meet Lea Van Duin.........Businesswoman.....Filipina.
Growing up in Europe for 22 years with her family made her a global Filipina that mixed traditional simplicity of the East and the flamboyance of the West. She graduated Nursing and Economics. She got married on 2004 with her long time partner for 12 years, William van Duin, together they work for their own global empire, William on the negotiating table and Lea, who unwittingly charmed the businessmen's deal with her no nonsense Economics education and of course...the power of Hermes, Cavallis and the Pradas!!!!!!

Comfort is what matters to her the most. So its not surprising if she turned up in a Parisian luncheon meeting for a summery Dolce& Gabanna outfit worn over washed jeans, a simple stone necklace and a silver Louis Vuitton clutch that added oomph to the total look. " I always wear clothes that make me feel good" says Lea, who also heads their global company.....and adds "g" for glamour in her corporate world.

Spontaneity: When her husband said:" Baby, pack your stuff and we will have dinner tonight in Paris or Rome, we will go to the airport in 15 minutes!!!"....(omg, and it happened many times). She loves Paris. She loves Foie Gras, seafoods and Iberico Ham.

Her personal attire reflects understated elegance, simplified clean lines and no fuss designs, where she loves combining with her favorite Jimmy Choos or Louboutins. A firm believer of power dressing without sacrificing her femininity, she admits that in the corporate world" one has to look professional and exude authority to be taken seriously" she utter.

"I love the Burberry jacket that I bought on an impulse in Paris for its timeless versatility. I also wear jeans, shorts, halter tops and kaftans" she says. Opening one of her closets, there were Chanel, Herve Leger, Marc Jacobs and Jiki Couture.......!!!!!!!!!