Japanese Footwear Retailer ABC-MART is Coming to Manila this September

If maximalism had a fairy godmother, she’d probably be Stacey Bendet — and she’d definitely be wearing alice + olivia. 

Now, Manila fashion lovers can get a taste of the brand’s signature blend of playful sophistication, as alice + olivia opens its very first boutique in the Philippines at Greenbelt 5, Makati.

The New York-based label, founded in 2002 by Bendet, has long been a go-to for celebrities like Paris and Nicky Hilton, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, and even former First Lady Michelle Obama. 

Known for its unapologetically feminine silhouettes and standout prints, the brand makes clothing that’s equal parts whimsical and polished. 

Picture vintage-inspired shift dresses, bold tunics, suits, and long intricate dresses that feel ready for a red carpet, or at least a rooftop cocktail party. Apart from statement pieces, the boutique also has ready-to-wear collections for casual fashionistas.

The Manila launch on July 24, 2025 gathered the city’s fashion tastemakers, with the likes of Nikki Huang, Kylie Verzosa, Kyline Alcantara, and Ella Pangilinan turning out to celebrate. 

Guests got a first look at the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, a dreamy parade of breezy florals, Toile de Jouy, and timeless pieces adorned with sequins, pearls and flowers. 

Adding an interactive touch, attendees at the launch event also got to create their own take-home bouquets at a floral station in the boutique — on-theme with the collection and very alice + olivia.

Pricewise, expect pieces ranging from under PH10,000 to just over P70,000, with most sitting around P27,000.

In the Philippines, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc (SSI Group). 

“Bringing alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet to the Philippines reflects SSI Group’s commitment to curating world-class fashion brands for our evolving market,” said Anthony T. Huang, President and CEO of SSI Group. "Alice + olivia’s debut marks an exciting chapter for both style-savvy shoppers and the local fashion landscape." 

Ready to enter the world of whimsical glamor? Head to alice + olivia’s new home in Greenbelt 5 or shop their collections online here.

For more information, visit alice + olivia on their Instagram and Facebook.

Location: GF, Phase 1, Greenbelt 5, Greenbelt Drive, Ayala Center Makati, San Lorenzo, Makati, District I, Makati, Metro Manila, 1228

Opening Hours: Sundays to Thursdays from 11 AM to 9 PM, Fridays to Saturdays from 11 AM to 10 PM  

Conrad Manila is taking self-care to a higher frequency, introducing the Philippines to ISUN Skincare for the very first time. 

ISUN is now exclusively available at Conrad Spa Manila’s premier luxury spa. Crafted with gemstone-infused oils, wildcrafted botanicals, and a deep respect for indigenous communities and the planet, ISUN perfectly aligns with Conrad’s sustainability mission.  

Indulge in a suite of spa treatments designed to nourish your whole being. Among the highlights of the new menu is Transcend, a 90-minute-deep relaxation massage that blends gemstone-charged oils with aromatherapy to align your energy and bring you into a soothing restorative calm.

Try their Elevate Facial, a 90-minute treatment that employs ancient gua sha techniques to lift, tone, and revitalize skin while enhancing inner and outer glow.

If you’re after pure bliss, the 30-minute Ormus Bath treatment lets you soak in a mineral-rich, aromatic bath ritual that grounds the senses and refreshes the spirit, perfect as a prelude or finale to any treatment. 

Whether you're in the mood for a one-time treat or want to build your own personalized wellness journey, Conrad Manila’s new ISUN-powered spa menu is your go-to for feeling good inside and out.

For more information, visit Conrad Manila on their website, Instagram and Facebook. 

Location: 4F, Seaside Boulevard Corner, Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex Pasay City

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM

Admit it: your current skincare lineup has gone through a rotation of products, trial-and-error, and a whole lot of switching. It’s practically a universal experience at this point, because when it comes to acne-prone skin, we’ve already accepted the fact that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Most of us build our routines around one goal: clear skin, free from visible imperfections. But what if clear skin isn’t the end goal, and just the starting point? 

