A Luxury Guide to Amanpulo: Where to Eat, Stay, and Unwind

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Whether you want to make a stand or express something to the world, it’s only right that we treat eyewear as a fashion statement. It's more than just about the frame’s design, but also how it fits the shape of your face ultimately enhancing how you look, while also improving vision and fulfilling your lifestyle needs.

With over two centuries of rich history, the Kering Group continues to lead the industry with its expertise in creating modern and authentic luxury pieces for its discerning clientele, and this includes stunning eyewear pieces that can help you make a statement every day.

The Beat Manila attended a dazzling showcase at Gallio Events, Parañaque City as the global luxury group presented its Fall/Winter 2024 eyewear collection to the Philippine market. Read on to learn more about this season’s features and standouts.

Fashion and Innovation Collide

Since its establishment in 1962, Kering has acquired numerous prestigious luxury houses, including well-known brands like Cartier, Dunhill, Gucci, Montblanc, Puma, and Saint Laurent.

Each of these brands presented a lineup of eyewear pieces that blends traditional and contemporary designs infused with innovative technology that is thoughtfully designed and distinct in its own right.

The new Cartier collection blends timeless design with modern elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Key pieces include the Trinity 100th Anniversary edition, which is available in rose, yellow, and platinum, and the Santos de Cartier models inspired by the classic 1904 Santos watch. The collection also offers a range of styles, from bold to rimless frames, that surely cater to different tastes. The Première de Cartier line also brings back ‘80s charm with enamel accents and godron motifs, while the Panthère de Cartier designs evoke luxury with cat-like accents.

Fashion house Dunhill features vintage-inspired frames crafted from faceted acetate and lightweight titanium, which is meant to reflect British music icons. There’s also a new navigator style with a round frame and structured bridge. The latest collection highlights the seamless blend of tradition and modern masculinity through its selection of both optical and sunglass styles.

Gucci’s latest eyewear collection is a celebration of the purest of designs that merge sophisticated details with intricate craftsmanship. You can don eyewear with neutral and vibrant colors, as well as with matte, shiny, and transparent finishes that enhance oversized geometric shapes.

Gucci’s iconic symbols appear as metallic embellishments, embossed scripts, or as the interlocking G logo across various styles. The collection also includes a limited edition of numbered models crafted from ReAce, a 100% recycled material derived from pre-consumer acetate scraps that showcases unique and colorful patterns, making each frame one of a kind.

Designed under the artistic direction of Marco Tomasetta, the Montblanc Fall/Winter 2024 Eyewear Collection is inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Meisterstück and features slim contours, Snowcap emblems, and refined metal accents. The iconic Nib motif is presented in both geometric and navigator styles. Modern sports aesthetics are also reflected in Extreme 3.0 patterns on rubber temples. Overall, this collection is a presentation of the brand’s evolving heritage as they continue to offer luxurious and versatile eyewear.

Anthony Vaccarello presents Saint Laurent’s iconic codes in a new eyewear collection featuring beloved silhouettes and refined details. Metal sunglasses introduce curvilinear shapes with side spoilers, while injected frames and bilayer structures create daring contrasts. The Saint Laurent logo gets a retro-inspired and high-impact design, as well as vintage versions on bold acetate frames. Transparent temples reveal a luminous metal core, while gilded YSL monograms embellish cat-eye styles. It’s a fusion of elegance and edge, providing you with the perfect eyewear for any occasion.

Meanwhile, sports brand Puma designs pieces not just for athletes but for those who lead a sports-centered lifestyle. The latest collection features dynamic shapes and vibrant details, with the Running theme highlighting new color options and two-tone silhouettes that reflect speed and strength. Enhanced mask sunglasses offer comfort and stability, with flexible temples and HDR (High Dynamic Range) polycarbonate lenses for optimal vision. Safe to say, this line impressively combines fashion and functionality.

Making Things Brighter: Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 Technology

Maui Jim’s new collection named “Ekahi” — its first under Kering Eyewear, seamlessly infuses advanced technology with Hawaiian-inspired designs in various shapes and vibrant colors. We had the pleasure of learning more about the fascinating technology infused in each pair, ultimately making one's surroundings look more vibrant and colorful rather than darker like how most tinted sunglasses do.

Maui Jim features their new PolarizedPlus2 lens technology that protects against UV rays while enhancing natural light instead of dimming it, which in turn delivers exceptional color and clarity. And when we say this, we really mean it’s like stepping into Oz for the first time after being whisked away from Kansas. It’s like seeing color for the first time!

Born on the gorgeous beaches of Maui, Hawaii, Maui Jim began their journey in 1987, designing sunglasses that first and foremost aim to protect the eyes from the harsh rays of the island sun. Its founder, a local fisherman named Jim, wanted to create sunglasses that can be used more comfortably in the water, while also taking off the glare and making what you see more beautiful.

