OUR intimate encounter with renowned international bag designer Amina Aranáz-Alunan was love at first click, literally.
My mommy friends and I politely asked her if we could take a “groufie” to which she happily obliged. We huddled together, and I awkwardly extended my arms to press the camera button but que horror...the screen went blank! It turned out I pressed the power off button. Teehee!
We all burst into laughter and I explained sheepishly that I was still unfamiliar with my new phone’s selfie features. Fortunately, she was game enough to pose for another shot and even stayed with us later to chitchat about her three kids, breastfeeding, and post-partum weight loss.
Such is the charm of the stunning Amina who incredibly balances marriage, motherhood, managing a leading Filipino lifestyle brand and as if they were not enough, acting as the co-founder of the School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) while looking innately fresh and chic.
Summer sophistication
Amina recently visited Davao to grace the Aranáz for Plains & Prints preview held in the city’s only luxury shopping mecca -- Chimes Boutiques.
Aranáz was founded back in 1999 by three stylish women, who included Becky Aranaz, the entrepreneurial mom of Amina. The fashion label became known after “integrating exotic prints and indigenous artisan crafts in glamorous and modern handbags”.
Through its almost two decades, the brand gained a loyal local and international following, and counts some members of European royal families as their esteemed clients.
In a press statement, it details that the “ARANÁZ for Plains & Prints collection is a celebration of Filipino artistry and tradition. With a laid-back and effortlessly elegant resort vibe, the collection features eight stylish handbags and seven fashion pieces that combine the unique design elements of ARANÁZ with Plains & Prints’ signature silhouettes and fabric designs”.
“Plains & Prints took cues from the ARANÁZ aesthetic by translating the luxury label’s iconic flamingo, coconut, and pineapple prints into various pieces that radiate summer sophistication. On the other hand, the bags bear ARANÁZ’s intricate weaves, exquisitely handcrafted using locally sourced materials”, the press statement adds.
Local artisanship
Plains & Prints vice president Roxanne Farillas says that the creative process for the collaboration was a “delight from start to finish, especially since she shares the Aranáz trio’s passion for local artisanship”.
“Like ARANÁZ, we believe in the idea of local brands supporting other local brands,” Roxanne narrates. “This collaboration isn’t just a new fashion collection. It’s also a movement to showcase the work of creative visionaries and empower talented craftspeople in the Philippines.”
The Aranáz for Plains & Prints collection is the first time that ARANÁZ has collaborated with a local retail fashion brand.
“We’re always driven by our passion for endless creativity, imagination, and support for Filipino designers. This collaboration allows us to spread to more women our modern appreciation for local artisanship,” intimates Amina who is ARANÁZ’s creative director.
Luxury shopping
At the Aranáz for Plains & Prints preview event, Davao’s sophisticated set was treated to an exciting fashion show highlighting the impressive collaboration of the two proudly Filipino brands.
Afterwards, guests had the chance to hobnob and learn some first-hand styling tips from Amina herself as she shared her fashion insights and even personally styled a few fashionista clients.
While shopping, guests also indulged in the scrumptious savory and sweet grazing spread of the fabulous Shane Lim’s My Home Kitchen. Splendidly transforming Chimes into a summer wonderland with lush tropical foliage and vivid hues was Davao’s premier event organizer Annie Paz-Lim.
“One of the best things about this event is that we got to showcase first in Davao and feature the store’s curated selection of unique and exceptionally beautiful pieces in fashion, healthy living, and home that everyone would want to buy and have”, quips Ia Alano-Vergel de Dios Chimes Business Unit Head.
The lady behind Chimes Boutiques, vice president Cindy Louise Yap was undeniably thrilled on how the latest collection was warmly received by the public. “We successfully staged a quality event with exceptional products, after all, it’s about quality shopping”, smiles Cindy.
The Chimes Flagship Store is located along Gov. Sales St., Davao City while their newly-renovated Chimes Boutiques is on the 2nd floor of the Abreeza Mall of Davao. Follow Chimes at Facebook: chimesboutiques and Instagram: @chimesboutiques.
To know more about My Home Kitchen and for your orders, visit https://myhomekitchen.com.ph/ or follow them on Instagram: myhomekitchen_dvo
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.