Skincare for acne-prone skin has always come with a trade-off: clarity at the cost of comfort. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. 

Deoproce recently launched their Acne Care Line, allowing us to rethink how we care for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Designed as a softer and gentler solution for acne-prone and sensitive skin, this line promises more than just clear skin: it aims to fight breakouts, soothe irritations, clear pores, and restore balance to give you your best skin yet. 

After a full month of testing, The Beat Asia saw firsthand how Deoproce’s Acne Clear Line performs on oily, acne-prone skin. Here’s a closer look at the results. 

Deoproce’s Acne Clear Line: 6 Products for a Full Routine

Deoproce’s Acne Clear Line is carefully formulated with six essential products—each one made to support acne-prone and sensitive skin with a gentle and effective cleanse. 

This lineup creates a full skincare regimen that cleanses, treats, and restores balance without the risk of compromising your skin’s comfort.

The Skin Prep

The first step to any effective acne routine is a gentle cleanse and tone. Deoproce offers three products that clear the skin without any harsh products on the skin.

• The Acne Clear Gel Cleanser: A lightweight gel cleanser that lathers gently on the skin, unclogs pores, and lifts impurities, targeting acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and buildup, while leaving the skin moisturized.
• The Acne Clear Solid Bar: A cleanser in bar soap format—it cleanses excess sebum to reduce any chances of body acne and sweat-induced breakouts. You can also use it as a second cleanser to ensure your face is totally clean!
• The Acne Clear Toner: A lightweight toner that restores moisture balance and preps the skin for the next products. It’s non-greasy, fast absorbing, and perfect for daily use!

The Treatment

Once the skin is clean and prepped, the next step is to deliver the utmost care that your skin needs.

• The Acne Clear Serum: A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that soothes acne-prone skin and inflammation.
• The Acne Clear Moisturizer: A non-oily moisturizer that locks in hydration, rebalances the skin, and controls sebum.  
• The Acne Clear Spot Treatment: The emergency acne fix! This targets your acne head on and restores comfort to target areas with its calming, swab-on formula. 

The Ingredients That Make It All Up

What sets this line apart from the others is its thoughtful formulation, powered by Deoproce’s Korean innovation. Deoproce’s Acne Clear Line has three stellar ingredients that ensure results without any compromise:

• Anti-sebum P: A patented complex formulated by Deoproce, this ingredient helps control oil and sebum, moisturizes skin, lifts skin impurities, and smooths and refines the skin’s texture.
• 5-Root Care: A natural blend of five botanical extracts inspired by traditional Korean herbal medicine. It deeply nourishes the skin, reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin, while protecting the skin barrier over time.  
• Salicylic Acid: This line features a low, skin-friendly concentration of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates and clears pores. This penetrates deeply into the skin and targets the three main causes of acne without irritating or compromising the skin barrier.

The Test: One Whole Month to Guarantee Real Results

Over the course of one month, we put Deoproce’s Acne Clear Line to the test—with no skipped steps, no product swaps, just the complete routine on display.  

We were absolutely delighted with how this routine was so easy to stick to, and how it fit in seamlessly in our skincare habits. Admittedly, we didn’t reach out for the Acne Clear Spot Treatment as often—because breakouts barely showed up before and during the trial. 

With our oily skin type at play, we were especially eager to observe how well the Acne Care Line could manage all the excess shine, congestion, and texture over time. 

Before we began, we had already been dealing with excess oil on the face and redness. Some of our pores were also quite prominent, especially across the T-zone. 

By Day 7, subtle but promising changes had already appeared: the redness around the cheeks was visibly calmer, pores looked a little clearer, and our skin’s texture felt smoother. There was also a luminosity to the skin that we noticed—it wasn’t overly dewy, but it made the skin look fresh. The oiliness of the skin was still there (as expected), but it was noticeably more manageable than before. 