The variety of base lenses has different light filtrations, allowing people to find the right pair of glasses for their eye health needs. Maui Jim makes it a priority to protect their customers’ eyes without sacrificing your vision’s vibrancy and clarity once you put their shades on.

The new collection is divided into three main segments: MauiPure, MauiBrilliant, and SuperThin Glass which all cater to outdoor and fashion trends enthusiasts. Each segment boasts unique designs inspired by Hawaiian culture, with signature patterns like the Wavy Pattern and Slash that add a modern twist.

Today, Maui Jim has grown into a global brand — the world’s fastest-growing Premium Polarized Sunglasses brand in the world and is being sold in more than a hundred countries.

But what makes it unique from other polarized sunglasses, you might ask?

“It’s the community that we are trying to build for Maui Jim,” said Angelica Pineda, Kering’s In-Store specialist. “It’s not just about selling, but also about introducing a product that will help people’s lifestyles.”

Business Development Manager for Maui Jim, Anthony Le, also introduced us to some Hawaiian concepts and told us how much like the word “Ohana,” whose root word comes from “Oha” (shoot of a Taro plant that shares the same roots and is a vital part of life on the island), the Maui Jim brand treats their customers and retailers as family and invites everyone to try a pair and be captivated by a world filled with color.

Discover the latest eyewear innovations and designs and other luxury pieces by following Kering on Facebook and Instagram or visiting their website.

Fashion is always a fun investment. For those who love to play dress-up, it’s obvious that no outfit is complete without accessories. Of course, the best ones are those that are functional, durable, and eye-catching. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of luxurious handbags that are the perfect accompaniment to every outfit. Aside from being beautifully made, they’re also artistically crafted to ensure that they will last the test of time.

The Valextra Iside

Quiet luxury is a growing market, especially for those who prefer not to flaunt. Among these brands is Valextra, a luxury leathermaker headquartered in Milan. Though they have many iconic designs, a top silhouette continues to be their Iside. A crossbody bag that can also be used as a handbag, the Iside comes in multiple finishes and special editions. From pastel colors to freehand art, perforated designs, and even a wicker edition, the Iside is among the many options bag collectors have when purchasing.

Newly available in the Philippines, Valextra can be found at Adora stores – and has already found fans in style icons such as Heart Evangelist and Camille Co-Koro.

Adora is located at L1 East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City

The Louis Vuitton Capucines

While not as audacious as its Monogrammed sisters, the Capucines bag is arguably one of – if not the most – sophisticated of Louis Vuitton’s designs. Not only do they come in multiple sizes and colors, but the Capucines are also a valuable collectible, akin to art. The Artycapucines line, in particular, invites renowned artists to use the bag as a canvas, with limited edition sacs from Daniel Buren, Liu Wei, and Paola Pivi. Not as common but definitely much more eye-catching, each Capucines edition adds a touch of uniqueness to any outfit or personality.

Louis Vuitton is located at G/F, Greenbelt 3, Makati City

The Ferragamo Hug

The Ferragamo Hug bag is what you need when you want an accessory that goes with everything. A highlight of the brand's 2023 and 2024 collections, it is the embodiment of understated elegance. Those who wish to add a more whimsical touch can also consider more colorful variants, such as the light caramel exotic leather or even one in Ferragamo red. Of course, those looking in neutrals won't be disappointed as many variants of the Hug come in muted, versatile tones.

Ferragamo is located at G/F, Greenbelt 4, Makati City

The Hermes Kelly

In the years since its introduction in the 1930s, the Hermes Kelly has quickly become a cult classic. Used by Grace Kelly to conceal the first signs of her pregnancy, the bag has since ballooned to include multiple versions. It has been reimagined as a backpack and even a pouch, but ultimately, the handbag version of the Kelly remains to be the most recognizable, with its signature trapezoidal shape and Touret clasp and padlock.

Hermes is located at G/F, Greenbelt 3, Makati City

The Dolce & Gabbana Sicily

Arguably one of Dolce & Gabbana’s most recognizable bags, the Sicily features a fun and edgy take on the traditional accoutrement. Not only do they come in multiple sizes – from small to medium and large – but the Sicily also plays with both proportion and texture. Some versions come in elongated styles, and or are covered in materials such as denim patchwork, votive medallions, and even eye-catching crystals.

Dolce & Gabbana is available online

Putting your shades on has never been this good with Ray-Ban’s bold new collection that transforms as you go about your day, evolving and syncing with you every move!

The Ray-Ban Change Collection features the iconic brand’s first photochromic frames, designed to adapt seamlessly with changing light conditions. Exclusively launched at British optical store, Vision Express, this new collection of frames and sunglasses are not only revolutionizing eyewear technology but also elevating your everyday style, making you look fashion-forward whenever you step in and out of the sun!

