Costume Rental Shops in Manila for Your Christmas Party

Nothing completes a look quite like good hair does. Do you have that one coworker who always looks put together no matter the time of day or how few hours of sleep they got the previous night?

As a writer, I’ve been privileged enough to have attended some pretty fabulous events, from exclusive restaurant tastings to fashion shows and product launches. Beyond the glitz and glamor of lifestyle journalism, unfortunately, I don’t always feel that way. Despite all my attempts at picking beautiful outfits and doing my makeup, I still somehow feel frumpy standing next to gorgeous models and influencers who have definitely won the genetic lottery.  

So, what have I realized from all this? Well, it’s that hair really does make a difference. I can walk into a room wearing the most beautiful ensemble, with perfect blush and bronzer plastered on my face, but if my hair is stacked up in a bun – which it usually is – then chances are, I won’t look as incredible as I’d hoped. 

Enter: my hairstyling era. I’ve never been one to focus on hair, because as I’d wrongfully thought, it didn’t matter. But it’s true what they say: having beautiful, perfect waves, or a voluminous blowout can complete a look, adding that much more value to one’s carefully thought-out OOTD. So, if you're looking to upgrade your hair life, this is the review for you. 

A Personalized Experience

Of course, when one thinks of perfect hair, their train of thought automatically (or at least eventually) leads to Dyson. Specifically, the Dyson Airwrap, which is something of a holy grail to beauty enthusiasts. This remarkable tool has jokingly been dubbed as the girl version of a PS5 and is a cult favorite at this point. 

The Airwrap’s biggest selling point is that it uses the Coanda effect, a physics phenomenon that shows how a gas passing over a specific surface (particularly a curved or convex surface) will adhere to that shape. Using this principle, engineers at Dyson have figured out a way to style hair without clamping or extreme heat, introducing a tool that helps customers steer clear of heat damage. 

While the Dyson Airwrap first made waves in 2018, the company has constantly been updating their invention, releasing its latest iteration – the Airwrap ID – in 2024. 

The Airwrap ID is straightforward and easy to use: there are four “buttons” on it, each of which can be toggled up or down. There is one for heat (users can adjust air temperature to cold, hot, and maximum heat), another for airflow (light, medium, strong), one to unlock and remove the attachments, and one to power the device on and off. 

The Airwrap ID also comes with six attachments, each of which has a specific purpose. 

There is the fast dryer attachment for drying hair, the large volumizing brush for volume, the soft smoothing brush for shine and straightening, the flyaway smoother to tame hair strands, a 40mm barrel attachment for loose, bouncy curls, and a conical barrel for tighter, more defined curls. Unlike previous Airwrap models, the Airwrap ID barrels can now switch between left and right curling directions with the switch of a button found at the top. (Previous models saw users having to remove and reattach barrels to change the direction of the curl.)

With a focus on personalization, the Airwrap ID also allows users to connect the tool to an app on their phone; this allows them access to a library of styling tutorials as well as a “personalized curling sequence” that allows one to curl one’s hair with a click of a button.

 For this, users simply have to download the MyDyson app and register their Airwrap ID onto it (scan the serial number or input it manually). They can then switch on their Airwrap ID and it will automatically connect to the app via Bluetooth. It will take the user to a questionnaire about their hair profile; once answered the app will generate a personalized styling sequence to optimize the time spent wrapping, styling, and cold shot (to set the curl). 

So instead of having to switch between temperatures and air flow strength, all one needs to do to curl their hair is toggle the power on button upwards to “ID Curl” and the machine automatically does the work. Just hold the Airwrap ID in place and relax. Of course, specific timing can be adjusted to your preference. 

My Favorite Parts

Those approaching hairstyling as a complete newbie – with zero experience at all – will find the MyDyson app is something of a godsend. Aside from the personalized curling experience, the MyDyson app also contains a library of tutorials lasting between 1 to 4 minutes on how to achieve specific hairstyles. There are styles for short, medium, and long hair, ranging from Retro Waves to a Slick Back look, and even a K-pop hairstyle for short hair styling. 

It's also helpful that plenty of people love the Airwrap ID. Content creators have already made helpful videos and discovered their own hacks for creating long-lasting styles. 

If you've ever been burned by a hair tool, then you can understand the fear of that happening again. Needless to say, the Airwrap ID takes away all fear of a repeat burn! 