Come Day 14, the transformation was even clearer. The skin appeared brighter, healthier, and even-toned. The redness significantly faded, and our complexion looked more refined than it originally was. This change made us feel quite confident of showing off our skin as it is—without any makeup. 

By Day 21, the biggest change was how much of the redness had visibly faded. Not entirely, but had softened to the point that it looked more like a natural flush than inflammation. Our skin tone appeared more even, and the overall complexion had a healthy, luminous glow that we were so happy about. 

By the end of the month, the results were undeniable. Our skin’s texture had improved, the oiliness remained at bay, and our skin was noticeably calmer, brighter, and balanced. Every day felt like a small win because of all these visible results, and we could never have been happier!

Final Thoughts and Verdict

Using the full Acne Clear Line was just as Deoproce promised: gentle, lightweight, and kind to acne-prone, sensitive skin. Throughout the month, there were no instances of irritation—no stinging, no breakouts, and no uncomfortable reactions. 

Every product layered well with each other and sat well on the skin—even under makeup! The routine was also quite easy to follow and seamlessly fit into our usual rotation. 

Would we keep using it? Absolutely! All the products felt nice on the skin, and with continuous use, we’re confident to say that our skin will surely look the best it’s ever been. It already looks and feels better than it ever has!

For those dealing with bothersome redness, oiliness, or frequent breakouts, Deoproce’s Acne Care Line offers some of the best solutions. With only six well-formulated products that can be easily used in your skincare routines, caring for acne-prone skin can finally feel simple, soothing, and effective. 

Without all the complications.

Follow Deoproce Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Shop Deoproce’s Acne Care Line on Shopee, Lazada, and Amorfia.

Life’s too short to have boring hair, so flip it and flaunt it! 

Watsons Philippines just wrapped up a vibrant hair affair with its “Flip It! Flaunt It!” campaign at the SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium, running from July 14 to 20, 2025. The activation turned the space into a hair haven, complete with complimentary makeovers, styling, and real-time expert advice that made hair care more empowering.

Last July 16, beauty insiders, local content creators, and everyday shoppers came together with hair experts to celebrate hair as both a statement and a form of self-expression. 

Hair industry icons were present, including MARK’ed Salon Founder Mark Rosales, THE BLOC’s Junie Sierra, modern hair technique expert Mike Feliciano, and celebrity hairstylist Matt Ledesma. 

“The first step for great hair is knowing your hair and scalp status,” said MARK’ed Salon founder and hair expert Mark Rosales, who answered some of the audience’s burning questions about hair. “My tip for you is simple but powerful: stop guessing, know your hair status, know your hair and scalp, create your own mark, and make your own mark.” 

Fact: Some of the most common hair care mistakes start with our everyday routines. 

Junie Sierra from THE BLOC mentioned that habits like the non-usage of conditioner and using hot tools like irons are the two most common hair care mistakes we make. 

When it comes to coloring for the first time, Mike Feliciano listed down five tips: “Don’t DIY at home, Know your ‘Why?’, Get your ‘pegs’ ready. Go easy at first, and get ready for the maintenance.” He also said, “Consistency is key!” 

As for the latest hair trends, Matt Ledesma said, “A lot of people are leaning towards a dimensional balayage, which is easy to incorporate with your natural hair color, and it also grows out a lot softer.” To style this hair color, Matt said that beach waves and curls are the best choice. “Not that it’s trending, but at the same time it’s very timeless.” 

Made in partnership with beauty service app Parlon, the “Flip It! Flaunt It!” event gave guests access to free hair color applications, professional styling, and personalized scalp and hair analysis. More than just a moment to get glammed up, it was a chance to get down and know what’s up with our hair. 

The week-long event showcased a curated hair care line-up, including trusted names like Urban Care, Mise en Scene, L’Oréal, Naturals by Watsons, Dove, Tsubaki, Fino, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, and more, with guests getting exclusive access to some exciting new product drops — available exclusively at Watsons. 