The new collection was launched in the Philippines last Aug. 14 at the newly opened Vision Express store at The Podium Mall in Mandaluyong City. The Beat Manila got a first look at their fabulous new branch filled with all the latest eyewear collections from top designer brands, and even got to try the impressive ‘Visionbot,’ the latest AI technology used for eye examinations and diagnostics which is available exclusively with Vision Express.

Read on to learn more about Ray-Ban’s ever-changing frames and how Vision Express is committing to improving Filipino’s eye health through revolutionary tech and delivering not only the trendiest sunglasses and frames, but also innovative and revolutionary eyewear that perfectly suits you.

Ray-Ban Change: Two Frames in One

Yup, you read that right. The Ray-Ban Change Collection fuses fashion and innovation in their Wayfarer frames, which literally changes color once exposed to light. It will only take a few seconds before you see these frames transform into a multi-colored patterned frame. It’s as if you’ve switched shades before heading outdoors!

The frames are made with newly patented acetate technology and photochromic dyes that react to UV light and unveil artfully designed patterns when outdoors. This advanced photochromic technology was developed in partnership with Transitions®.

Indoors, the frames reflect a sophisticated, solid color, making them versatile accessories for any setting. Talk about making a fashion statement!

It’s currently available in four basic colors that all reveal stylish striped pattern designs once exposed to light.

“The idea is you want to look different without actually having to go through the effort of changing your pair,” Vision Express Marketing Head Mini Paul explained at the launch event. “It’s revolutionary, it’s exciting, it’s something that no one else has done before and as always, Vision Express takes extreme pride in leading the change.”

The frames are priced from P15,990 to P19,990.

Experience the Visionbot

There’s a well-known proverb that says the “eyes are the windows to the soul.” Although it’s a metaphoric way of saying our eyes tell our feelings, it can in fact also tell a lot about our current physical health conditions.

The Visionbot is a smart, cutting-edge AI technology used in the interpretation of the Fundas examination, the visualization of the retina which can provide information about a particular medical diagnosis. Beyond providing your eye grade and detecting eye diseases, it also offers pre-diagnosis advanced screening for other diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

The Visionbot also provides a quicker diagnostic for doctors and brings delight to their patients as they’re able to get accurate, more comprehensive, and overall better results for their eye examinations.

If we told you that the Visionbot can provide the diagnostics in just under 3 minutes, would you have believed us? To be honest, we couldn’t believe it too, so we had to try it ourselves. Dr. Bineeta Das from Vision Express Podium gave us an impressive demonstration that erased all of our doubts!

After you fill in your details on the form, the doctor inputs them into the system and the process begins. You will simply look into the machine’s eyeholes (like looking into a telescope) and try not to blink as the bot scans your eyes. A minute passes (it honestly felt like seconds), and you’re done! The results may take a minute or two to render, but once you have it, you’ll be able to see a comprehensive report detailing your eye health screening from visual acuity to blood pressure checks.

You can book your FREE exam here.

Explore exclusive eyewear collections and meet your perfect pair!

If there’s one thing Vision Express takes pride in, it’s being a visionary in the eyewear revolution. They provide Filipinos with the most advanced and precise eye care experience through FREE exams and innovative frame collections. It is no surprise how they have become the leading optical chain in the country.

“Our goal is to take care of your eyes for generations and generations to come,” Neelam Gopwani Chainani, Managing Director of Vision Express, stated as they opened the 62nd Vision Express store in the Philippines at the fourth level of the Podium Mall.

Vision Express doesn’t only offer eye care but also helps you find the right pair with their Fitting Guides that help determine the right frame for your face shape, skin tone, and even hair color!

Just like with the Ray-Ban Change collection, Vision Express strives to be the leader in change, offering a wide range of the most stylish sunglasses and frames from brands such as Tom Ford, Prada, and Armani.

“Every time there’s something contemporary, something different, we make sure that we’re there ahead of everyone else to be able to bring that technology to the country,” Mini said as she showcased the latest Ray-Ban collection, as well as the first-ever Porsche Design eyewear in the country, featuring a full comprehensive sun and frame collection!

The beauty about Porshe Designs is that it’s like an extension of the car. The iconic car company has been known to produce durable, high-performing, and high-quality cars and all of that has been applied to their eyewear. Mini also mentioned how they’ve included small details in the design such as the actual tire of the car applied to the frame’s rims, showcasing a sleek and durable design.

At the event, Neelam also told as about their Cartier set and how you can get custom frames made in Italy, which will be delivered in just two months! This offer can be availed exclusively at Vision Express.

Discover the latest eyewear innovation and trendiest frames in the market by following Vision Express Philippines on Instagram and Facebook.