Although the Airwrap ID does heat up to a degree, it does so at a tolerable temperature. In fact, you can bring the device close to your face or to the roots of your hair, and the heat will still feel manageable.

Ultimately, people also love the Airwrap ID for its versatility. Because it comes with so many attachments, styling hair feels less bulky and a lot more streamlined. All you have to do is attach a head to the Airwrap ID body and you can instantly, dry, straighten, or curl your hair. The fact that it even comes with a flyaway smoother shows just how much thought Dyson put into creating a comprehensive hairstyling experience. You’re definitely getting more than one hair tool with the Airwrap ID.  

The Difficulties

Don’t get me wrong though: purchasing a Dyson won’t automatically make you a pro at hairstyling. As it is with anything else, practice makes perfect and even the best tools will fail if you don’t have the skills to use them.

The only other drawback of the Airwrap ID I have observed is that in order to get really beautiful, defined curls on the barrel attachments, you have to take small sections of hair at a time. Taking a big chunk won’t work; the hair simply will not wrap around the barrel. So it’s fairly time-consuming to have to section your hair and do them one at a time, though the payoff is beautiful. 

Is it Worth It?

It all comes down to: is it worth it? Is the Dyson Airwrap ID a good investment? 

Personally, I would say it depends. If you’re someone who’s new to hair or doesn’t take styling too seriously, then getting an Airwrap ID right away might not be your best investment at the moment. 

However, if you are constantly out or under the spotlight, or simply someone who loves to do hair or learn about styling, then the Airwrap ID is definitely your best friend. The tool is versatile, chic, and easy to use. It’s less damaging than a lot of other styling products on the market and its wide array of tutorials and attachments will open you up to plenty of stylish looks. 

Shop the Dyson Airwrap ID here

This is a truthful product review and the opinions expressed within represent the views of the author.   

The fashion industry is notorious for being wasteful. Around 92 million tonnes of fashion waste is produced globally every year, further aggravated by the rise of fast fashion. Should its popularity continue, experts estimate that waste produced could soar to 132 million tonnes a year by 2030.

The fashion industry is also responsible for a significant portion of global water wastage, as it takes 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton shirt. To add to that, approximately 35% of all primary microplastic pollution in the ocean is believed to come from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, all of which are used by the fashion industry to produce clothing.

While saddening, these statistics are often hidden from the ordinary consumer – and those who are aware of it may not necessarily choose to prioritize responsible decision-making.

“Plenty of customers lean towards responsible fashion but by the end of the day, accessibility and affordability will always be the first option for [many],” shared Yong Davalos.

Yong, a Filipino fashion designer based in Manila, is both an entrepreneur and an advocate. Her designs vary in style and for occasion though she is most well-known for her work as founder of Yong Studio and Tayo Studio.

Through her time spent in fashion – both in retail and as a designer for her eponymous line – Yong has become a vocal advocate for responsible fashion.

“I became inspired to change industry norms when I was exposed to the reality of workers during the beginning of my career in fashion retail,” she shared.

While Yong hesitates to expound, it’s no secret that the fashion industry can be cruel to its laborers. The modern fashion supply chain – particularly for fast fashion brands – prioritizes speed and efficiency to drive huge profit margins; workers often take on the brunt of this sacrifice, working for low wages but providing companies with plenty of profit.

To ensure that her brand veers away from such exploitative practices, Yong makes sure to put “responsible fashion” at the heart of her company’s philosophy. The designer takes on a holistic approach to creating clothes, focusing on eco-conscious solutions and humane labor practices.

“We use as much deadstock materials as possible and care for how clothes are being manufactured,” Yong shared. “We make sure that the people behind the clothes are properly compensated under good working conditions. We’d like to think of our company as not just a business but a social enterprise.”

But there’s a problem: as much as Yong advocates for the cause, she also realizes the contradictory dichotomy of today’s society. Known as the “intention-behavior gap,” researchers have noted that consumers may care about sustainable ideals and ways of thinking, but that in itself does not lead to sustainable buying habits. A good example of this is how Gen Z – those born between 1997 to 2012 – care deeply about issues relating to climate change and social justice. Yet, they also drive the popularity of brands such as Shein and Temu, both of which market cheap, trendy clothes that appeal to demographics online.

“Conscious consumers are usually well-educated, people who really care for the environment. However, those who support brands like Shein may also be well-educated but just ignore that it’s ruining our environment for the sake of fashion fits,” commented Yong.