To continue this conversation, Watsons also launched “Hair Chair Stories,” a content series that tackles everyday hair problems like dandruff, coloring upkeep, curly hair care, and more. Hosted by dermatologist Jarische Lao-Ang, celebrity hairstylist Dominic Mangat, and Watsons Beauty Advisor Rachel Samon, the series is now live on Watsons’ Instagram and TikTok pages, creating a platform where beauty meets guidance. 

The “Flip It! Flaunt It!” hair celebration continues in Watsons stores nationwide and on the Watsons app. Watsons Club members can still score exclusive promos up to 50% off, Buy 1 Take 1 deals, gifts with purchase, and access to events on some of their hair care picks. New Watsons App users can also get P100 off their first transaction with a minimum spend of P1,200. 

At the end of the day, your hair is more than just a look — it’s a part of your story. And Watsons is here to help you tell it, one flip at a time. 

Follow Watsons Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Visit the Watsons Philippines website to get your hands on some exclusive sales!

Luxury retailer Moressi reopens at S’Maison, unveiling a refreshed retail space and four new designer brands in its lineup. Known for their curated take on global style, the boutique is a one-stop shop that caters to the styles of different people for different occasions.

From casual, athleisure, to formal wear, Moressi offers looks and pieces that follow the current fashion trends. Currently, Moressi is located at three strategic locations, namely Shangri-La Plaza, Okada Manila, and its latest one, which was relaunched in S’Maison. 

New brands were recently introduced as well, highlighting more exclusive selections. This expansion reflects Moressi’s move toward a more future-facing experience, highlighting a mix of established names and rising labels. 

Here are the four new brands introduced during the relaunch of Moressi at S’Maison last July 9, 2025: 

Liviana Conti

Italian label Liviana Conti is known for their take on inventive knitting, as well as the meticulous approach to details, patterns, and geometric lines. The brand’s research and experimentation with innovative materials became one of its highlights. Described as having “understated yet contemporary looks,” their pieces make modern minimalism effortlessly chic, giving life to a range of looks that are classic, essential, and elegant. 

Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait was established in 2013 by designer Han Cong, with a passion to create beautiful clothing to make women feel special and empowered. The creative vision to make beautiful designs accessible to all women still holds true today. The result is a harmony of refined aesthetic with an in-depth understanding of structure and materials, offering elegance in the contemporary fashion market. 

In Moressi, cocktail and long dresses are available for those in need of updated looks for special occasions. 

Marella

Max Mara’s sister brand, Marella, offers looks that are relaxed and refined. Either dressed up or down, the pieces are classic closet staples that can be worn more than once in different styles. The brand prides itself on high-quality fabrics and thoughtful designs from its blazers and jackets, blouses and dresses, to skirts and pants, giving a comfy and chic vibe. 

Karl Lagerfeld

The late fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld is known for his signature dark sunglasses, polished suits, and flawless hair. His label continues his legacy, vision, and creativity with pieces patterned after his signature aesthetic. Through the fusion of Parisian classics with a more rock-chic persona, each piece is made to look fun, functional, and fashionable. 

Follow Moressi on Facebook and Instagram, and visit the website for more details and information.

Location: Moressi, 1/F, S'Maison, Conrad Hotel, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

The Filipino streetwear scene may be oversaturated by boastful, printed designs, but this brand has made a name for itself with its minimal and emotional pieces. 

Conceit, a Filipino streetwear brand, is making waves in the local fashion scene by redefining confidence. Since launching in 2020, the brand has promoted self-expression through minimal and quietly confident pieces that encourage people to own their worth — loudly, proudly, and in style. 

Conceit offers a softer take on Filipino streetwear — minimal, emotional, and quietly confident. It caters to individuals who want to express themselves without being too showy, focusing less on trends and more on personal frequency. 

With each release, the brand leans further into creative risk while staying true to its core. Their newest collection, “Archive Series 1990 #NORULESSUMMER,” is a nod to ‘90s nostalgia, veering away from the typical summer trends in favor of a more basic yet thoughtful feel — true to Conceit’s DNA. 

