Ines de la Fressange

One of the fashion icons who continues to be active in the fashion world today is France's chic style icon and multi-hyphenated modern woman Ines de la Fressange. 

    

Ines is very stylish and smart. She has never stopped evolving and has transitioned from being a top fashion model during the 80's to an author and fashion/ clothing designer today.

Ines in a Chanel ad during the 80's.

Ines wearing the coat she designed for Uniqlo in 2014.

Ines de la Fressange started as a model in Paris in the 80's. She became the face of Chanel. She represents what a chic Parisian woman is with her elegance and very chic style. 

Apart from being a model, she also became a creative consultant for  shoe designer Roger Vivier. Ines is a descendant of one of the oldest French aristocratic families but she remains grounded and hard working until today. She is always out and about and always involved in creative projects.

As a woman who loves to share, Ines has also  written a book entitled "Parisian Chic". The book is a style guide that features fashion tips and must-visit places in Paris. It is a best seller and more than a million copies of the book which was made available in 17 languages has been sold. Honestly, I love her book so much that it became my guide book during one of my Paris trips. I remember walking around Paris looking for some of the cool places that she has included in the book. It was one of my best Paris trips so far.

Parisian Chic book by Ines de la Fressange
featured on her website

Ines de la Fressange's collection for Autumn/ Winter 2014 for Uniqlo.

 Here's a video featuring the chic clothing collection that Ines designed for Uniqlo:

I got myself some items from Ines de la Fressange's Uniqlo collection. My favourite is the denim shirt with floral design print details which can easily be paired with dark jeans.

With her new collection for Uniqlo, Ines is able to help women look so effortlessly chic.

To know more about Ines de la Fressange, you can check out her website: www.inesdelafressange.fr

Pradasphere

PRADA, the internationally known fashion brand that was established in 1913 in Milan, Italy by Mario Prada, Miuccia Prada's grandfather, has evolved throughout the years into one of the biggest and most fashion forward brands known globally.

Innovation is at the core of Prada's success and this is shown in their Pradasphere exhibit. 

Miuccia Prada remains as the creative force behind the brand. Miuccia Prada and her husband, Patrizio Bertelli, started working together in the late 70's, laying the foundations of the international expansion that they envisioned for the brand. They are considered as one of the most influential power couples  globally today.

Currently, PRADA has become one of the top luxury fashion brands globally and produces a wide range of cutting-edge products such as men's and women's leather goods, clothing and footwear, eyewear and fragrance.

Recently, Prada has reached out to consumers through an exhibit featuring the fashion brand's innovative products dubbed as "Pradasphere". The exhibit was launched in London in May 2014.  In Asia, Prada set-up the exhibit on top of Hong Kong's Central Ferry Pier 4 and it runs from 19th November to 5th December 2014.

The Pradashpere exhibit in Hong Kong is located at Central Pier 4
 at the Hong Kong side and is very near IFC mall.

Entrance of the Pradasphere exhibit in Hong Kong

I had the wonderful opportunity to see the Pradasphere event in Hong Kong recently. It is one event that shows how the iconic brand has successfully evolved throughout the years.

Visual images both in still and short videos were posted on the timeline wall showing the milestones in Prada's history.

Pradasphere is a special exhibition exploring the universe of Prada. It shows an interesting evolution of how Prada has evolved and innovated throughout the years without losing its strong brand heritage. The exhibit features a disruptive approach to design, style, art, and culture that is unique in the world of fashion today.

Original wrapping paper used by Prada  during its early years

Creatively executed and well put together Prada outfits covering 30 years were shown at the exhibit.

There are various and  colourful bags, accessories and shoes included in the exhibit.

2014 bags from Prada

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Cute Prada robot bag accessories

A collection of  fancy and fashionable footwear from Prada were included in the exhibit.

Beautiful and excellently constructed clothes with fine details  shows timeless elegance that Prada is known for.

I really like the video wall that featured runway fashion videos from Prada. It just makes you feel like you are in a fashion show.

To know more about Pradasphere, you can check out the Prada website: Pradasphere HK site.

Sonya's Garden Revisited

It has been a year since I last went to Sonya's garden in Tagaytay.

Apart from the bed and breakfast amenities that Sonya's offers, it now has an Apothecary and a Proposal Garden too.

Sonya's bed and breakfast 

Sonya's Apothecary where they sell shampoo, massage oils, etc.

The Proposal Garden 

Area where close family and friends can sit at the the Proposal garden

My recent visit to Sonya's was a spontaneous thing since it happened when I came from the cemetery and saw the heavy traffic going back to Makati. I just decided to drive to Tagaytay and have a relaxing day instead of being stuck in traffic going back to Makati City.

I had a great time unwinding at the lush and beautiful garden that surrounded me there and taking some me time by getting a massage is one of the wonderful things that I certainly do for my well-being.  As I say to friends, it is important to place key priorities on  both beauty and wellness. Besides, how can you resist not having a massage when their spa is called "Sonya's Sensuous Spa" ha ha ha.

Since I also value healthy eating, I also had lunch at Sonya's and really enjoyed creating my own salad.

Buffet spread offers fresh  dishes and ingredients

Pasta and salmon belly

Ratatouille and shitake mushrooms

Tomoatoes in Olive oil and chicken cream with mango
 pasta sauce options

Sweet treats such as Banana rolls with jackfruit and sesame
 seeds and Glazed sweet potatoes

Here's my favourite from all the food options... the healthy and fresh salad that you can customise.

My salad creation was composed of mixed greens, mangoes, pineapples,
cucumber, eggs, kesong puti (white cheese) and cashew nuts.

You will also like the option to create your own pasta dish from the buffet.  Here are some nice ones you can make.

Pasta with tomatoes in olive oil  and capers

Pasta in chicken cream with mango sauce with olives and shitake mushrooms

You have to save some tummy space for dessert and some taragon tea.

Banana rolls with jackfruit and sesame
 seeds (This is what we  commonly call Turon in the Philippines)

Shabby chic and cozy dining area at Sonya's garden

Before heading back to Manila, you can also get some freshly baked goodies from their Panaderia(bakery) which sells top sellers such as the cheese hopia and spanish bread.

It was such a nice experience revisiting Sonya's garden and seeing that the place continues to add more good things for both  locals and tourists.

To know more about Sonya's garden, you may visit their website: www.sonyasgarden.com