Oh my...

I've been wondering for quite sometime if I should.

For the past year, this blog has relied on an amazing point-and-shoot camera. But during the last month, I've been taking lessons on photography using a digital slr. And I've been wondering if I should integrate the shots taken using the new camera in this blog.

I am not sure why I am hesitant. There seems to be nothing wrong with it, right?

Perhaps, it's because it has been one of Foblow's strengths to try to capture good shots using a humble range finder. Also, it might also be due to the pressure of producing better images with a camera that offers more possibilities.

In any case, here's the first slr photo that I'm posting. A practise shot. In day when I coaxed almost everyone I saw at school to pose with the mannequin hands I found.

Wish me luck.

:: Click here for the workshop output exhibited at the Filipinas Heritage Library.

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From Rags to Bags

Le Rosette Tote

(Standout newspaper outfit by Jojie Lloren)

Retaso or excess fabrics from production plants usually find their way to former landfill Payatas, and are made into rags by the women of this depressed community. Last night Rags II Riches, a project that aim to help the women of Payatas, unveiled the second designer collection of bags "upcycled" from these fabrics.

An exhibit was set up at The Gallery of Greenbelt 5, Makati City. Amina Aranaz-Alunan designed this summer collection defined by rosettes, stripes and nets. The pieces were fused with other indigenous materials-- a signature of Aranaz.

Aplaya Basket Tote

(Gown by Melanie Lim)

Exhibited along with the bags, newspaper ensembles were produced by Dong Omaga-Diaz, Jojie Lloren, Avel Bacudio and students of the School of Fashion & the Arts. Indeed a gorgeous piece was Lloren's (first photo). Upon closer inspection, one could even see a zipper integrated to the design. (I think it may even be wearable by a girl with a high level of finess.)


And the best bag for summer, especially if you plan to hit the beach in style, is this blue, white and orange striped tote (photo below). Feels nautical without being constricted to bold bands of blue and white. (The sandy hue of the mall flooring and the greens placed on the side just add to the beachy feel of the bag. )

Best Bag for Summer

Remarkable bags from scraps, aren't they? Who would have thought these are made from the same material as your rags and doormat?

Find out more about Aranaz at http://aranaz.ecrater.com/ and http://aminava.blogspot.com/.

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The Drama!

With mannequins seemingly squinting towards a horizon, absolute black granite finishing and well-though-of warm lighting, the Jun Escario shop has one of the most elegant store interiors in the latest segment of the Greenbelt mall.*

While waiting for some friends pick some dresses, I took some photos through the shop's mirrors and glossy walls. And the results were just dramatic.

* Greenbelt 5 is an upscale mall in Makati City housing several of the Philippine's top designers.

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