Conceit Opens First Concept Store at Opus Mall

Conceit recently hit a major milestone with the grand opening of its first concept shop at Spatio, Opus Mall on June 29, 2025. The launch drew in a vibrant crowd of media personalities, Gen Z content creators, and longtime supporters, all coming together for an afternoon of cool beats, good energy, and love for the brand. 

Guests also got a first look at the brand’s latest drop, the “Archive Series 1990 #NORRULESSUMMER” collection, which was on full display during the launch. 

In a short message during the launch, CEO Sam Jacinto shared Conceit’s core philosophy: “With Conceit, we don’t try to be everything to everyone. We stay quiet — minimal, but intentional. While other brands get loud [about chasing] trends, Conceit stays rooted in our philosophy. Our clothes aren’t for impressing others; they’re for expressing yourself.”

Follow Conceit on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates. Shop their latest collection and more on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Beauty isn’t about chasing perfection and reaching standards anymore; it’s all about embracing our natural selves. For millennials and Gen Z, the glow-up isn’t just skin deep — it’s simply just “being yourself.”

Gone are the days when treatments always leave you looking “done.” One Nadela Medical Group and Galderma Aesthetics have teamed up to officially launch Shape Up, a game-changing treatment that delivers firmer, more youthful skin while still looking 100% natural. 

Restylane Lyft is all about getting a contoured face without puffiness. Meanwhile, Sculptra is where the magic happens. It has PLLA-SCA technology that helps the skin regenerate natural collagen and elastin, which means the skin gets better over time, looking smoother, firmer, and generally feel more amazing!

Plus, the treatment has no downtime — meaning once you get the treatment, you can continue with your day with no problem!

Owning Your Natural Beauty

During the launch event held on June 27, 2025, at the Manila House Main Dining Room, One Nadela Medical Group and Galderma affirmed one thing — they don’t believe in chasing perfection. 

As Dr. Vinizza Nadela-Kong, the Founder of One Nadela Medical Group, put it: “We believe in enhancing what’s already beautiful — you. That’s why we’re proud to be partnering with Galderma Aesthetics Philippines. Together, we’re raising the standard of care because you deserve nothing less.” 

Michelle De Jesus, Business Unit Head of Galderma Aesthetics, agreed with this and added that their purpose is to advance dermatology for every skin story. 

“It’s time we rewrite the narrative: aesthetic enhancement isn’t superficial — it’s deeply personal, and it’s your right to choose how you define your own beauty. The current options for aesthetic procedures in the market shouldn’t change who you are; it should enhance the raw, natural beauty within you,” she shared. 

Shaping Their Story, Their Way

Authenticity and individuality took the spotlight for the night, especially with four social media personalities showing off their Shape Up results — and are clearly loving every second of it. 

Lifestyle influencer, Renee Dominique, emphasized how she embraced her natural Morena skin tone, especially with former beauty standards preferring lighter and fair skin. “I don’t want to change my skin color. That’s why I’m grateful to work with One Nadela to improve my skin texture instead.” Embodying her “Manila Mom” persona, she said, “If ever you want to do something with your face or enhance anything, just make sure you’re doing it because you want to do it.”

Meanwhile, beauty content creator Andrea Angeles talked about how she was blown away long after her treatment. “I was impressed that my skin just kept getting better and better the longer it got, and my face looks slimmer!” 

Beauty and lifestyle influencer Miko Esjay hyped how One Nadela offers inclusive options for everyone, including trans individuals. “Treatments should be open to any gender. Just look how snatched I am!” 

For the guys out there, lifestyle influencer Kenn Dayandayan echoed Miko’s statement and shared, “With this treatment, men can also look in the mirror and feel good about themselves.” 

Follow One Nadela Medical Group on Facebook and Instagram, and Galderma Aesthetics Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit One Nadela Medical Group's website here, and Galderma Aesthetics Philippines' website here. To book an appointment and treatment, contact them here.