While it’s difficult to convince shoppers – especially those on a budget – to change their habits, the good news is that designers like Yong are offering people alternatives. Sometimes, accessibility becomes a barrier to smart shopping but with brands such as Yong Studio, Yong manages to reach people who appreciate what she offers.

As the brains behind the brand, Yong described her designs for Yong Studio as “hyperfeminine.” Designs with ruffles, ruching, and straps are plentiful and come in bright, dynamic colors. Though Yong herself often dresses in casual, utilitarian, and street-inspired clothing, her studio fixates on the bohemian, the feminine, and the flowy.

“I design for our cult following, the sophisticated and feminine consumers,” the designer shared. “I think our brand is always evolving conservatively when it comes to new designs but we make sure to keep true to the core of hyperfemininity and timelessness.”

In 2025, Yong continues her mission to offer responsible fashion for those who desire a more conscious wardrobe collection. Her Spring/Summer ’25 Collection is soon to drop, and her current “Westbound: Chapter 2” line (inspired by the Wild West) is selling out fast. “I’m also exploring international expansions for Yong Studio,” she revealed.

Check out Yong Studio's catalog via their website and follow them on Instagram.

If you’ve been looking for your go-to "it" shoes for this year, then you might want to check out the ones from VIVAIA.

You might have seen some of their ads circulating on social media for quite a while now and may have seen some of their pairs worn by Selena Gomez, Ashley Liao, Park Min-young, Lee Joo-young, and Jenna Ortega. But the wait is over because VIVAIA has finally arrived in the Philippines!

Many of VIVAIA’s best-selling styles and options are available at their Pop-Up Store, including the celebrity-favorite Square-Toe Margot Mary Jane, Pointed-Toe Aria Ballet Flats, Square-Toe Margot 2.0 V-Cut Flats, Pointed-Toe Addison Slingback Sandals, and the Round Toe Julie Pro Chunky Heels.

With their shoes starting at the price of P5,979, VIVAIA also carries boots, loafers, unisex sneakers, and bags.

VIVAIA’s pop-up store is located at Level R2, Bridgeway, Power Plant Mall, just by The Grid Food Hall. Make sure to drop by as soon as you can, because VIVAIA’s pop-up store is only open 'til Mar. 31, 2025!

Launched in 2020 in the U.S., VIVAIA is a chic and sustainable brand focusing on “conscious comfort,” with their shoes being made from recycled and eco-friendly materials like PET plastic bottles, sugarcane EVA, and rice husks, all in partnership with Repreve.

VIVAIA is committed to keeping their footwear in style and with intention, taking sustainability to a whole new level. Not only are their shoes made using environment-friendly materials, but they are also created through a low-waste process that sets them apart from traditional shoemakers.

Each pair of VIVAIA’s flats comes with a built-in cushion and is thoughtfully designed for all-day wear. They’re machine washable-friendly too, so you won’t have to worry if you get them soiled by accident!

VIVAIA is available across 61 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and now the Philippines.

For more updates, follow VIVAIA on their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages. You can also check their catalog on their website.

Location: VIVAIA Pop-Up Store, Level R2, Bridgeway, Power Plant Mall

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM (Mondays to Thursdays), 10 AM to 10 PM (Fridays to Sundays)

Eyes here, bag collectors! House of Littlebunny PH, the Thai bag brand brought to the Philippines by Kapamilya actress Kim Chiu, has finally opened its first-ever showroom in the country!

Located inside the Transorient Maritime Building along Timog Avenue in Quezon City, the new showroom gives walk-in customers a peek into the brand’s collections up close and allows them to purchase in-store.

The showroom also provides customers with a temporary shopping experience while the brand’s official store is in the works.

In a social media post, the actress explained that the showroom’s opening was inspired by the holiday season. “This decision was inspired by your continuous support and overwhelming requests, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you this holiday season,” the post read.

At the showroom, customers can explore House of Littlebunny PH’s bags and purses, including their signature Bento, Soleil, and Lulu bags, as well as their long wallets and more.

In time for the holiday season, the showroom is also offering HOLB gift cards and gift bags adorned with ribbons — perfect for gifting your loved ones!

Check out House of Littlebunny PH’s collections at their new showroom, open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, or purchase yours via their website. For more information, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Location: House of Littlebunny PH, 3rd Floor, Room 301, Transorient Maritime Bldg. 1, 66 Timog Avenue, Quezon City

Operating hours: 10 AM to 6 PM