One Nadela Medical Group

Metro Manila Location: GF, Panorama Tower, 34th St. cor Lane A, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Cebu Location: 2nd Floor, 88th Ave., Governor M. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

Suit up, gentlemen! Van Laack just launched its exclusive “Made to Measure” service for men’s suits and its Spring/Summer 2025 collection for menswear in the Philippines. 

The German fashion label is known for its sleek suits and corporate attire, a true advocate of power dressing. The company was founded with one purpose in mind: to create the best shirts in the world, and after browsing through their catalogue of men's and even some women’s wear pieces, it’s plain to see that these shirts are made with the finest fabrics and created by master tailors. 

And speaking of tailors, Van Laack knows more than a thing or two about suits, as they’ve been in the business of suit tailoring for many years. Recently, they announced the expansion of their management to further develop their tailor-made men’s fashion, particularly in the area of high-quality bespoke suits made from Italian fabrics. Led by Master Tailor Florian Ohlde, who has been with the company since 2007, Van Laack is making sure you don’t just find a premium ready-made suit but also have the option of having one made that fits you perfectly. 

Last June 19, Florian flew to Manila to offer clients a bespoke session for consultation on suiting and shirts. He explained how their suits are tailored to fit your body shape and your personality, as it can be personalized from the fabrics down to the very buttons they’ll be using, giving clients more freedom in how they want the suits to look. And FYI, Van Laack is the only company that has three-hole buttons. 

Florian also emphasized that every part of the body will be measured, making the finished product seem almost second skin, fitting each wearer perfectly. When asked what the tell-tale signs of a high-quality suit are, he replied, “It starts with the right fabric, especially for a suit. The best fabrics come from Northern Italy because the water there is very clean, so that’s the reason why the Italians make the best fabrics for suits. Together with the fabrics and the German construction and workmanship, I think to be honest, we make the best suits in the world, together with the shirts! You pay what you get.”

The newly developed line of bespoke suits is based on a combination of traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art tailoring techniques. The Italian fabrics, which have been integrated since 2023, come from renowned fabric manufacturers in Como, Biella, and Florence, known for their excellent wool, silk, and cashmere qualities. These fabrics are characterized by their fine weave, durability, and unparalleled comfort.

“The highest quality sign on a Made to Measure jacket is the kissing buttons,” he added. “In a Made to Measure suit, you have the opportunity to let the first button open, and this is the highest quality sign.”

If there are two things Van Laack is known for, it’s precision and detail, and together with the use of quality fabrics, their shirts can last for many years — a lifetime, even as Florian said. 

The entry price for a complete suit ensemble starts from P90,000, but it’s best to visit their boutique, get measured, and browse through their selection of over 300 fabrics and designs that fit your needs. Florian also mentioned that they only need 111 minutes to finish a shirt, and it can be shipped out within 6 weeks. Meanwhile, suits are processed within 7 weeks. 

Introducing the “Lightness of Being” Collection

Casual, warm, and dapper. These are some of the words we would use to describe Van Laack’s latest lineup of menswear, as its Spring/Summer 2025 collection captures the spirit of the summer season through fun prints and warm tones. Aptly named, “Lightness of Being,” the new collection tells the story of a new sense of ease, turning simple looks into eye-catching ensembles, and sending a message that lightness is not just a feeling but an attitude.

We got to attend the fashion preview held at their boutique located at Shangri-La Plaza, which showcased some of the pieces paired up to form various casual and corporate looks. 

“The nice thing with Van Laack shirts is that they have nice prints. The prints are not repeated in other labels. They are unique to Van Laack, so you won’t find them anywhere,” said Johnlu Koa, franchise owner and businessman behind the label’s success in the Philippines. “It’s not something you’ll see in fast fashion labels. That’s something we don’t like because when we pay for something a little bit pricey, it should be unique.”

As the models strutted down the runway wearing the new pieces, it was plain to see that each piece was designed to capture the spirit of the season, featuring warm colors and flowing silhouettes that turn a simple dress shirt and trousers into a fashion statement. Each shirt is also made from weightless fabrics, perfect for the warm Manila weather, and designed with subtle details. The pieces are also easy to match, so you can throw in some trousers and a jacket piece and voila! You’ve elevated a casual look into casual-corporate, gearing you up for a day in the office. 

“All Van Laack shirts are cool to wear,” Johnlu added. “It’s also well-tailored and comfy to wear. And for our weather, it’s just right because it doesn’t stick to your skin.”

This collection is simple but elegant, bold, and yet subdued, so it doesn’t call out but attracts attention instead. Whether you’re headed to the office or a formal dinner party, let Van Laack equip you to take over the city in style. 

You can book your appointment for tailor measurements or know more about the new collections by contacting 09178194814. You can also follow Van Laack on Instagram. 

Location: Van Laack Philippines, 3rd Level Main Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City.

Fashion and art have always been inextricably linked throughout history, and Art Underground made no reservations in blurring the lines between canvas and cloth for their 10th Anniversary. 

In an intimate event held last June 7, 2025 on the 5th Floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Art Underground showcased the dynamic partnerships of Arce x Joe San Antonio and SAIS x Daryl Maat, unveiling the seamless collaborations between Filipino contemporary artists and fashion designers. 

The show unveiled original canvas works alongside modern fashion, each piece echoing the spirit and language of its counterpart. Arce’s sculptural, emotive masterpieces breathe life into Joe San Antonio’s graceful silhouettes, while SAIS’ monochromatic musings on identity and unity find their sartorial reflection in Daryl Maat’s contemporary, structured forms.

The result was a conversation where pigment and fabric speak as one, and where two disciplines embrace each other’s nuances in a celebration of vision and craft, and a symphony of brushstrokes and drapery, an ode to mutual respect, artistic synergy, and creative courage. 

Deseree Mangulabnan, Gallery Manager at Art Underground, stated that the artists and designers were a “perfect fit” for each other, allowing their works, shared visions, and styles to blend seamlessly into stunning pieces. 

"Tambour" by Arce and Joe San Antonio

Arce’s works of dimension, movement, and texture meet Joe San Antonio’s intricate fluidity in “Tambour.” 

Traditionally used to keep the fabric taut during needlework, the tambour frame becomes a metaphor for the creative process itself: the tension required for beauty to unfold, the stillness necessary for precision, and the structure within which intricacy takes shape. 

Arce’s visual compositions and richly textured artworks investigate the tambour as a space where artistry and reflection merge, each echoing a reflection on fragility and foundation. 

Joe San Antonio, known for her romantic and lyrical silhouettes, extends this ethos into fashion, treating fabric as a medium and thread as the narrative. 

Together, Arce and Joe present “Tambour” as a composed homage to the virtues of precision and patience, a celebration of the threshold where contemporary art and couture meet. It is an ode to the craftsmanship of becoming, where lives, like textiles and paintings, are shaped through intention, detail, and a steady hand. 

“Guhit ng Gunita” by SAIS x Daryl Maat

Childlike wonder and a nostalgic longing for one’s youth takes centerstage in “Guhit ng Gunita.” 

Daryl Maat revisits his formative years by deconstructing and reweaving the school uniform with motifs rippling between nostalgia and rebellion. Traditional silhouettes, pleated skirts, crisp collars, and the translucent barong are contrasted with whimsical embroidery patterns, calling back to a time when creatively flowed fiercely. 

SAIS complements this vision through his portraits of wide-eyed children, mirroring the emotional texture of memory, rendered in charcoal and softened by time. His imagery evokes the meaning of what it means to be young, impressionable, and perpetually in flux. 

Together, “Guhit ng Gunita” creates a landscape of remembrance and memory that is neither literal nor linear. It is an elegy to imagination’s first bloom, a tribute to the years that have shaped humanity, and the unrefined beauty of our earliest marks on the world. 

Follow Art Underground on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on their future exhibitions.